Is God A Ravens Fan?

Seems like a pretty interesting question. Is God even a sports fan? And, if so what is his favorite sport? Football, basketball, maybe baseball, or soccer? Seemingly questions of no particular consequence that we have asked ourselves at one time or another, but the implications of such continue to make for good discussion. If God were to have a favorite sports team, which would it be and why? On the surface these questions really don't carry much weight, but when you consider the fact the some if not all professional teams have a Chaplain and many times engage in prayer circles before they engage in their sport. And, these prayers are often time designed to ask God for favor to win their game against their rival or opponent. It becomes increasingly significant when you consider the scenario that two teams before playing each other engage in prayer to the same God for victory, who does God listen to? Is it the team that ultimately wins the game?

Well it seems that these are questions that many people have been asking because of future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. The Baltimore Ravens have been winning here lately in the NFL Playoffs, and are now headed to Super Bowl XVLII representing the AFC as they knocked off heavy favorites the New England Patriots in Sunday night's heated match-up. Towards the end of the regular season, Ray Lewis announced his formal retirement from the NFL after 13 years effective end of this season. I'm sure he couldn't imagine playing this deep into the playoffs after making this announcement, but you wouldn't know it by the way he proclaims and professes his faith at the end of games. NFL Analysts didn't give the Baltimore Ravens much hope beyond their Wild Card game against the Indianapolis Colts. And, the Ravens have exceeded everyone's expectations and are now just two weeks away from playing in Super Bowl XLVII. His outward expressions of his love for God; at least for some, are a bit over the top. Some even say that he is taking advantage of all of this extra media coverage by engaging in these religious antics, which they don't believe are real or sincere. I was listening to a local sports talk radio show, where this was a major topic of discussion. The radio show host were annoyed and even tuned off by Reverend Ray Lewis public displays of affection and praise to God. I do not subscribe this belief, nor do I agree with these radio talk show host (surprising), but I find it absolutely refreshing and inspiring to see an athlete give praise to his Creator.

For those who are not familiar with Ray Lewis, or do not know his story. He played football for the University of Miami, and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. He has had a very successful NFL career as one of the leagues most fierce and competitive linebackers. He led the Ravens to Super Bowl XXXIV back in 2000 where they eventually became champions. But, what followed this Ravens victory would haunt Ray Lewis for the rest of his NFL career. According to Wikipedia,

"Following a Super Bowl party in Atlanta on January 31, 2000, a fight broke out between Lewis and his companion and another group of people, resulting in the stabbing deaths of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar. Lewis and two companions, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting, were questioned by Atlanta Police, and 11 days later the three men were indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges...Lewis admitted he gave a misleading statement to police on the morning after the killings. Superior Court Judge Alice D. Bonner sentenced Lewis to 12 months probation, the maximum sentence for a first-time offender, and he was fined $250,000 by the NFL, which was believed to be the highest fine levied against an NFL player for an infraction not involving substance abuse. Under the terms of the sentence, Lewis could not use drugs or alcohol during the duration of the probation."

Ray continues to credit God for bringing him through this dark period of his NFL career. In fact, he tells us that it was through this dark time that his relationship with God became closer and more intimate. And, so these outward expressions of an inward affection and love for a God that has done so much for him is really the best way to explain what's going on. I personally am in no way offended by Ray Lewis praise & worship to a God that he loves and reverences. If nothing else that type of activity should be praised instead of scrutinized. We have enough negativity in our society, we have enough bad news clouding our airwaves, so this should be a welcomed change to the everyday minutia of pessimism that seems to find its way into our lives. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Unfortunately, you have some who believe Ray Lewis is just cashing in on the moment, that he is just taking advantage of the limelight and essentially making a spectacle of himself and an even a mockery of God. This again, begs the question does God have any place in the sports world, or is this world completely off limits?

