Success At The Foul Line

Young man of Great Character!
Amazing, Allen Geui!

Often when I read something regarding scripture and history, I realize how much I’ve yet to learn! Good thing I am generally eager and hungry to learn more! I love interesting facts and am especially appreciative of those folks that love spouting little known facts and entertain us with those by the way conversations. The moment that revelation hits, I envision my brain being like computer circuit board or better yet a tiny bud restored with the droplets of a new found, refreshing shower of rain! It’s time to contemplate new information, new thinking, brand spanking new information. I am sure that there’s a fascinating reaction occurring, growth and nourishment are partnering for new found sustenance. That’s what I imagine folks! And so when I read this commentary regarding Luke 6:38 my spirit was marveling in an Ah ha moment!

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Good measure - They shall give you good measure,
or “full” measure.
Pressed down - As figs or grapes might be, and thus many
more might be put into the measure.
Shaken together - To make it more
compact, and thus to give more.
Running over - So full that the measure
would overflow.
Shall men give - This is said to be the reward of “giving”
to the poor and needy; and the meaning is that the man who is liberal will find
others liberal to him in dealing with them, and when he is also in circumstances
of want. A man who is himself kind to the poor – who has that “character”
established – will find many who are ready to help “him” abundantly when he is
in want…
Into your bosom - That is, to you. The word “bosom” here has
reference to a custom among Oriental nations of making the bosom or front part
of their garments large, so that articles could be carried in them, answering
the purpose of our pockets. Compare Exodus 4:6-7; Proverbs 6:27; Ruth 3:15.
Reference re: << Luke 6:38 >> Barnes’ Notes on
the Bible- Biblos , http://bible.cc/luke/6-38.htm

This scripture and the commentary are connecting beautifully with one of the kindest gestures I know and that is to share. So there we have it, in our bosoms, our pockets, purses we can give and receive. Give what? Carry what? Provide what you ask? Let me start by sharing an observation and asking you this question first? Can you imagine forking over 40k? Yes, no not 40 dollars or 40 cents! But, giving $40,000? In this day and time with economic hardship lounging in our family rooms, kicked back wearing our beloved overrun slippers! True we may not have that kind of money at our disposal but don’t let giving hinder that. Well many folks do it daily and don’t blink. It’s a known fact, that there are givers who enjoy doing so and are always encouraging others to jump on the band wagon. Collectively they galvanize their friends, create streams of giving, stroke checks or jump start foundations and off they go.Can you imagine in your best life having enough to share, no fanfare, just giving because it feels like the right thing to do? We are hard pressed on many days agonizing on how we’ll pay our electric bills and soaring cell phone bills. But whether we are clutching our purses or squeezing our hands tight change does happen. Just possibly not on our clocks. So if we embrace that philosophy we can give out of our need. What does the scripture encourage us to do:

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–

pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure

it will be measured to you in return.”

Luke 6:38

You’ve heard spread the wealth and pass the potatoes. Ok I am being silly, but I believe that the importance of giving forward initiates that act. It becomes natural and like a domino effect.


Thank you Lord for one of the finest examples I recently learned of by way of the Compton Basketball star Allen Geui who dazzled his team mates, onlookers and others during a foul shooting contest that was designed to spark community support and provide college scholarships.


The contest’s creator’s intention was created to simply shine a positive light on Compton’s High School and dispel the negativity felt regarding Compton’s youth and culture! Google his name and this link: http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1237085 to learn about his star basketball shot! This young man will cause you to appreciate all the more the concept of carrying plenty in your bosom and not withholding generosity to impact the lives of others for the good! So here we have it Allen Geui at the foul line, about to make a historic shot and change the complexion and dimension of true grit and character! He’s my designated poster person for CHARACTER!


