A Woman's Dress is Her Virtuousness: What Do You Have On?

Lady in Tight Dress

Nation of Islam Women

Many of us stare at Muslim sisters or Catholic nuns whom wear head coverings known as a (veil, hijab, jilbab, khimar, or habits) especially when it's 90 degrees out side like "Why? Sister, Why?," not realizing that women wearing head coverings on their heads or clothing that does not reveal all their goods was practiced by ancient African and other Eastern civilizations.  The way a woman dressed back in the day was seen as scared and virtuous, and it reflected her divine nature.  She wasn't rockin' booty shorts and painted on dresses (know don't take me for being holier than thou because I like most men enjoy seeing an attractive woman walking down the street), but the way some women and in particular my sisters dress has gone too damn far, you might as well be naked!  Ladies, I am not try to tell you how to dress or even suggesting that you be a nun or MGT, but what I am doing is giving you a picture of an expression of virtuousness that suggests your Godly worth.  My thing is, aren't you sexually objectified enough in this world?  

Fellas: I say no matter if a sister refers to herself as a "Bad Bitch," or doesn't have a clue of her value, we as men must still respect her.  Now, I know your saying "Bruh, how can I if she's puttin' herself out there like that," and how could she say we're being misogynistic?"  My answer is simple: See the Goddess in her.

As I digress... I had a "Soap Box" moment :-)

Here's where I was going...

Kenyan Nuns

Provocatively Tasteful or Not?

Most Christians do not know that women covering their hair at service was also a common practice within Christianity.  Today, it is more commonly known for being practiced by Muslim women (though not a requirement for women to wear "hijab" in the Qur'an per se; the practiced is upheld based on doctrinal belief from the Hadith of Sahih Bukhari), Catholic nuns, and some Orthodox Jewish traditions.  However, hair covering in the early church was the standard at one time for women, and still is today by some Judeo-Christian traditions.  Women were expected to cover their hair with a large scarf (or shash) while in church, according to (1 Cor 11:2-16).  Note: The narrative given by Paul on women covering their hair is viewed by some as a part of his later diatribe in (1 Cor 14:34) that cogently suggests that women are to remain silent in the church, as form of submissiveness, which I do not particular agree with.  The idea of women covering up here, I contend was and is symbolic of their divine virtuousness that should be honored, cherished,
and respected by men.

"Nuff Said!"

Moreover, in Orthodox synagogues, especially in the Ethiopian church men and women sat separately, with men on the left and women on the right (when facing the altar)--very similar to what you have seen for instance, if you've ever visited Mosque Maryam in Chicago.  Sisters covering their hair and sitting separately from the Brothers in the sanctuary is common among some Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, (prior to the 60's) with Catholics, and with many conservative Protestants (i.e. Adventist churches).  This is an interesting interwoven parallel between the three Abrahamic faith traditions.  So, next time you see a sister covered don't stare in astonishment, but acknowledge that she is upholding her faith and conviction not because she is restricted or weak, but because she is striving to exemplify virtuousness through her expression of her Godly worth.  ~Peace Be With You, Bro. Lamon

Scriptural Study:

Paul speaking On Covering the Head in Worship (1 Cor 11:2-16 NIV)

Gabrielle Union  with Style  & Class

I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the traditions just as I passed them on to you. But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,a and the head of Christ is God. Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

A man ought not to cover his head,b since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

O children of Adam, We haveindeed sent down to you clothing tocover your shame, and (clothing) forbeauty; and clothing that guardsagainst evil — that is the best. This is of the messages of Allah (God) that theymay be mindful. ~Surah 7:26 (Maulana Muhammad Ali Translation)

O Prophet, tell thy wives and thydaughters and the women of believersto let down upon them their over-garments. This is more proper, so thatthey may be known, and not be giventrouble. And Allah (God) is ever Forgiving, Merciful. ~Surah 33:59 (Maulana Muhammad Ali Translation)

“O Prophet! Tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks close around them. that will be better, so that they may be recognized and not annoyed. Allah is ever forgiving, merciful…” (Surah 33:59 from A. Yusef Ali’s translation of the Qur’an; other versions translate the original Arabic as “veils” where Ali uses “cloaks”).  ~Source: http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/women-islam-and-hijab/