I find it interesting that we live in a world where homosexuals and lesbians are praised and lauded for the courage to "come out of the closet" and openly proclaim their sexual preference. But, as soon as someone openly professes their love for God without shame or apprehension, they are immediately criticized and ostracized for their profession of faith. It is considered a nuisance or an annoyance that society should not have to tolerate. It's almost as if Ray Lewis is imposing his Christian beliefs on us without out our permission or "expressed written consent" (Where have I heard that from?) But, isn't that what is been done to us as impressionable consumers of all things media? Every time we turn the television on we are being imposed upon by network execs who force feed us shows that they think we would like, or they want us to like. Shows that carry with them specific special interests or underlying agendas that we were neither asked nor consulted on, and yet they have found their way on our television screens. No one asked us is this is the kind of show we want to see, and what they will tell us is that if you don't like these shows then you can simply change the channel. But, this doesn't seem like a viable alternative for the perturbed radio host who can't stand Rev Lewis religious display, he wants society to be completely redeemed of this type of behavior. No one should have to deal with Ray Lewis or people like him without our "expressed written consent." (There's that phrase again)

Is this fair, should Ray Lewis be silenced in favor of the irreverent and profane. Should Ray Lewis have to dial back his emotions and his love of God for the benefit of the media pundits who can't stand it? Should he have to consider those he might offend before he makes remarks concerning his relationship with God? The last time I checked we live in a country where we have freedom of speech, and everyone has the right to speak freely as it relates to their beliefs and their convictions. Again, I find it continually interesting that Ray Lewis is being lambasted on talk radio shows for his religious beliefs, but Lance Armstrong; while he recently admitted to doping and using performance enhancing drugs, will find more sympathy and support for his long awaited confession than Rev Lewis profession of his faith. Interesting!

Well the word of God tells us that the world loves its own. And, if Jesus was persecuted and criticized while He walked the earth, what should we expect as is His followers. This type of ridicule and vitriol from society is what Jesus tells us as His followers we should expect. In fact, the Bible tells us that, "those that will live godly shall suffer persecution." So, this should be an expected behavior from those who don't know God, let alone do not have a relationship with Him. Jesus is essentially saying the world will never understand your love for Me, society will never appreciate your faith in Me. In fact, you will be setting yourself up for persecution when you openly profess your love for me. And, what we typically don't understand we ridicule, what we cannot comprehend we ostracize and defame. So, my message to Ray Lewis is don't take it personal; don't allow the media pundit to discourage you; don't let them quench your hunger and thirst for God; don't allow people who don't understand your relationship with God to define your relationship with God. But, what's interesting about all of this is that I don't think for one minute that Ray will be deterred by what people say. I don't think he will allow his critics to stop him from loving God and telling everybody's about his love for God. With the same physical domination and determination he exemplifies on the field, I believe he will use this to overcome the cynicism and negativity from his most ardent critics. And, if nothing else, this should be a lesson to us as Christians to not allow society to dictate how our love for God ought to be demonstrated. We should not ever allow our voices to be silenced in favor of maintaining the status quo. But, we should do as Jesus instructs us in Matthew 5:15, "let our light so shine that men may see our good works and glorify the Father, which is in heaven. So Ray keep on keeping on,and don't let anybody stop you, because at the end of the day I don't think anyone really can. Just remember, "NO WEAPON!"

Much Love!     

Michael S Nimmons
CEO/PRESIDENT
Michael Nimmons Ministries, Inc
www.MichaelNimmons.com
@PSTRNIMMONSTV
@OFFICIALMNISTRY

Not So REAL TV!

This blog topic has been a long time coming. First let me say I have never been a fan of reality TV, because I've always been suspicious of the percentage of "real-ness" that exists in "Reality TV." Nowadays we have reality shows that span the entire gamut of society's entertainment appetite. And, that's what network execs are attempting to satisfy; "society's entertainment appetite." We have reality shows about so-called "Real Housewives" (yeah right), all the way to a show about the best funerals. Unbelievable! How morbid and absurd! Is this society's entertainment pallet? Is this the entertainment appetite that TV execs are attempting to satisfy? I'm sure network execs would say the TV ratings would tell us yes this is exactly what is happening. The ratings for these types of shows are through the roof. And they continue to rise despite the depths of deplorable behavior and raunchiness that seems to be a fixture with most of these kinds of shows. It seems the more cat fights and the more drama that a show can muster, the higher the ratings and the more popular the cast ultimately becomes as a result.

