Damage Control

Damage Control

My heart doesn’t grieve for the body of Christ when we are accused
Because God’s word tells us that we will be persecuted and in many ways abused.
The battle is not ours. It belongs to the Father.
So when it comes to damage control. There’s no need. Don’t bother.
Just stand firm in faith. Kneel down in prayer.
Give it God and let him repair
Our current circumstance, whether it be true or false
Pray that he covers our people and that we suffer no lost
From God’s flock of sheep, let none go astray
Seek him for guidance. Let him pave the way.
Our relationship with Christ should not be based on another
Not our pastors, nor deacons, nor fathers, nor mothers
My heart grieves for those who in despair chose to walk away
Because their relationship with Christ was based what another man had to say.
What was wronged, God will make right
As long as we stay true and pleasing in his eyesight
Through his crucifixion, Jesus didn’t say one word
Yet and still the voice of God his followers heard
God shook the earth and gave the people an awakening experience
Which provided a path for our deliverance
Damage Control. No Need. No Bother.
Open your ears to God. Keep your eyes on the Father.

BMackWrites

Clyde

Last week my kids and I were out and about running errands. While at the traffic light, my ten year old daughter said out of the blue "Mommy, we've got to pray for that man." I asked, "What man?" She said "That man." And she pointed to a homeless gentleman sitting on the curb holding a sign that said. “Homeless. Please Help. God Bless.” I didn't have any groceries in the car and because I never give money for fear of supporting a habit, I told my daughter that we would just have to pray for him. The light seemed to stay on red forever. I kept hearing a voice say, drive over to him. After the third time, I relented and said "Okay Lord" The light turned red and I drove into the restaurant parking lot behind him.

I didn't know what I was going to say as I walked up to him. When I got closer, I noticed that he was an older gentleman. He looked more dehydrated from life than the heat. He looked up at me and then looked down almost as if I wasn't there. That’s when I offered to buy him a meal if he would follow me in the restaurant. He said, "Mam that would be a waste. I haven't eaten a real meal in so long. My stomach can't handle food." I suggested that he eat soup or fruit from the bar. Once again, he said "Mam, don't waste your money on me." I told him it wouldn't be a waste. Finally, he agreed and followed me into the restaurant. I noticed that he was carrying military bags....that hurt me.

As we walked through the door, I immediately saw the looks on the customer’s and the employee’s faces. I turned and introduced myself while we waited in line. He told me that his name was Clyde and that he had been down on his luck for quite some time. I suggested some places that he could go for assistance to which he responded "They can't help me." When it was our turn the cashier asked with a bigoted look, "Uhhh are you two together?" Clyde immediately dropped his head and shoved his hands in his pockets. I could feel Clyde's embarrassment so with a stern tone and a smile, I let her know that I was treating him to a meal but I couldn't stay however I expected for them to take good care of him. I couldn't but notice Clyde regaining his composure. That made him feel human.

While she rang up the meal, we continued our conversation. Clyde proceeded to tell me that nothing that he had tried seemed to work. I asked him if he'd ever considered Jesus. I guaranteed him that if he tried God first everything else would fall into place. As I signed for his meal, I noticed one of the employees biting her bottom lip and shaking her head in agreement at Clyde. I thought to myself "finally they get it". That’s when Clyde smiled. Then he took my hand, bowed, kissed it and said thank you. I said you’re welcome and left.

It is my hope that this read will inspire all of you to start each day in hope of changing the life of someone else rather than your own. The looks from the people in the parking lot and the restaurant troubled me. This person was clearly in need so what if his situation was result of bad decisions. We've all made them. The only difference between us and them is that someone gave us a second chance.

B's Ending Prayer
Father God in the name of Jesus, I pray that you will keep our eyes open to the needs of others. Help us to discern when we should move and when we should stay and pray. Please forgive us for acting selfishly and not helping when we could have. Give us your words to speak when encouraging someone else. Thank you for using us as your vessel. In Jesus name. Amen

Determined to Go to Hell

You're determined to go to hell
Yes that's what you are
You've closed your mind to reason
Satan has captivated your heart

You've heard the word of God
Yet it falls upon deaf ears
You've ignored your pastor's pleas
You've ignored your momma's tears

Determined to go to hell
On gasoline truck, 100 miles per hour
You won't activate God's anointing
You won't walk in his power

You indulge in meaningless pleasures
Be it a woman or a man
You call it living free
Just taking whatver you can

You think you have until later
To get it right with God
You take your chances with time
You test his chastening rod

You say "God will forgive me
All I have to do is repent"
So you continue to play the system
You ask for forgiveness of your sins

You take for granted his mercy
You take for granted his grace
But in the twinkling of an eye
Your suddenly standing face to face

You now have to answer to the Father
You have no choice. You have to tell
Why despite the many prayers
You were determined to go to hell

You knew right from wrong
But you chose life in the fast lane
Now it's too late
No matter how much you call his name

A billion miles above the surface
Your family cries out in agony and pain
In their minds they wonder
Did you make it right again?