Swish and there it is, no ordinary shot, no average basketball player! The successful basket is electrifying- the crowd is cheering, the arena is erupting, the media is buzzing, camera’s flashing, college recruiter’s high fiving and the relatives beaming and friends shouting with pride! Let’s not omit the oversized reward check earmarked for the winner! It was well earned and Allen Geui’s for the taking. ( No haters need apply!) But the moment doesn’t conclude there! It wasn’t just about singing all the way to the bank. Instead of coveting this moment- the realization must have been birthed in his spirit to embrace another possibility! Out of his boom moment, his resolve, flowed a wealth of opportunities to carve out a new path and stamp his signature on a new letterhead.

In a single moment and with a remarkable decision, the flood gates erupted and I am convinced heaven was applauding! I am not sure who ignited the compassion and heart for giving in Allen Geui; I am not sure if he fully contemplated the significance of his amazing generosity. But the evidence of it was clear with his insight to give, give what many of his classmates needed which was more than lip service about partnerships and team camaraderie; it was cash to attend their selected colleges!

Months after Geui collected his college scholarship winnings of $40,000, he wowed the contestants, several of which where his team mates by providing them with his total winnings.


Who does that! Oh my Lord doesn’t that just send chills down your spine? He realized that his teammates desired to also attend college and many of them hadn’t received scholarships and were in need of the funds. No dollars, no college! He changed that! Talking about giving it forward - and men shall give unto your bosom. This occurrence is indeed awe inspiring, it smacks of the biblical era of pouring into the pouch, the bosom of another and the recipient receiving the king’s reward, an overflow of the bounty! What an outstanding gift, both tangible and intangible. Allen’s giving will have a ripple effect for generations of Compton students to come! And I pray the world!

This young man has already received a college scholarship and I would not be surprised if this is just the tip of the iceberg for him. As the sower he’ll continue to reap a reward of magnitude proportions. His giving swells and spills over and touches countless others too many to know and too important to fathom. Just the act of standing at the foul line and including other contestants shouts winner! Let’s rally around this team captain! So the question remains, give what you ask? I say very easily- give your time, talent and certainly a few dollars to the almighty cause wouldn’t hurt! Just ask Allen he’s a young man with character and lots of ingenuity!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the game changers in our lives that see beyond themselves reach into their pouches and encourage us by their acts of giving to strive, live, to dream and to never ever abandon hope for our best days are in front of us! Often they give what we have no means of. Thank you Lord that they felt the tug on their hearts, provided the essential resources for our good! Remind us Lord to follow your lead and will, when it’s our turn to step forward to the foul line and make life changing baskets. We endeavor to begin living with greater hearts, integrity and intentions of giving forward. Thank you Lord for your marvelous love and your word that reminds us that: However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

We give all honor and glory to you and in your son Christ Jesus’ Name! Amen!



Sharing With Great Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly & Empower Magazine Columnist and Inspirational Author of:

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephon_Marbury

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,

for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which GOD has promised to those w ho love him.
James 1:12

The coin toss begins, all eyes are on the center court, the basketball goes up in mid air and the camera captures a close up of Team Captain Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbur of the Blessedness of Believing Victor’s All StarTeam. He's the MVP- yes, "Doctor Stabury !"

The fans are standing on their feet laving their flags, donning their Starbury sports gear, the referees are in place and the cheerleaders are in motion, the auditorium is in a frenzy! Folks it’s another all electric evening ripe with anticipation! It 'a a stary night and already the sports casters have declared that the Blessedness of Belieiving’s Basketball Team are the victors!!

A great basketball game is never easily won, the competition must give the opoosing team a thorough run, a real workout for the championship! But I declare that it’s well worth the time, effort and energy exerted.

We’ve penned Starbury as Doctor because he takes care of business and looks out for his team mates, executes the plays proficiently and plays the game with a heart to win! Look out opponents he’s strong and armed to win the game! On and off the court of life-he’s admirable.