But, my question is at whose expense? At what expense do these shows high ratings come? Who is ultimately at risk here? On the surface it would seem like pure entertainment. You can turn on one of Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) to escape the doldrums of your own mundane life. But, the larger question at stake here is how real Reality TV is really, and more importantly what type of damage has been done to the various roles as well as ethnicity's portrayed on Reality TV? Shows like RHOA or Basketball Wives are supposed to portray “A Day in the Life” of Spouse A or Spouse B for whatever sports figure or athlete that they are married to. For the most part this is the case, however the life of most of these women are not realistic nor are do they exemplify the typical role of a housewife that many woman can identify with. (Well maybe that’s one reason why so many women watch the show!) They watch because they are not only physically removed (because the show is not about them) but socially removed (because many are not privy to the lifestyle that these women are portraying). However, what does bother me is how African American women behave on shows like these, because it does nothing but contribute to the stereotype that they are nothing but gold digging opportunists who prey on unsuspecting (stupider) men; who just couldn’t resist their feminine charms. You have women like Kenya Moore; former Miss USA, model/actress, who I’m told on RHOA is by far the raunchiest and ghetto-ist of all the women on the show. Oh, and by the way she is not even married and therefore not a “housewife.” So, what qualifies her for a Reality TV show like this? What kind of example is women like Ms. Moore setting for our young impressionable youth aspiring to walk in her shoes? Does she even care who’s watching? From the looks of things, she absolutely doesn’t.

What are the ramifications that these reality shows carry with them? I believe what it really boils down to is a question of "Reality vs. Reality TV," I would argue that reality TV really isn't reality. For example, the show "The SisterHood" which is supposed to chronicle the lives of 5 First Ladies who are wives of husbands that are real pastors over real ministries. However, you discover after watching the 1st episode that only 2 of the 5 women are actual First Ladies whose husbands are real pastors over real ministries. (Exactly! I was thinking the same thing.) Why would they only have two "Real First Ladies" on a show that is suppose to be about "Real First Ladies." I guess it makes too much sense. Nevertheless, on this show you are treated to all of the tawdry details of each of these "First Ladies." You see them at their "best" and you definitely see them at their "worst" (Which by the way is most of the show. LOL) So we can see the show was founded on a misleading premise, and if its starts on a shaky foundation then what kind of reality are we really trying to build here? And what continues to suffer is the church's image and credibility in our world. The church's image continues to be damaged by the its supposed "caretakers." Here's a video of the 1st Episode in its entirety.

Then you even have shows about funeral homes and shows that chronicle the lives of Gospel artists; attempting to give viewers and inside look into their lives, but unfortunately what you are left wondering is how are their lives any different than anybody else seeking to make some money, or simply to be "famous." You have some that believe showing the human component of some of these "celebrities" that we see everyday will somehow garner a greater appreciation for what they do. But, really more harm is done than good, because the focus appears to be more on their lives than the God in them, which is suppose to be the focus of their lives. It's sad when you look at Mary Mary's reality TV show and Real Housewives of Atlanta and you can't see a difference in the overall content and disposition of the so-called stars of the show. It seems in looking at the gospel artists of these reality shows, what you discover is that they want to be more like the world they were called out to lead to Christ. And, this is my real angst behind the proliferation of these types of shows, if we as Christians have been called out to be a light and to be different; according to God's Word, and yet these shows seem to only illustrate how great our desire is to be like everybody else. Our attitudes, dispositions, proclivities and the like are truly shared by everyone else. By virtue of our desire to be included in these shows, illustrates are longing to be just like everybody else.

Maybe this desire is really what is "real" in these reality shows, the desire to be famous. The desire to attain celebrity status. The desire to be special or elite, and these shows give these otherwise conspicuous people an opportunity to be noticed, an opportunity to be in the limelight if nothing but for 15mins. Interestingly enough, you got some of the more savy Reality TV stars who have parlayed their 15mins into a lucrative career for themselves. The Kim Kardashians and NeNeLeaks of our society are looked at as contemporary business women who know how to market their particular brand. And, their fame and notoriety is an example of that. No real talent, no really special gift or ability other than an "eye appeal" or an "personality" that has translated into some huge financial dividends. And, in both shows, if the desire for fame and notoriety is the real motivations of these "First Ladies" and "Gospel Artists" then I think we know all we need to know about their "ministries." So, for me the perception of these "Christian" Reality TV shows is that they are parodying and propagandizing what real ministry is, which is the collateral damage these types of shows have had on the church and everything associated with it. The result of these shows is the church is bastardized and caricatured for entertainment sake, and the real power that supposed exists within its walls is never experienced.