Hadiths 

“My Lord agreed with me (‘Umar) in three things … (2) And as regards the veiling of women, I said ‘O Allah’s Apostle! I wish you ordered your wives to cover themselves from the men because good and bad ones talk to them.’ So the verse of the veiling of the women was revealed” (Bukhari, v1, bk 8, sunnah 395). ~Source: http://postcolonialstudies.emory.edu/women-islam-and-hijab/

"Ayesha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) reported that Asma’ the daughter of Abu Bakr (rad.i-Allahu `anhu) came to the Messenger of Allah  while wearing thin clothing. He approached her and said: 'O Asma’! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. He pointed to the face and hands." [Abu Dawud]

Ibn Qudama in al-Mughni (1:349) explained that showing the face and hands are a specific dispensation within the general meaning of the hadith "All of the woman’s body is considered her nakedness [to those outside the mahram relationship or her husband]." (al-mar'atu `awra)

`Ayesha (rad.i-Allahu `anha) said: "I used to enter the room where the Messenger of Allah  and my father (Abu Bakr) were later buried in without having my garment on me, saying it is only my husband and my father. But when 'Umar ibn Al-Khattab (rad.i-Allahu `anh) was later buried in (the same place), I did not enter the room except that I had my garment on being shy from 'Umar."

"Hands Off Assata"

Know the facts... This is much deeper than we think a big part of this is about getting at Cuba, let alone Sis. Assata. Cuba is the itch that America can't stop scratching. Cuba offered support to aid Katrina victims, but America arrogantly refused. Remember, the mob boys back in the day once owned Cuba and were stripped of their power when Castro & Che' ran them out--so, that has not been forgiven, the pressure on America to get back control of Cuba is increasing. Now, Jay and B going to Cuba recently raised some smoke--Jay got his slap on the wrist from the POTUS last week in a joke "I got 99 problems and now Jay-Z's one."  Placing Sis. Assata on this list "is an attempt to inflame public opinion," as her lawyer said, for it is also the pretext to something bigger.  I say "Hands Off Assata" & Free All Political Prisoners... Mumia Abu Jamal, Romaine "Chip" Fitzgerald, and "the countless others who have been falsely locked up by this white man."

A Different Thanksgiving Perspective

While I know most of us in the African American community "Get2Gether" on Thanksgiving with our families out of the tradition of gathering. We must never forget our Native & Indigenous Family (whom many of us claim we have mixed in us) imprint on this European holiday; it should never be diminished because of the fallacies in historical interpretation. One must never forgo truth for comfort; The truth should always make you uncomfortable if your guilty. As Susan Sarandon said "Speak Your Truth, Even If Your Voice Shakes."

For More Read:

Thanksgiving: A Day of Celebration or Mourning for Native Americans?
http://racerelations.about.com/od/historyofracerelations/a/ShouldYouCelebrateThanksgiving.htm

No Thanks to Thanksgiving
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_9371.shtml?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

Uncovering The Myth of Thanksgiving
www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/Perspectives_1/article_6595.shtml

No Thanks To Thanksgiving
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_8344.shtml

Black Criticism vs Black Romanticism in Today's Political Climate

Corporate Interests Run America

Cornel West has held no punches in his intense and rigorous critique of President Obama. Many African Americans are very angry with the likes of Dr. West, Tavis Smiley, Boyce Watkins, & Julianne Malveaux for taking The POTUS to task on several key issues. However, as political constituents our duty is to question elected officials rigorously, and demand that they produce results in our interest. Other nationalities and ethnic groups do so.  It is great that we have the first elected African American President to sort of speak since John Hanson (first President of the Continental Congress) who was Black. However, we cannot allow romantic feelings cloud our political lens; luring us further and further away from self-empowerment and collective advancement especially the second time around.

I tend to believe President Obama has good intentions and desires in his heart to help poor and middle class people, but as Minister Farrakhan said when he was first selected [cough] excuse me elected; "I am under no illusion...," "he cannot truly do what is in his heart..." The powerful "Corporatocracy" influence engulfing him will not allow it. But, I say let's see he may prove his critics wrong, and represent the "Drum Major for Justice/Change," platform he ran his initial candidacy on.

