Greenleaf

I just watched Greenleaf - We Shall See Him As He Is on the Watch OWN app!https://t.co/299AbUkdFJ

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 26, 2016

Oprah has another hit under her belt with Greenleaf. Greenleaf is the Christian Empire because it chronicles the lives of a powerful megachurch pastoral family in Memphis. Each episode is wonderfully written and juicy, which is what I like about the show. If you're familiar with Tyler Perry, you'll understand that Lynn Whitfield & Lamman Rucker have appeared in many TP films. What I like about Greenleaf is the show exposes the undercover deception that exists in many megachurch pastoral families. The church isn't immune to the same sin that runs amok in the world. Just like you have influential people messing around on their spouses, this show has the same thing: A deacon messing around on his wife with a side woman. That's not all. The premise of this show is that ministers aren't exempt from the same temptations that others face, but what counts is how they deal with that temptation. Do they rise above or succumb? Even better is that Oprah showcases her acting skills, and she's doing her thing on the big screen. I hope this show lasts for several seasons.

Speak Up

Believers must stop worrying about being judged by the world for not co-signing sin. Jesus took no shorts regarding his feelings on sin.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 28, 2016

Every time a believer speaks out against sin, it's expected for them to be called bigoted because they won't co-sign sin. Well, I'll be bigoted because I won't co-sign sin. That's the difference between me and many other believers. While some believers are concerned with secular acceptance, I'm not. As a believer, Christians are called to speak out against sin. To me, a believer who doesn't stand against sin co-signs it. I'd rather be judged by the world instead of God because God's judgment carries greater weight since it's eternal. Jesus took no shorts regarding his feelings on sin; he hates it, period. Since God hates sin, believers are called to have the same attitude.

The Ministry According To Me

Every preacher is not a reacher. Some preachers take God's tithe & offering and use it for their personal gain.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 25, 2016

Independent ministers have more freedom to preach God's word the way it was intended: Uncompromising truth.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 25, 2016

When...

When your mouth runs like water, it causes a flood. In other words, know when to speak, and when to remain silent.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 17, 2016

When God gives you dreams, it's not for you to run your mouth to everyone (loved ones included) about them. Not everyone will support you.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 17, 2016

Too Friendly For Your Own Good

Some of you dudes are too cool with everybody. You got 4 different circles you run in. I don't want to be cool with EVERYBODY, just a few.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 20, 2016

We all know people like this: They're cool with everybody. They've got several circles they run in. I understand that some people are outgoing like that, it's nothing for them to make friends, but for people like me: Quantity isn't as important as quality. I'd rather have a small group of core friends (on one hand) than be cool with EVERYBODY. The more friends you have, the harder it is to keep up with those relationships because you're naturally going to gravitate more to some people than others. Going further, it's not possible to have lots of friends because at some point, you'll outgrow some relationships based on life trajectories. Some of your friends will not go where you're going, and you must decide if you can handle being on a different path than your friends.
If you can, by all means hold onto them because you know they'll always support you. If not, sever ties and keep moving. I can be friendly to everyone, but that doesn't mean I want to be friends with everyone. It's levels to friendship. You may fall out with some friends, and you may lose contact with some friends and pick up right where you'all have left off. I'd rather be cool with a few because I've invested time in those few people. When you're cool with everyone, you assume everyone is your friend because they show you a little love, but looks can be deceiving. Some people are good at smiling in your face and cutting your throat. My discernment is too strong to let ANYBODY into my life. If I think you're being phony with me, you're toast with no jelly.

No One Has To Accept You As You Are

The worst thing you can tell a prospective mate is they have to accept you as you are. No, they don't because they can easily pay you dust.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 19, 2016

 It irks me when people make this statement because it shows me that some folks are too lazy to correct their bad habits. If you're trying to attract someone, it behooves you to correct those bad habits so you can be more attractive to them. No (wo)man (if they're honest) will commit to someone who doesn't want to change for the better. If a man is investing in a woman, he wants a return on his investment. If a woman isn't committed to growth, then he shouldn't deal with her. I'm not saying change the core of who you are, I'm saying if you're interested in a person and they tell you bad habits they won't overlook in a potential mate: Petty, disrespectful, loud, etc., and you wear those bad habits like a badge of honor, then you don't have the right to get upset if no one wants to deal with you. Let's be 100, who wants a petty, disrespectful, loud (wo)man? Not me, and neither would anyone with a brain. It seems like more and more women are embracing their bad habits and that's sad. I think a (wo)man is stupid for embracing their spouse's bad habits, but that's my opinion. The more I hear people embracing their bad habits, the more grateful I am for being spared of that nonsense. The fact is that no (wo)man has to accept you as you are, because they can easily leave you to the ravens and wolves, and move onto a more suitable mate, one who will add joy instead of discomfort.

Real Talk: If Someone...

People better wise up and see folks for who they really are.

If someone's dirty to another person, they're going to be dirty to you. You really can't trust anyone (except God).

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 19, 2016

If someone falls out with another person, they're going to fall out with you.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) June 19, 2016