The question for our readers in addition to Reality TV going to far, what are some other ways that "Christian" Reality TV has effected people's perception of the church? Has it effected the way you see the church, has these shows effected the way you see those "Reality TV Stars" in other settings? Do you think "Christian" Reality TV is benefiting or harming the overall perception of the church as well as anything associated with it(i.e. gospel music, pastors, first ladies, etc.)?

Would love to get your thoughts and opinions.

Be Blessed

Michael S. Nimmons
CEO/President Michael Nimmons Ministries, Inc.
www.michaelnimmons.com

"WE ARE TRAYVON MARTIN"

Trayvon Martin

This is an article Pastor Nimmons wrote for the April edition of the Greater Grace Temple Newsletter regarding the case surrounding the death of slain teen Trayvon Martin.

 

It seems that the spirit of violence has encapsulated not just the city of Detroit but the entire country. Everywhere we look there appears to be some more news about a violent altercation or event that’s taken place in one of our cities across this country. Recently, the nation and even the world has come together in support of the family of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, who was tragically killed by self-proclaimed neighborhood watchmen “George Zimmerman” for simply looking “suspicious.” Trayvon was shot and killed inside a gated community in Sanford Florida by Zimmerman; who has yet to be arrested, because of the State of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. Protest and demonstrations have taken place all across the country, in hopes of shedding more light on this case and ultimately bringing Zimmerman to justice. 

Abreya Jones & Ashely Brown; two Hamtramck women recently killed

 This case hits home in so many ways and for so many people, as we see this spirit of violence plaguing our city.  During a rally for Trayvon Martin in this past Monday, people dawned hoodies and held picket signs demonstrating and protesting this senseless killing. Some also spoke out about the recent homicides and murders in our city. What about the Bianca Jones, or the two women who were killed in Hamtramck, along with countless others. While it is easy to separate and segment each of these crimes by location and circumstance, there are more things that tie them together than what separates them. If we want this violence to end, we can no longer see this as a Detroit problem or a Sanford problem, but this is a people problem. And, ultimately when we cry out for Trayvon, we are also crying out for the hundreds and thousands of young people that are loosing their lives everyday around this country. John Donne said it best, “No man is an island entire of himself, every man is apart of the continent, apart of the main. If a man dies it diminishes me for I am involved with mankind. So, never send to know for whom the bell tolls. It tolls for thee.”

All of us are affected by the loss of even one life, and not knowing someone shouldn’t preclude us from empathizing with their personal pain and struggles. At the end of day we all are human, regardless of race creed or color. At the end of day, we all ARE TRAYVON MARTIN!

THE EXCORCISM OF NICKI MINAJ

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I have debated back and forth about whether I should write a post regarding Nicki Minaj's Grammy performance, primarily because it was so outrageously blasphemous that I believed the average person didn't need convincing. In fact, during her performance as well as several days later people were still talking about how sacrilegious and utterly profane it was. If you missed her performance, feel free to click on the video player at the top of the blog to see for yourself. However, BE WARNED, you are clicking this button at your own risk.  What prompted me to write this blog is again the growing boldness and the audacity for which the music industry continues to target the church as the subject of their blasphemous antics.Here again, is prima-facia evidence of the music industry using one of its biggest stages to take aim at the church as well Christians across the globe.

Nicki Minaj's Grammy debut was entitled, "The Exorcism of Roman." And, for those who don't know who Roman is, it is Nicki's alter ego. Which as she describes is her rougher, tougher personality that "likes to fight." Here she is giving a more detailed description of her alter ego "Roman."



