Jack’s Winning Words 6/15/15
“Rap is just somebody getting something off his chest.  That’s all it is.”  (Ice Cube)  Unless you’re into rap, I’d suggest not looking at Ice Cube quotes…Oh, maybe these are OK:  “I think the worst thing you can do about a situation is nuthin.”  And, “Just wakin up in the morning gotta thank God.”  For “a certain generation,” rap is just entertainment.  D’ja know that there are Christian, Jewish and Muslim rappers?  Maybe Amos could have rapped his message.    ;-)  Jack


   FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  I don't mind some rap music but I do think they could turn down the volume a bit....and this is coming from a guy with something of a hearing loss....====JACK:  I remember my parents saying, "Turn that volume down!"  And I was just listening to Lawrence Welk, or was it George Beverly Shea?


FROM DR J:  Tru dat! I like some rap.... Soulful really I think!====JACK:  Detroit's Eminem usually has a message behind his words.
FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  My daughter is sort of a rapper. Every once in a while, when she calls, something aggravating has been happening in her life. But she lets me know she is rapping (she calls it venting) and tells me "I don't want any advice or suggestions, Mom, I just need to vent." So I go along and don't say my 2 cents worth but do send up prayers to God that He will intervene somehow and relieve the situation's pressure. Ice Cube might be asking for the same consideration. ====JACK:  Some pressurized engines (like steam engines) have a BOV (Blow Off Valve).  When it senses that the pressure is too great, it blows off steam in order that the engine doesn't explode.  Maybe Ice Cube (and your daughter) are on to something.====SHARON:  In fact, just attended our small local Sojourner's meeting where we discuss faith and current topics monthly. Saturday's discussion was on racism. We're all mostly older people so one woman shared how, when she was a kid living in Paradise Valley in 1943, angry men were walking past her door with rifles and clubs and she didn't understand why. Another woman shared that her experience with young people is they don't want to carry the baggage of our older generation. But I don't think anyone can get rid of baggage by just snapping our fingers. It takes work and good hearts and maybe listening to a lot of crappy language, trying to get deeper inside to the peace-making language. I appreciate you, Pastor Freed, for picking out some of Ice Cubes quotes which are examples of language we may all be able to appreciate too. Calls to my mind how every year in church, hearing the scripture about the Jews and Jesus' crucifixion and then one year I heard a Pastor preach and say "the Jews but not all the Jews" or something to that effect and that was also welcome and healing language too.
Thanks for this morning's WW.====JACK:  A BIG problem in this world is that we "write off" certain people without listening to that they have to say, or without asking, "What do you mean by that?"


FROM TARMART REV:  "Mak'n lemonade out of a lemon, Jack . . . an "ice" cold lemon, at that!! Sweet!!====JACK:  That's pretty good for a geezer.


FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Rap isn't my favorite but if Christian rappers get their message out to other rappers then it's a good thing.====JACK:  The millennials probably aren't into your style of music, either.  The generational gap will always be with us.  The point that Ice Cube makes was that rap gives him a chance to get a message across to those who listen.  The prophets and evangelists did the same thing in their own way.  Jesus often used parables, as a means.....


FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  Rap is not something that I appreciate or try to understand. I have just returned from a three week trip to West Palm Beach and to Fort Worth TX we had three graduations and two confirmations.  It  is amazing to see the younger generation and how inspiring they are. It is amazing, too, to meet their friends from all over the world, Brazil, Argentina, Singapore, South Africa, Ethiopia, etc.====JACK:  Were you surprised that I used a rapper quote today?  Why do you think I did that?
FROM BLAZING OAKS:  It would help us listen, if  most weren't so profane....if it  is humorous, or intelligent (to me) I  can appreciate the thought it brings, but it would never be my favorite....i'd love to  hear someone "rap" a sermon; bet that would be attention getting...We had a Christian comedian at our Senior's  Event who did rap a message to music, and insert some humor,  and we loved it!  Have to be on your toes to talk (and listen) that fast!====JACK:  Profanity seems to be more of a turnoff to an older generation, but not so much so for the younger crowd.  I see it even becoming "acceptable" on Facebook.  Why?