However, the true ownness is on us to create and produce the change we desire to see in our neighborhoods. It has been stated that Black buying power will be estimated at 1.1 trillion dollars in two years; you mean to tell me we cannot pull together to create and produce a future? When you look at other nationalities such as the Chinese and Jews; rarely do they depend on government--they mainly do it themselves. We have to adopt this model in order to ensure a future for the generations to come.

I respect men and women like Minister Farrakhan, Dr. Bill Winston, & Sis. Nikki Henderson (The People's Grocery-Oakland) who present, create, and develop opportunities, that provide solutions outside of the false held notion of governmental dependency many African Americans faithfully hold on to. The Blueprints for our independence have been put before us for quite some time now. It is obvious as legendary reggae group Burning Spear said "No one remember Old Marcus Garvey," and the countless other "Great One's" whom came before and after him with the BLUE-PRINTS? The rise of The Sleeping Giant is IMMINENT!!!

Cornel West 'Goes In' On The POTUS

The New Slave Shoe... Chains & Shackles Remixed

"A test market of who or how many Africans are awake in the Americas, it does not matter we know that they are still sleep." ~Annini

Many people will ask, "what's the big deal?, it's just a shoe!"  "It's makes a fashion statement...," or, even worst when someone Black says "Who cares slavery is over and besides other Blacks sold Blacks into slavery."  What an asinine statement from someone who is not able to understand, and share genuine feelings of concern, for all of the pain and suffering our great-great grandparents endured while in chattel enslavement during the African Holocaust.

"JS Roundhouse Mids, dropping in August."

It is very saddening to note especially when someone who is Black makes such an absurd statement.  I can almost bet my last dollar, as guest columnist Tingba Muhammad noted in a recent column in The Final Call Newspaper, "It is almost impossible to imagine a Jewish person saying anything similar: 'Since there were Jews that financially supported Hitler, and Jews that were soldiers and officers in the Nazi army, and Jews that delivered other Jews to the concentration camps, I don’t want to hear about any Jewish Holocaust.'"  Indeed, such a statement is impossible to imagine to juxtapose the horror and ongoing effects of the suffering, pain and total destruction of a people.

Bottom line is, we have to educated, and teach our young people point blank not to buy into this buffoonery & trickery, like J-Cole said in the joint 'Nobody's Perfect,' "They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer..."  At the end of the day, this is just another in a long line of signs, and as I like to cogently say "another kick in the ass!"  Time is long over do... WAKE UP & DO FOR SELF!

Food For Thought For The Faith Community Part 2

Spirituality is a way of excepting the fact that there is a spiritual force in the universe larger than all of mankind. But someone had to come along and invent a word called God. Then some had to serve another God and say mine is better than yours, and some had to create faith, someone said I have the true faith.”— Dr. John Henrik Clarke

The Three Faiths

The above statement by Our Great Scholar & Historian, Dr. Clarke makes one ponder and reason... the disunity, discord, and bitterness among "God's Chosen People," "Glory of God," and/or "The Human Family" that we the members of "The Human Family," are described as, in both the scriptures of the Bible and Qur'an. This disconnect, strife, and quarreling among those especially, who are Jews, Christians, and Muslims is so appalling that it makes me sick to my stomach!  Especially, in the present context of evil machination, mendacity, and moral decadence that we are all experiencing and being subjected to on some level today, knowingly or unknowingly; willingly or unwillingly.

WE MUST BE UNITED!!! WE MUST BE ONE!!!

I can see why so many youth and people in general are turned off by religion. The Enemy of us all is so deceptively wicked and wise that the world of religion and faith has fallen on its death bed! It gives no hope to a people yearning for hope and like Min. Farrakhan said "Even if God were to intervene in our affairs and raise among us a divine light for us--we would be in such darkness that the light would be among us, and we would not be able to comprehend the presence of the light..." So, true indeed...

Today, there is a crop of Visionary Leaders coming out of the synagogue, temple, church, mosque, and perhaps more importantly "The Streets," today, whom have not fallen prey to the Enemy's trick that will restore Right Order and Balance to this Planet once again... Time Is Now!

The God above will not refrain any longer from bringing wrath to this "hell of a place," which will destroy, and that is destroying the idea of evil machination, mendacity, and moral decadence on this planet. Making way for the establishment of a complete Freedom, Justice, and Equality to reign once again, wherein all people can live among one another under the banner of true Peace! -The Brotha

Coming Judgement

Universal Greetings & Salutations to The Members of The Human Family of The One God

God's Judgement

In the Bible it says "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Gal 6:7).