We've seen an increasing number of celebrities mention their "alter egos." Beyonce had "Sasha Fierce" even though, recently, she claims to have "killed" Sasha Fierce because she really didn't need her any longer. Beyonce went on to indicate that her two personalities seemed to have "merged."Lady Gaga channeled her male alter ego "Jo Calderone" in the 2011 MTV VMA's. Is this becoming a trend? Where artists are introducing the world to an alternate personality to give people a closer look at another side of themselves, or is there something far more sinister going on? I tend the believe the latter is true, what Hollywood is calling "Alter Egos" I call "Demon Possessed." There is absolutely no other rational way to analyze this irrational behavior. What's also interesting about these "alter egos" is; at least for Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, they both are male. Why is that? What message are they trying to send to their millions of impressionable fans out there? That gender is a matter of choice rather than it being purely biological. Even though, the Gay and Lesbian movement wants you to believe that sexual preference is indeed biological or a result of a chemical imbalance in their DNA, forcing a person to prefer one sex over another. However, this couldn't be any further from the truth. But, it seems with the appearance of these 2 male alter egos, that the over-arching message is that gender is relative. And, a person is free to choose what gender that want to be, instead of that being decided by the one who created us in the first place; God. Sending an even more confusing message to the young impressionable children that follow these artists, that it's ok to want to be a boy if you are a girl, or to desire to be a girl if you are a boy.

Nicki Minaj

But, I digress. Now to her performance, which was loosely based on the movie "The Exorcist." After seeing it performed live, you couldn't help but feel confused and at the same time upset with the boldness and the audacity with which the church of God continues to be targeted by the music industry. The Catholic Church has already expressed their displeasure with Ms. Minaj's performance, as it included a pseudo Pope, a priest along with several other references to the Catholic Church. Even some of her own fans took to social networks like "Twitter" and "Facebook" to express their displeasure with her performance. Her performance was being "billed" as something we have never seen before, which raised some viewers expectations of what they were about to see. While my expectations were lowered even the more, because that is usually code for a more edgy, irreverent, raunchy and profane display. And, I was not disappointed from that perspective. There was a mixture of live and recorded moments during the performance that added to the dramatic presentation.  And, Nicki acted as well as rapped during her Grammy debut. There was even a scene where she crawled up a wall, reminiscent of "The Exorcist" movie.

Then of course, there were the occult as well as Illuminati images and references made during the performance that continued to beg the question of what is really going on here? At one point Nicki was handcuffed to an elevated gurney, where she seemed to have been taken captive. Surrounded by robed dancers; who appeared to be her captives, in what seemed to be a church like setting. She's ultimately released and amidst simulated sexual acts with these priest-like figures, Nicki is now becoming entranced by her captives. And, if you've ever read any of the blogs from the Vigilant Citizen, you will know and understand how all of this appears to be apart of a greater message concerning the inner workings of the music industry. This elaborate staging and special effects, was really a way to demonstrate to those on the outside looking in just how sinister and evil the industry-itself is. And, what you have to become to achieve the heights of success and fame that is the prize of every aspiring artists. There are really two (2) ways to look at Nicki Minaj's performance. On one hand it could be viewed as a celebration or a tribute of sorts; a dark and sinister ceremony which seems to be the rite of passage for every artists seeking fame and notoriety. And, on the other hand it offers great insight into the world of music and celebrity that the average fan may never see. One that should be extremely "eye-opening" and revealing; providing valuable information to those who look at the exterior profiles of these celebrities and want to be so much like them. A word of warning to those who are reading this with a strong sense of skepticism, if nothing else her performance should have at least shown us the line of demarcation between the world and the church. Her performance speaks volumes about what the music industry thinks of the church. And, it not very much at all!

In light of all of this, how did seeing Nicki Minaj's Grammy performance make you feel? Personally, I'm not as upset with her as I am with the real purveyors of these blasphemous messages; who remain nameless, faceless puppet masters controlling the puppets of the industry from behind the scenes. Ms. Minaj, is indeed a puppet that is being used because of her willingness to be used.  She, like many of the other puppets of the Entertainment industry have been coerced into submission, because of their strong desires for wealth, fame and notoriety. An artist willingness to do anything to fulfill these desires is the fuel that drives the puppet masters of the industry to use these unbridled desires to entice their unsuspecting puppets to promote their sinister agenda. So, for me while watching artist like Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Beyonce and many others perform; their performances are just answers to the question of how much am I willing to do to show how committed am I to the agenda of those responsible for my new found success. At the end of the day, how much is success worth? Is it worth my continued exploitation, or more importantly is it worth my soul?

Your thoughts?


Pastor Nimmons

"Who Told You Were Naked?"