Ok, ok I suppose you basketball enthusiasts know that I am having fun, because I haven’t yet purchased my basketball franchise nor recruited my all star team; but if I did have a choice brother Stephon Marbury would be my pick of team captain-he’s a noblemen. I hope there’s such a word. He’s my choice as a young man of valor! What I have learned is that not only does he play basketball well, but he’s a man of character and conviction. He has a heart for the common man, working parents as well as his comrades and colleagues- “the ballers and shot callers!”

He remembers what struggling feels like. Ask him about his youth. My spirit applauded his tenacity and vision when I once again had the opportunity to learn of his stewardship –first on 60 Minutes and again, this morning on TJMS, The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

He partnered with Steve & Barry’s to promote affordable clothing. It was a God send for many parents struggling to clothe their children with the desired sports gear. He now has a new venture with Amazon.com.

I listened intently to his interview on the TJMS Tom Joyner Morning Show today. I believe he’s unmovable and abounds in his faith. It’s been exhibited over the past few months regarding the New York Nicks' decision. It’s apparent he leans on the word of God and hasn’t died in the wilderness of adversity! Enjoy his blog which may shed some light on the adversity that he’s confronted and had to endure: www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Even in adversity, opportunity does knock . Yes we aren't exempt for God's blessings in the midst of difficulties and hardships. For those of us currently enduring hardship during adversity, we can think of this young man as our team mate “Doctor Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbury ” – our MVP in his natural and spiritual game of life! Let’s confidently post his picture in our psyches and label him triumphant!

We are triumphant also , even when we are a free agent-released from the places that once employedand comforted us! when the familiar is now foreign to our way of living and thinking. I believe the time out allows God to have our undivided attention and if we allow Him, God's perfect will is manifested! We are then shored up for the next leg of the journey! Just reflect and look back. I was so pleased to learn that Stephon wouldn’t settle for what others deemed as “his worth”.

He envisioned more in his financial settlement and was not wavering. I further applauded his conviction and his forthright attitude! Mr. Marbury has vision not only for his basketball career but his personal pursuits which entail helping others jump start their career and aspirations! I commend him-he’s a young man with a panoramic view! As of this writing he’s still a free agent and I am excited about the possibilities for him that lies ahead. During ths morning ‘s interview with Tom Joyner he shared that at the end of the day he takes himself home and must live with his decisions. Wow, isn’t that the truth for all of us?

My mother said, something similar; she reminded me as a young teen that everywhere I go, I take myself with me! Those were her exact words! That sage wisdom never left me. It’s clear that we can’t run from the hard choices and the difficulties in life. But they'll only lay in wait for us. We’ve got to face them head on and not cower out of fear. Stephon’s work ethic, life lessons and parent’s home training has afforded him the ability to understand that a plan of action which includes having a personal mission and vision, must be executed even while we wait. Wait on our change to come!

A plan of action for the lean as well as the lax moments is a necessity. But just hold on to the realization that opportunity is rounding the corner and will be knocking at our doors! I am certain God had this all planned for us as well as our all star player: Stephon Marbury-to learn and appreciate !

Why not be like him and appreciate that opportunity does knock even during the most peculiar times. Our friend has creatively designed a plan be inclusive of stewardship—which will will make someone else’s load lighter. He’s invited those interested in learning about an opportunity to financially grow independent at opportunity@starbury.com

Don't doubt his motives and sincerity. Remember he had the heart to assist working families with the creation of sports/basketball gear that wouldn’t break the banks? In his own words:

"As Jay said, "there's much bigger problems in the world I know
but I first had to take care of the place I know. I'm from the bottom..." That's
where I'm at. We are putting people in position now to control thei r own
destiny through opportunity@starbury.com

Most companies are laying people off but we're putting
people on. Not only that but we are putting small businesses on and providing
moms and pops stores opportunities to get into e-commerce and expand their
product distribution and grow th eir companies. To me that's a win-win.
http://www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Ok folks the game is underway and Dr. Starbury has command of the court and he’s passing the ball to you and me!!! heads up! Don’t miss the move of God!

Have a super day friends!

Shared with Enthusiasm,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/