FINALLY…..Some progress…
April 24, 2007
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on April 23 launched it’s “STOP Campaign”, a national initiative that seeks to put a “stop” to the prevalence of demeaning images of African Americans in the media.
American Idol gives back… Tuesday 8pm EST on FOX
April 24, 2007
Sprint is superior!
April 23, 2007
A friend of mines just committed the unpardonable sin. She switched from Sprint’s all digital network (with crystal clear calls) to the inferior, ‘staticky‘ TMobile Network. What a travesty!
Sprint has some of the best service plans and since ‘we’ piggy-back on Verizon’s network in a few areas, ‘we’ get coverage anywhere!
Top reasons to switch to/ stay with Sprint 
- Great calling plans which include the Free and Flexible calling Plan that prevents huge overages (i.e. if you go over the minutes in your plan). Other companies charge an average of 40 cents per minute! Sprint charges $5 for every extra 50 minutes, more than $19 in savings!
- Sprint has the best data plans. For $15 a month, I have unlimited access to data which allows me to watch Television, listen to radio, surf the net, download e-mail and connect to my networks at home and at work from my phone! Comparisons: Verizon starts at $49; Cingular/AT&T starts at $39; T-Mobile: starts at $39.
- Sprint has the largest wireless Broadband Network that allows you to work, download music, watch live TV and just plain do more in more places – all ‘wirelessly’ and all at broadband speeds!
Told you Sprint is superior! 
Make the switch here
Akhenaton
Sources: verizonwireless.com, sprint.com, tmobile.com and cingular.com
Dr J. David Newman is bringing sexy back!
April 23, 2007
Pastor Newman contends that sex has been given a bad rap, even though it was created by God.
At the end of the series, you will learn how you can live and experience God’s design for your life, in light of the mixed messages portrayed by society.
In the midst of tragedy…we can prevail!
April 22, 2007
Poet and Activist Nikki Giovanni delivered a soul-stirring speech that offered hope and consolation to the millions who witnessed Wednesday’s Invocation that took place on the Campus of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The underlying message that came from the lips of Giovanni was not only for those directly affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy, but for all mankind, for all time.
The whole concept of prevailing in tragedy is not new, yet many do not know how to prevail when faced with tragedy. It (tragedy) prompts many to question God’s motive for allowing ‘bad’ things to happen in our lives (and around the world).
We ask God…
- Why didn’t you stop the Virginia Massacre?
- Why do you allow so many innocent people to die in Iraq?
- Why did you allow my friend to die?
- Why did you allow my daughter to get pregnant?
The reality is that we live in an evil world and until the end of time, there will be terrorist attacks, wars, hurricanes, shootings and starvation.
God may not always protect us from pain, but His promise is that He will help us deal with pain. He promised to help us deal with difficult situations, He promised to give us the tools to help others who have experienced tragedy, He promised to help us Prevail!
Giovanni ended her speech with these words: “we are strong and brave and innocent and unafraid. We are better than we think, not quite what we want to be. We are alive to the imagination and the possibility we will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears, through all this sadness.”
In the midst of tragedy, with God’s help, we can prevail!
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
-Read more about Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor, poet, activist here
Visiting the JW’s
April 20, 2007
Last night, on the invitation of a family member, I visited a Kingdom Hall (Jehovah’s Witness Church). I was anxious to go, because it would have afforded me the opportunity to get a better understanding of their faith, independent of established stereotypes.
- They dress really well. All of the women were attractively dressed and all of the men wore suits.
- There are no shouts of ‘Amen or Hallelujah’ during the talks (sermons). Jehovah’s Witnesses are very deliberate in not bringing attention to themselves. The only attention grabber is (‘should be’) Jehovah God.
- The name ‘Jehovah’ (in reference to God) is said alot….alot!….really…a lot!
- The music (singing) was very solemn; well, to be honest, lugubrious at times. This is possibly however, because I am accustomed to celebration worship which would include clapping, lifted hands and dancing.
One of the things that stuck out to me the most is that ‘Jesus Christ’ was favourably referenced several times. I was pleasantly surprised when the overseer, (leader) ended the benediction (closing prayer) with the words “in the name of Christ, Amen”. They even call themselves Christians! Until then, I have ‘known’ them to be anti-Jesus.
In closing, while I have several theological issues with the Jehovah’s Witnesses (I am a Seventh-day Adventist Christian), I cannot doubt how earnest their hearts are and their dedication to spreading God’s love according to their understanding.