Here is some morning inspiration from #PSTRNIMMONSTV to get your day started off right!

Be Blessed!

Pastor Nimmons

The Walk of Shame

Head Coach of Penn State Joe Paterno fired

The past few days have been very sad to say the least for the Penn State Football program. Mired in scandal and controversy, the news surrounding this case has sent the entire country reeling and rocking. This scandal stinks on some many different levels we find it hard to grasp and really don't know where to begin. When the news broke about the reports of child molestation by a former defensive coach of the Penn State Football program, we were shocked and mortified by it. And, as the horrific details of the story begin to unfold, it seemed very hard for us to believe and even understand.  A 10 yr old boy being sodomized by former defensive coordinator Gerald Sandusky and then Grad Asst ( at the time) Michael Queary walking in on this horrific scene; who after seeing this grotesque display of molestation, called his father and then reported to his boss, now former Penn State Coach- Joe Paterno. How about calling the police? Why not intervene and stop Sandusky from violating this 10yr old in this horrific way. So many questions.

Since the details of this event has come out, countless others have come out as well. And, what is most disturbing is that Joe Paterno; probably the most revered and respected football coach in America, did very little in correcting things, or maybe he believed what he was doing was actually that? No one really knows. But, now this Hall of Fame Coach of this storied program on last night had to begin the walk of shame away from a life that he has known for over 7 decades. Next to Grambling Coach Eddie Robinson, Joe Paterno is the winningest Coach in College Football with 409 wins. Amazing. And, it seemed like he was at a point in his career where he could exit on his on turns. In fact, he was planning to do exactly that, as of early Wednesday, Joe Paterno was going to retire as the Penn State Head Football Coach at season's end. But, amid this current scandal and controversy the Board of Trustees voted on yesterday to fire this head coach immediately as well as the University President Graham Spanier. Two of the universities more powerful men, who used their power and influence to cover a molestation scandal that has rocked us to the core of moral being.  What a sad day for Penn State, what a sad day for America.

I echo the sentiments of my friend and journalist for ESPN, Jemelle Hill (@Jemelehill) in her column this morning that "this is a justified end for Joe Paterno" seemingly harsh words for such a well respected sports figure, and yet very appropriate given all that has come out regarding this scandal and the immense cover-up. How could he let this type of activity go on at a university that he basically run as one of the most powerful mean on campus. This is the lingering question that we may never have the answer for. We initially help Joe Pa; as he was affectionately called, in the highest esteemed, and believed that if confronted with this time of situation, would respond as any right thinking adult would and should. Alert the authorities of this matter, notified the University President of what was going on, confronted Sandusky with the allegations and completely removed this pervert from the university and its student population until this investigation was completed or for good, if found guilty. But, what we discovered was that no such thing was done. In fact, Joe Paterno openingly admitted to having not done enough. He said, "this is a tragedy it is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more." An open admission of guilt on the part of the man who morally participated as a co-conspirator in the perpetuation of another man's evil deeds. Dr. King said, "our lives began to end the day we become silent on things that matter." And, he went on to say, "there comes a time where silence is betrayal." And, in a real sense Joe Paterno betrayed the trust of those young boys with his silence. By not speaking up and out about what was going on at his school, in his football program, was the ultimate betrayal. And, this is why he was forced to take the walk of shame. This is not how we envisioned Joe Paterno's exit from college football; this is not how anyone believed he would leave the game that he loved. And, yet this seems to be a "justified end" for former head coach Joe Paterno.

Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the families of the effected young boys. And, we pray that the all responsible parties are ultimately brought to justice.

Your thoughts?


Pastor Michael S. Nimmons

I AM TROY DAVIS

Troy Davis

I'm sure you have seen this picture everywhere within the last 24-48hrs. This man-Troy Davis, who was known to some, but it seemed entire world became acquainted with on yesterday as we waited with baited breath for a stay of execution from our nation's highest court. I must admit I didn't know much about Troy Davis before yesterday. I am not an activist by any means, but somehow on yesterday I-like many of you became engaged in this man's life as if he were one of my relatives. His life seem to galvanize an entire generation of young and old, black & white, rich & poor, Democrat, & Republican.I felt just as close to him as those hundreds of people standing outside of the Georgia State Prison hoping and praying for a stay of execution on this man's behalf. The marvelous things about this was how fast the world became acquainted with Troy Davis' plight and how deeply it seemed to effect us all when we heard that his final appeal to the highest court in the nation was denied.