But their prayers won't help you this time.
On earth you made your decisions and you must pay for your crime

Your life flashes before you and you pled for mercy and you yell
But now God won't hear you. You were determined to go to hell.

If you are reading this that means your breathing
God has spared your life
If you haven't done it already, please give your life to Christ

Tomorrow is not promised to you
Get saved now! Hear me yell
Please don't turn your face from God
Please don't be determined to go to hell.

From My Heart to Yours

Death at a Funeral

I usually don't write critiques about movies but a recent experience inspired me to do so. Last week, my husband and I enjoyed some quality time together while the kids were away. I was in the mood for some serious comedy so we went to the movies. We decided to go see "Death at A Funeral". We didn't pay close attention to who was actually in the movie. We just wanted to laugh and enjoy some mindless entertainment. But how many of you know that ignorance is bliss?

The movie was ok. It had a couple of funny scenes but it was hard to enjoy because of the profanity. Even though I've never heard him profess Christ, I was particularly disappointed in Danny Glover, whose character cursed left and right. I was raised to look up to my elders because they represented wisdom and maturity. I know..I know.. it was just a movie right? Wrong!

You see a lot of these actors and actresses appear on our Kids Choice Awards and youth forums. These kids look up to them. So what does it say to our children when their role models portray "not so ideal" characters? Are we telling them that it is okay to lower your standard to make a funny, a dollar or gain notoriety?

It is possible to produce good, clean television without the nudity, profanity and violence. A couple of years ago, I portrayed the character of Jade. My onstage husband wasn't my real life husband. Yet and still, we were able to play a very convincing part and he never even touched me. To this day, I still have people asking me about Jade and Michael because for them, the characters were real. What's my point you ask? Hollywood has brainwashed us into believing that unless sex and vulgarity is included in our television, it's not worth watching. I beg to differ.I consider Rated R movies to be a direct project from satan who is determined to contaminate the minds of our people. He plays on our weakest link....the flesh.

Death at a Funeral could have been a hilarious family movie because it was written to portray how animated families can become whenever there a death in the family. I have past funeral stories of my own that will keep me writing for years (lol). Creativity is more than an expensive set and all star cast, it is strategically producing movies that will entertain viewers without opening doors for destruction.

Anyone who produces movies that requires parental discretion show blatant disregard to their responsibility to protect our children and families from becoming victim to violence, abuse and estrangement. The phrase "sex sells" is never completed. It should say, "Sex Sells your Soul". Profanity Produces Perversion." "Violence Violates Victims."

If You Don't Like it. Don't Read it.
B

This Thing Called Faith

As I grow older in life and in Christ, I’ve come to realize that my complacency in faith has been my stronghold for spiritual and natural prosperity.

What is faith? In Hebrews 11:1, we learn that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. I once heard a pastor say, “If you can see it, that ain’t it.” With this scripture and quote in mind, I ask myself “What does it mean to operate in faith?” As a writer, I am strong to writing the vision and making it plain but it’s difficult at times because as I write, I plan. So how do I control that? I understand that my way is not God’s way sometimes.

At the moment, Travis and I have our home up for sale. Currently, he has to commute two hours a day (roundtrip) to work. For our family, it’s an hour commute to church. The distance has prevented us in participating in so many church activities over the years and my husband’s commute has eaten into a lot of our family time. We tired of it. When we put our house on the market in August of 2009, by faith we believed that it would sale by October of 2009. We wrote the vision and mad it plain(literally). We sealed our prayer request in an envelope, prayed over it and tucked it into our bibles. Despite the falling housing market, we believed by faith that God would sell our house by October and you know what? It didn’t sell. I was crushed. We did all that we knew to do. We fasted, prayed and stayed true to God’s word even when the people closest to us told us it couldn’t be done. We wanted desperately to prove the naysayers wrong.

