Note to self: The mic is always on!

I was flipping through some late-night television when I came across Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. making a comment about Barack Obama that was heard over a hot microphone. For those who are wondering what he said, it was reported to be "I want to cut his nuts off."

This video is his response to his "getting caught". His response is that his mistake was making a comment in front of an open microphone. He doesn't even apologize for the actual comment itself, however I am glad to learn that Rev Jackson and Sen Obama have a relationship that can survive this. Whew.



I can tell you with all confidence that Jesus detests when men like Rev Jackson do things like this. Please allow me to quote him directly from Luke 12 (Message Remix):

"Watch yourselves carefully so you won't get contaminated with (their) yeast, (their) phoniness. You can't hide behind a religious mask forever, sooner or later the mask will slip down and your true face will be known. You can't whisper one thing in private and preach the opposite in public; the day's coming when those whispers will be repeated all over town."

Note to self: THE MIC IS ALWAYS ON!

I began a new job with Target on Saturday. During orientation, we were told that Target prides itself on being a diverse company. In fact, they have a slogan: "The strength of many, the power of one." Couldn't this be the slogan for Christianity? It should be!

We were shown a video with all different nationalities of people, what appeared to be a muslim woman in a headscarf (Target Red, of course) and various other diverse-looking people. Then we were told about an opportunity in the break room to write on a paper star a brief statement that begins "I am diverse because..." The leader of the orientation said that she has learned so much about people that she would never have guessed if she hadn't read their star. Well, I waited until the first appropriate moment to run in and read what people felt made them diverse. There were several statements about tolerance of diversity, some unique experiences, nationalities, or backgrounds. I was looking all over the board like a student looking for his test scores, and then finally... The word "Christian"! I whispered it aloud: I have lived in Christian, Catholic, and Muslim homes, and I am openly gay! It begs the question, "What would I write that makes me diverse/unique?"

This will be a great challenge! Would you be willing to put this up at your work, for all to see? If not, figure out what those things are that would be awkward, and realize that those are the things that need to change. Our example is Christ, not the other Christians around you.