Will I visit again? I certainly will!
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
April 16: An Ordinary Day until 7:15 A.M.
April 16, 2007
On hearing the news of the senseless killings on the Virginia Tech Campus today, there was an eerie feeling of deja vu as I reminisced on the Columbine, Platte Canyon and Amish school shootings.
When the dust settled, the confirmed death toll was 32 (not including the shooter). 32 heroes were tragically taken away from us today. 32 heroes (on an ordinary day) went to school and will never return to their homes.
Most tragedies have something in common, they take place on ordinary days. The Indian Ocean Tsunami, the September 11 Terrorist Attack, the London Train Bombings and today’s Massacre in Virginia all took place on ordinary days while ordinary people were doing ordinary things.
If an ordinary day in your life takes a turn for the worse, would you have left a legacy of love and faith? Would the people that you left behind know you for being the person who always took the extra step to show them that you love and care about them? Would you be known as the person who always took the time to stop and smell the roses?
September 11, 2001; December 26, 2004; July 21, 2005 and today, April 16, 2007 were all ordinary days until…
Let us live each day as our last, let us make each day an extra-ordinary day; each moment, a moment of peace, love and faith because each ordinary day might just be our last.
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
The Story behind the photos.
The above photos capture my emotions during the day i.e. sheer sadness (tears), shock/disbelief and anger. In the last photo, I am praying for the victims and their families.
I’ve moved!
April 15, 2007
Just in case you missed it, the URL for my blog has been changed to pharaohsprotege.com; please update your bookmarks accordingly.
Surprise Party…
April 15, 2007
The above picture captures well the surprise in the faces of my sister and cousin a week ago when they found out that they were both planning each other’s surprise Wedding Anniversary Party scheduled for the same day, the same place and the same time. Neither of them knew that they were actually planning their own party!
While they were busy getting things together on their end, yours truly, a couple cousins of mine and co-workers were covertly finalizing plans such as the cake design, getting a Minister to do the renewal of vows and ordering party favors.
The night was well spent; nothing could beat time spent with family, friends, well-wishers, some good Caribbean food and dancing till the wee hours of the morning!
Life brings about many surprises, some good, some bad. The bad surprises come in the form of the unexpected bill in the mail, the accident on the highway, the loss of a job or the loss of a loved one.
How we respond to bad surprises can determine if we are victorious in the circumst
ances we find ourselves in. As an independent-minded individual, I’d admit that I sometimes keep things to myself; there are times when I don’t even feel like talking to God.
I’ve come to realize however, that the struggles of life are best handled when I have someone to share them with. Talking to God, a friend or family member or sometimes even a stranger helps. It does!
When life overwhelms you, and you are faced with a bad surprise, find a trust-worthy, caring and non-judgemental companion who you can talk with. 99% of the times, the burden feels a million times lighter. It is important to know that we do not have to face our burdens alone!
My top 5 burden busters
5. Gym workout (which often involves interacting with others)
4. Chocolate (Hershey’s Symphony…yum yum)
3. Talking with a friend or loved one (Internet, phone or face-to-face)
2. Up-beat music (Christian or Pop)
1. Prayer (Talking to God)
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
pharaohsprotege.com
View pictures from the party here
Just for the day’s sake…
April 13, 2007
It’s been a pretty crappy day for me. My allergies are acting up, I am coming down with the flu and I just had a run-in with someone who was just an “uh” away from getting cursed out. Good thing I’m a Christian!
So I looked at the calendar in my office and what was today? Friday the 13th! hmm… That explains it! Really!
Akhenaton
Nappy Headed Hoes and Don Imus
April 13, 2007
Don Imus’ remarks were met with blanket criticism from prominent black leaders such as Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and of late, Senator Barack Obama.
I wish the same energies could be used towards holding our present Commander in Chief accountable for the current MESS in the Middle East!
Happy Easter!
April 7, 2007
Nothing is more amazing or significant than the power of God that was shown in His resurrection.
When all hope seemed to be gone at His death, He miraculously came to life again! It is my prayer that you would experience hope, peace, joy and victory in every area of your life.
No matter where you are in your life, no matter what obstacles you may be facing, Jesus can use this same power to ressurect you!
Wishing you a Happy and Holy Easter.
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
Clinton-Obama 08?
April 5, 2007
I would actually support a Clinton/Obama ticket. Your thoughts on the candidates?