I must admit throughout the day as I was keeping up with what was going on via Twitter & Facebook (mostly Twitter @PSTRNIMMONSTV), I truly believed that at some point we would hear good news that another stay of execution was granted or even that his execution was commuted or absolved, because of a lack of evidence, or because of 7 out of 9 witnesses recanting their testimony or because of no weapon was ever found...you know because of the truth eventually coming out. And, not just because of those facts about the case, but because of the overwhelming support that this man had received not just from the community of his peers, but from the more influential people of our country and even the world. From Nobel Peace Prize Winner-Desmond Tutu, to Pope Benedict XV. Former President Jimmy Carter also weighed in on the fate of this young man, and believed his case deserved a closer look. On twitter, the likes of notables such as Russell Simmons (@UncleRush), Big Boi  of Outkast (@BigBoi), Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian), James Fortune (@MrJamesFortune) and others voice their concerned for the possible execution of what appeared to be an innocent man. How could this unconscionable act be committed in a country founded on the principles of innocent until proven guilty? And, yet it seemed that there was a conscious effort at every level of law enforcement to sign this man's death certificate without any care or concern for the ramifications of killing an innocent man.

After bible class last night I rushed home to watch the developing story on CNN as it continued to unfold. Protesters were outside of the prison in Georgia and outside of the Supreme Court in Washington until the wee hours of the morning in disbelief of what had taken place. My heart went out to Troy Davis' family, again not knowing them, but empathizing and sympathizing with them regarding their unfortunate situation. And, after hearing the mother of the slain police office talked with Anderson Cooper on CNN, my heart was saddened by her cold & seemingly cavalier attitude towards Troy Davis, as much as it was for her son officer MacPhail who was killed that fated day back in 1989. I waited to hear from the Georgia State Corrections spokesperson as they came out and addressed the media and indicated that Troy Davis' time of death was 11:08pm. And, his last words to the family were

"...despite the situation you are in, I'm not the one who personally killed your son, your father, your brother. I am innocent. The incident that happened that night is not my fault. I did not have a gun. All I can ask ... is that you look deeper into this case so that you really can finally see the truth. I ask my family and friends to continue to fight this fight. For those about to take my life, God have mercy on your souls. And may God bless your souls."

He maintained his innocence until he took his last breath. God is the ultimate judge and he is the only one the knows what happened to office MacPhail and who the real culprit is. My prayer is that if the facts of the case are true and Troy Davis was NOT the killer, then whoever pulled the trigger on that fated day some 20yrs ago will be brought to justice.

Johnn Donne-the poet, wrote very poignantly  about the relationship that we all have to one another, "No man is an island entire of himself, every man is apart of the continent apart of the main. If a man dies it diminishes me for I am involved with mankind. So, never send to know for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee." He and Dr. King both would agree on the interdependence of mankind, and how, "we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny," as he once said. What effects one of us ultimately effects us all in some way shape or form. And, I guess the message in this blog is simple, the events of yesterday personally impacted my life and this is no exaggeration. I truly felt like one of my brothers was lost on last evening. I did not have to know Troy Davis personally for his life to have effected me personally. Knowing someone does not always have to be a prerequisite for empathy, but we all were touched in some way by someone that we didn't even know. And, so the question becomes what do we do now? It would seem that we have lost the battle, and Troy Davis was the unfortunate casualty of a system of justice that failed all of us. But, the war on the death penalty, the war on poverty, the war on drugs, the war on violence the war on injustice continues. We mustn't sit idly by and wait for this to happen again, but we must become as Ghandi once said, "...the change that we seek." We have to actively pursue justice in our communities, schools, neighborhoods, churches, local, state and national governments. We mustn't give up the fight until as the Prophet Amos so eloquently put it, "...judgment (justice) rolls down like waters and righteousness, like a mighty stream."


I AM TROY DAVIS! WE ARE TROY DAVIS....AND WE MUSTN'T EVER GIVE UP!


Your Thoughts?


Pastor Michael S.Nimmons
www.MichaelNimmons.com