So many times when we are going through, we are quick to wonder if God is testing us like he did Job. I remember immediately rebuking my husband when he made the statement “Satan can hold up your blessing too.” I was like “Noooo. Satan has no authority over us. You’re crazy!” I turned a deaf ear to Travis as he tried to explain. But then God whooped my behind and reminded me of the children of Israel and Moses. The children of Israel’s bondage was a result of constantly disobeying God since creation. Time and time again, God blessed them and time and time again, they became so consumed with earthly riches that they forsook the spiritual.

This is probably why it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom. Everyone doesn’t possess the gift of knowing how to balance spiritual and earthly riches (but that’s a topic for another day)

Moses questioned God his ability to speak to Pharaoh on behalf of the children of Israel (Exodus 3:11). But still through faith, he went. His first encounter Pharaoh wasn’t what we would call a “productive meeting”. Instead of letting them go, Pharaoh punished them by taking away their straw for making bricks causing an already strenuous job to become more difficult. Moses returned to the Lord and asked him (in B’s terms) “How you gon send me out there and get the people into more trouble?” Exodus 5:22-23. God quickly comforted Moses by saying (in B’s terms) “Don’t worry boo. I got this. You just wait and see.” (Exodus 6:1). Then God reminded him about the covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God comforted Moses and reassured him. When Moses tried to talk to children of Israel, they wouldn’t listen to him because they were angry about Pharaoh’s punishment. And let’s be honest, some of us would have been too.

It took several meetings with Pharaoh, nine plagues and the death of Pharaoh’s son before the children of Israel were set free. In my eyes, it looks like it would have been easier for God to send a big quake to swallow up Pharaoh and his men and that would have been it. But God wanted to show Pharaoh and the children of Israel his might and his power.

This was what Travis was trying to get me to understand. No, satan does not have any power over us but as we wait in faith, he will try to deter our beliefs by placing snares in our path. Our ultimate deliverance is based on how strong we stand in our relationship with God. The children of Israel wondered in the wilderness for 40 years because of their staggering beliefs in God. They were full of complaints and took God’s blessings and miracles for granted. I have guilty of doing that as well. Hm, I wonder. Am I the hold up on my family’s blessings?

Faith is about confidence in God not yourself. It’s about still trusting that God knows what best for you knowing even if he doesn’t move when you want him to. Faith is about controlling the flesh and maintaining your emotions. Faith is about not going by what you see. Faith is not about meditating on your problems on a daily basis. Faith is about living life normally until your miracle happens. Faith is trust in God.

Strong faith is trust in God.
Little faith, you just made it harder.
Some faith, you won’t succeed.
So have faith, stand true and believe.

My house will sell when God says so.

You Read It Here First
~B~

HomeWrecker

She watches her prey preparing for her attack. All she needs is one moment of vulnerability.

She licks her lips as she sits back secretly planning her strategy of capture. She gives them a false sense of safety.

She sees her moment. She pounces and attacks.

She sinks her teeth into her prey.

She pierces them to the core. If they try to leave she pulls them back. She holds them tight and squeezes until they give in.

Who is she?????

She's a homewrecker.

Homewrecker, we see you. We know who you are and despite the urge we have to retaliate.

We chose to pray for you instead and love you inspite of.

Don't get it twisted. We will fight for our families and marriages. Your plot will fail.

But we are better than that. We won't "catch a case" because of you.

Homewrecker, we understand that sometimes you are a man. We know what it means when you shower us with compliments.

We can see through the morning coffee breaks and lunch invitations. Please don't buy us anymore flowers. We are not flattered.

We understand that marriage is for better or for worst. Don't try and take advantage of us when we are in our worst moments.

Marriage is an honorable thing. The bed is undefiled. We don't want your poison.

Lady Homewrecker meet Man Homewrecker, you both seem to have a lot in common.

Maybe you two should hook up.

But before you do please remember what goes around comes around.

You Read it Here First
~B~

Time Will Tell

One of the most important lessons my father taught me as a kid was to always make eye contact while giving a firm handshake (especially with your enemies). He said that looking away was a sign of weakness and intimidation. He also taught me the valuable lesson of remaining silent when the adversary was on my back. I must admit this is a characteristic that I am still trying to master. Yet and still on the occasions when I was able to maintain the flesh, I found his advice to be quite noteworthy. Some people thrive off of another person's anger. Losing your cool only encourages their antics. When you are silent, it confuses them. They don't know what you are thinking. I am reminded of Jesus and how as they led him up to the cross, he never said a mumbling word. He was bigger than the pain.I want to be bigger than the pain.

