Wise Reading!

With as many times as I have heard or asked the question “do you know of a good book to read,” no one responded with the bible. Granted we all suggest it in times of despair, but forget about it during the most brief conversations. I even will venture to say that I’m not the only person to put the bible in the category of things I will read later. Thus, the other night I heard in my sleep, if you want people to read a good book, suggest the bible. For those of you that just can’t seem to find time, I pray my study for this post and once every week thereafter will force you to do so. And since my boyfriend (Kelvin) is a Sunday School teacher, I enlisted his help.

In my life, I have a desire for success but more importantly I wanted God to sprinkle wisdom over my success. Proverbs 4:7 (actually all of Chapter 4) gave me a little insight on what I would need to do to get wisdom and keep it. “Wisdom is the principle thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”

Kelvin’s notes:
After an in depth look into this, we will realize the responsibility that comes along with it. It starts off telling us to get wisdom. Wisdom is defined as knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action. What does that really mean? It means that first we must obtain knowledge. Knowledge in the word of God only comes from reading and studying the word. After we obtain this knowledge of the Word, we must next use it with just actions. Meaning that we must use this knowledge in the right context. It should not be used to impress others, to make ourselves look favorably to a certain crown etc… Now that we have wisdom, the Word says that we need understanding. Understanding is the ability to convey your wisdom to others that may not understand. For example: Wisdom is knowing that a car and an automobile is the same thing. However, no one would tell a 3 yr old to go get in the automobile. That is because as an adult we should be able to understand that a 3 yr old cannot comprehend on that level.
Wisdom is nothing without understanding. Unless you can convey your message to whatever crowd you are dealing with, wisdom does you no good. That is why the scripture ends with get understanding.

How does this relate in our everyday life though? Actually wisdom is used on a regular basis. When we decide to do what is right rather than wrong, it is because our wisdom has led us to that point and our understanding points out the consequences.

Everyday example: You are walking down the street and you spot a car that is turned on and the windows down. First thought may be that you could steal the car and get away with it. However, that is when wisdom kicks in. You have the knowledge to know that if the car is still on and the windows down, the owner is probably not far away. Not to mention that it is illegal to steal. Your actions kick in when you continue to walk down the street without bothering the car. At this point your wisdom has stopped you from doing something wrong. And that was all because your understanding of the possible consequences of your actions. Wisdom and understanding is constantly working on a daily basis. In order to continue in a positive manner we must continue to read and study to gain knowledge. After the knowledge we must use what we have learned in the appropriate context. Finally we must learn to convey our wisdom in such a way that others can receive it.

EG- The lesson is interesting but reading the bible still seems boring, Right?. Well, there is a character in the bible by the name of Solomon. The author of the bible (GOD) even went as far as to say there would never be a man as wise as Solomon. Why? This character was a young man from a father (King David) that stole his mother (Bathsheba) from her 1st husband by strategic methods. And when it was time for him to become king others tried to take his place. Once in position, this young character “heard” in his sleep a command from God. That was simple. Ask for whatever you want me to give you. Solomon’s response was simply give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong i.e. wisdom. God gave him that and things he did not ask for. Notice that because Solomon had wisdom (even at a young age) and understanding of the power of God, he was blessed. Now what a beautiful story!

In today’s society, we ask for success and wealth but not wisdom. Seek wisdom. As I matured, I realized reading the bible wasn’t boring. Further, this lesson provided confirmation that with wisdom you start looking at things differently. That’s how reading the bible will effectively change your life. Age can’t give you that wisdom-maturity. Remember, the character Solomon. From one author to another, God you out did yourself with this book. I hope this post helps you keep the pages turning and brings you closer to turning to the bible more. -ELG See Proverbs 4:1-7 and 1 Kings 3:9-15
( The next co-author in the word post (once a week) will be my dad, Elton C. Green, Sr.) on Men)

Getting To Happy By Terry McMillian

For a book to come out in 1992 and the movie-version to hit theaters in 1999, it’s amazing that it wasn’t until the year 2010 (actually 2009 but I was on a date and couldn’t reveal my affirmations out loud) for me to truly relate to the characters of Waiting to Exhale (WTE). I guess it also was because I am finally understanding what it means to be woman and all that comes with it. Needless to say, this book is the reason I decided to blog. I knew it had to be popular one for ya’ll to even want to check out my blog.  The plan was to actually read WTE and to analyze Terry McMillian’s literary growth. I did … read ¼ of the book, but the movie followed it so closely I grew bored. Read three other books in the meantime. But…

Getting to Happy. A mature read and one that will ultimately call you to reevaluate your happiness. I say mature because McMillian takes the opportunity to explore the many life crises, unpredictable, yet real-life issues affecting the world today. Not the world in the literal sense but the complexity in living day-to-day that births betrayal, sympathy, losses, and some of the most unexpected gains. Each character, Robin, Gloria, Bernadine, and Savannah, goes on their own journey of ups and downs, but retains the most important element of the story, friendship-the sisterly kind.  Robin has consumed her life with raising a child and work. Gloria has reached a comfort level in love and life but will soon have to shift it all but not by choice. Bernadine no longer has control over her feelings and though married again finds hurt among other of life’s surprises. Savannah finds love but settles with and without it. The characters have grown up, they’re 50 ish! What else did you think they would do? They’re mothers and grandmothers, too! The beautiful part of their growth is that they left the bull at the door. No more excuses for themselves (a few slip in though- they’re women). Just many self-realization moments.  A few of my favorites:

“I’ve finally realized other woman aren’t my competitors.”

“ I already felt like Cinder-fucking-rella except I didn’t have to wait for a prince to find my other slipper. I bought quite a few pairs with me.”

Needless to say, in attempt to give her readers the length of all her other books, McMillian expands the storyline by giving the reader a more in-depth look at the people that ultimately influence the lives of the four woman almost more than  the girlfriends themselves. As for the men in the book, fellas you would be pleased to know that the male bashing has calmed down a bit. Actually, quite a few prince-charmings arrive. For me, they didn’t wear shining armor, but were regular men that choose to be good men. A Single-Parent, a husband, and a surprising ex-husband. Remember the names Tarik, Marvin, Micheal, and oh yeah John! If you’re looking for a plot: we’ll call it middle aged black woman trying to cope with life. It’s great for any age to be quite honest. Check this quote from the book- “We thought boys would grow up to become decent men who would love us as hard as we loved them.” Note to young woman: its in past tense… some stuff never changes even with age. At least that’s what the book promotes. Nonetheless, keep the pages turnin’ because this book has a happy ending. Just like many of our lives will, despite the past.  A finality quote says, “I want to push the fast-forward button until I get back to happy.” Luckily for me, I’m starting today. Until next time…