BMORENEWS.com

Doni Glover and Spike Lee

(BALTIMORE – November 30, 2008) – Well, with Thanksgiving dinner done, and the leftover turkey about to turn into the best soup of the year, Christmas is right around the corner.

No talk about the economy, no talk about bills. Actually, the talk of the day is what we want for Christmas. Some want the latest gadget or the latest car; some want the latest from Vickie’s (Victoria’s Secrets); and some want a heap of clothes from the finest designers known to mankind.

As for me, however, it is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and the lessons learned. Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It” rings in the back of my brain. When I think of all of the people who are no longer with us, I know that – without a doubt – I am blessed. (And so are you.)

”Save someone, heal someone, deliver someone, let them know that this is the acceptable year of the Lord,” says Bishop Oscar Brown of First Mt. Olive Free Will Baptist Church.

I cannot speak for you, but I can say that despite my challenges, my mistakes, my flaws, and my failures – I am truly blessed.

Alicia Keys sings that some people want all of the accoutrements of life – all of the diamonds, all of the money, all of the furs so as to have a sense of satisfaction.

Personally, I learned a long time ago that none of these things can possibly bring me joy.

During a 2006 pilgrimage to Ethiopia and Tanzania with www.globalvessels.org, I had the sacred opportunity to see the joy of the Motherland. There, I can vividly recall one all-important memory: The spirit of the people! Despite their material lack, the people were indeed rich beyond measure and appreciated the fact that they had life.

I can also recall how I felt when I got back home and visited The Avenue Market and saw grown people begging for crumbs. What instantly came to mind was how despite the poverty I saw in Africa, the spirit of the people was so strong. Despite living without electricity and all of the things we are used to here in America – like a toilet and running water, I can recall how the people were so satisfied with just waking up in the morning. Everything else was gravy.

What has happened to us here? Why do we need so much? After all, when we die, we can take none of these things with us.

As the day comes when we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, I pray someone out there might get the hit: Love people, use things. Don’t use people to love things. Things can never take the place of people … nor the love they give.

I am convinced that some get it, and others don’t.

At the end of the day, things can never truly encourage us, can never love us, can never replace the virtues as dear as friendship. America has breathed in us a spirit of materialism. It festers like a cancer, delving into the deepest, darkest aspects of our psyche.

Don’t get me wrong: I love a Benz, Ostrich shoes, silk suits, and the like. I love to get flowers, be taken to dinner, and to go on all-expense free shopping trips. But, a long time ago I learned that things can never make me. Whether I am walking, riding a bike, or driving a Range Rover – I am the same man.

I think to have a song sang just to me, to receive a card just because, or to get a special hug is better than anything I could ever receive.

Some agree. Some do not.

And I accept that.

My message to the universe is one of gratefulness and appreciation.

You see, I was raised by a woman and man who both taught me about the deeper things in life. Other than my favorite leather jacket and favorite pair of boots, things are just that. Things!

However, the love that can manifest amongst human beings is greater than any gift I could ever receive. When I asked my dad what he wanted for Christmas, he would invariably respond the same way everytime: “Nothing!”

As Christmas approaches, may we all take a minute to appreciate the other blessings in life – like the people we love. May we all take a moment and reflect on the special things people have done for us this year – even when they didn’t have to do so. These are the irreplaceable aspects of life and the gestures of kindness that truly make life worth living.

These are some of the worst times ever, but in my community – it is the love that keeps most folks going. For instance, a drug dealer with all of the money in the world cannot manufacture what it feels like to be loved. His money is meaningless without someone with which to share it.

This, for me, is the most special of holidays.

In a very short time, this country will inaugurate a president. His name is Barack. Last name’s Obama. And his beautiful wife and two daughters will be right there at his side.

This is out of this world, to me. Who knew? Nobody imagined it could be. But, it is.

I say, the happiest of holiday seasons to all. I say maybe we can all reflect on how blessed we are and celebrate the grace – getting what we don’t deserve – and the mercy – not  getting what we do deserve – of God almighty.

Merry Christmas everybody!  

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