The other week, someone disrespected me right in my own yard. My first thought was to snatch them, hem them up against one of my Georgia pines and quickly remind them where they were. (Hey I'm just being honest, the flesh can be a mess). But I didn't, I smiled, made a joke and changed the conversation. I understand how words set the foundation for your actions. This is what my dad was trying to teach me.

Even though I am a writer of words, I not very big on them if a person's actions are different. If I say I love you, then I should show it. If I say that I'm going to be there for you then I should be there. One of my biggest pet peaves are people who profess Christ but don't reflect Christ. I was approached by a person who wanted me to write a play for them. This self proclaimed christian wanted it to be an inspirational play but not with "all the Jesus" . This person didn't realize that they were asking me to breathe but without air.

How can person get away with saying they are a Christian and then act like a crook? Yea, I said it. A crook is a thief. You have a Christian crooks who steal biblical principles because it will benefit their hidden agendas. The bible tells us to be hot or cold or God will spit you out of his mouth. Christian crooks are just that disgusting to him. I don't have to be reminded, I know my God is kind, merciful and just but when your time is up....it's up boo. So go hard or go home.

As for me, I am more than words. I am a reflection of my words. You don't have to trust what I say. Look into my eyes because then you will see my heart. Feel the grip of my handshake and you will understand my passion. You don't have to believe what I say, just watch me. Time will tell.

Christ, Class and Virtue

~Tonight is the night that I am feeling alright. We'll be making love the whole night through. Cuz I'm saving all my love…yes I’m saving all my love for you.~
I know I know...You guys are thinking. What in the world is B talking about?

This morning while I was getting my children ready for school, I heard someone singing this song on TV. I did a double take because I had the channel on Nickelodeon watching Family Matters. When I looked at the TV, I discovered that the young lady who played "Laura Winslow" was draped across a piano singing this song to Steve Urkle's alter ego ""Ste-phan Ur-Kel". My first thought was "What is a 17 year old doing in a night club singing this kind of song to another 17 year old?" I was once again reminded of much television has lost its savor. Call me old fashion, but you didn’t see Rudy or Vanessa, being this promiscuous on the Cosby Show. What ever happened to good, clean comedy?

Don't get wrong, I used to love Family Matters especially for Steve Urkels character but you can't help but notice the promiscuity placed in the young girl's characters . You could paint their outfits on with a paint brush and most of the time the episodes were about boys, boys and more boys. As child, I didn't notice this but now and as a mother, I am more aware than ever. I have two daughters and a son. It's important to me and my husband that we expose them to positive influences such as God, the church, education and so on.

The negative impact the media has had on our families is exactly why I am so committed to the work that we do through GO Ministries. On too many occasions, I have sat back and listened to people complain about the explicit and sexually immoral music, movies and daytime television. On too many occasions, I have watched these same people also do nothing about it. Today's generation is all about the visual and as a writer, I understand that. I am very passionate about my writing and the stage plays that we perform. It's important to me as a woman of God, wife, mother and friend to show the world that what you see is not always what you get. People have choices. Our nonprofit is determined to show the world Godly choices. My goal....our goal as a ministry is to positively infect the media and display the love of Jesus.

I encourage you all to write, sing, dance, and act your hearts out all for the love of Christ. Don't lower your standards and don't waiver. I don’t want my 17 year old daughter draped across some piano singing about sex. Let’s teach our families about the importance of Christ, Class and Virtue.

The Shower Curtain, Iron and New Mindset

As a joke, I posted on my Facebook Page about the unusual excitement over the recent purchase of a new iron. My husband had been begging me for months to buy a new iron but being the frugal person that I am, I wanted to wait until the old one had completely died. I overlooked that fact that it was spilling water and staining our clothes. It was a frustration because it increased my loads of laundry and caused us to run late on too many occasions.

Yesterday, I relented and finally decided to bag the old and purchase new. My husband and kids were like "Wow this iron is off the chain! Look at the steam!" My husband exclaimed in excitement "It's even chromed out baby"! LOL

For years, I've battled the fear of being irresponsible and spending too much money by always buying cheap. What I failed to realize is "buying cheap" isn't always the best decision. We've replaced so many irons over the years. Money could have easily been saved by investing in one good iron that would last. I recently discovered that you can even purchase shower curtain linings that won't mildew. Cost $10...I was like whattttt?? But when I calculated the number of $3 liners that I've bought over the years plus the time I've spent cleaning and scrubbing them, it was a worthwhile investment.

A new church family and recent trip to New York have both played a huge role in the change of my mindset. I am learning that I set the standard for my household, my future and for how others treat me. If I think and give cheap, I reap cheap but if I think and give big, then I will reap big.

Thank God who I am today is not who I will be tomorrow!

B's Arrow Experience

Hey Peeoooplllleee!

I am so blessed to announce that my cd of poetry "Poetic Pearls" will debut in August of this year. I've already had my first session at Arrow Records and lemme tell ya...whew.. I was mad nervous! We were able to create four tracks of music. Music Producer C-Dob used his God-given talent to create the perfect background music for my work. Stay tuned people because there is more to come! In the mean time, check out pics from my first session below!


Find more photos like this on Dreamers Into Doers -- marthastewart.com

GO Ministries Announces
Americus Times Recorder to Print Retraction

Dear GO Fam:
First, special thanks to those of you who have emailed and called in with your words of encouragement and donations for the upcoming event in NYC. We wanted to see out an email of clarification regarding a news article written about the trip. Each DID member recieved a pre-approved press release to submit to their local paper. The Amerius Times Recorder originally agreed to publish said press release. Unfortunately, an overlyzealous news reporter decided to embellish the story a bit. While most of the information written in the article was correct, readers were led to believe that I was solely responsible for this event. This is not true. Forty women from various parts of the US came together to plan this momentous occasion. I am blessed to be among the intial group. Nor will I be "cooking with Martha" I will be watching Martha cook from audience. To some degree, I see what the ambitious columnist was trying to do but God is not a man that he should lie and nor I'm I! A retraction will be printed in tomorrow's paper (page 3). Below is the press release that was supposed to be published.

Thanks for all of your love and support. God Bless!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January 3, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Bridgett Mack ~229-942-5125~
http://dreamers.marthastewart.com/profiles/blogs/the-sisterhood-of-dreamers

Local Humanitarian, Bridgett Mack, is part of "The Sisterhood of Dreamers into Doers" Shelter Event in NYC!On January 18th, 2010, 40 women from around the U.S. who are part of the "Dreamers Into Doers" group at MarthaStewart.com will make a difference at Safe Horizon, a New York women's shelter for domestic violence. Each "Dreamer" will share her God given talents at this event. One of the Dreamers is our very own, Bridgett Mack. She and husband Travis are the founders of GO Ministries. Bridgett is also the creator of Life Simple Magazine.

For some Dreamers, this will mean cooking or baking delectable treats, handcrafting personal gift and for others this will mean sharing stories, poetry and songs. Bridgett Mack will be one of the speakers at the event where she will share a poem of inspiration with the women and children of the shelter. Bridgett has a true passion for inspiring others through her writings. By taking her life experiences and placing them in poetic, short story and stage play form, Mack hopes to motivate others to never give up on their hopes, goals and dreams. Through the generous donations from GO Ministries, it's supporters and Victory Tabernacle of Albany GA, Bridgett will also present the shelter with kiddie colored pillow cases for the children and writing journals for the women. Bridgett says she chose these items for two reasons: "Children who have been subject to domestic violence deserve the right to sleep peacefully and without fear. I believe these cheerful pillow cases will help give them a warm and peaceful night of sleep. I chose the journals for the ladies because I truly believe that writing is a wonderful form of therapy. It is also a great way to chronicle ones trials and triumphs."

You can become apart of this event by making a donation on the Contact Us Page at www.goproductionministries.org or you can help bring hope to the women and children at the shelter by donating items on their dream list, by visiting them on the web at http://www.terrysenchantedcottage.com/dynamic/?page=87.

Bridgett Mack will be doing a feature article about her trip to New York in the February Issue of her newest project "Life Simple Magazine" which debuted January 1st. Life Simple is a free online monthly magazine that. Be sure to stay tuned for more information on this momentus trip to New York by subscribing today. Just send an email to lsmagonline@yahoo.com and type "Add Me" in the Subject Line.

Interview Contact:Bridgett Mack
GO Ministries Co-Founder
Life Simple MagazineTelephone 229-942-5125
www.goproductionministries.org