And in the Holy Qur'an it says "So the evil (consequences) of what they did shall afflict them and that which they mocked shall encompass them." (Surah 16: 34).

In this time of spiritual unbalance and disunity, which has The People of The Book, and the World in total disarray.  The Scriptures of the Bible & Qur'an are both fulfilling themselves as I write. We are seeing strange and unusual weather patterns, economic collapses, rising violence, and all other sorts of other signs that an end is near.  The pressures of the wickedness of this world is causing havoc among all people, and in order to defeat this overt and covert wickedness--all people of good will and intent must unify!  The Creator will not continue to settle for our foolish quarrels and bitterness towards one another.  Throughout the various monotheistic faith traditions especially, we see strife inside and outside among these traditions; and it is hated by God that we would continue to engage in such rancor, while our common Enemy and his minions continue to run and rule this world.

Time is Running Out!

Those who are prepared to endure God's Wrath, will be those who have kept to their duty, and obeyed God's instructions. The very reason Jesus The Messiah entered into the world 2000 years ago was to give us the Greatest Example of obedience, preparation, servant leadership and brotherhood known to man that no other Servant of God could provide us.  We must be doers of the Word, and continue to follow in The Masters' footsteps.  The time has come in which The Prophets predicted and he (Jesus) confirmed that God would return to judge this worlds nations.  “And the nations were angry and your anger has come.... Rev 13:18 ABPE

Well, the war is on, now, and the forces of evil are fighting a last-ditch battle to hold on to power.  However, God is present now to remove not some of them, but all of them. -Minister Farrakhan

-More Next Time, God Willing!

-Bro. Lamon

*Inspired by various lectures, excerpts, and writings by President Thomas Jefferson, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad, Minister Malcolm X, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright and The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan,

*The Spiritual Institute of Divine Teachings © is an non-for-profit organization of people who are students of various Divine scriptures and teachings who cross generational, religious, and cultural gaps to reveal the linkages between all Believers of the Universal Divine Creator/One God of the Universe regardless of your faith tradition, paradigm of knowledge and/or thought in order to promote Universal Unity, Harmony and Healing to all.

Scriptural Support & Literary Support:

And the Lord said, "Let My spirit not quarrel forever concerning man, because he is also flesh, and his days shall be a hundred and twenty years." -Genesis 6:3 CJB *Study chapter in context

And also the nation that they will serve will I judge, -Genesis 13:15 CJB *Study chapter in context

Say to them: As I live, says the Lord God, I do not wish for the death of the wicked, but for the wicked to repent of his way so that he may live. Repent, repent of your evil ways, for why should you die, O house of Israel! -Ezekiel (Yechezkel) 33:11 CJB *Study chapter in context

For there shall be another vision for the appointed time; and He shall speak of the end, and it shall not fail; though it tarry, wait for it, for it shall surely come; it shall not delay. Behold, it is puffed up-his soul is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith. And surely he, whom wine betrays, a haughty man whose dwelling shall not remain, who widened his desire like the nether- world-and he is like death and shall never be sated, and he gathered all the nations to himself and collected to himself all peoples. -Habakkuk 2:3-5 CJB *Study chapter in context

For the justice of God is revealed in it from faith to faith, according to that which is written: “The just one shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all the evils and the wickedness of the children of men, those who are holding the truth in evil. Because a knowledge of God is revealed to them, for God has revealed it to them. For the secrets of God from the foundation of the world are appearing to his creatures through intelligence, even his power and his eternal Godhead, that they will be without a defense, Because they knew God, and they did not glorify him as God, nor did they give him thanks, so that they became destitute in their reasoning and became dull in their heart without understanding. -Romans 1:17-21 ABPE *Study chapter in context

But the righteousness of God is by the faith of Yeshua The Messiah unto every person, also upon every person who believes in him, for there is no distinction, -Romans 3:22 ABPE *Study chapter in context

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.  If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.  So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. -Galatians 6:7-10 NRSV *Study chapter in context

THE LORD JEHOVAH does not delay his promises as people consider delay, but he is patient for your sakes, and because he is not willing that any person would perish, but that every person would come to conversion. -2 Peter 3:9 ABPE *Study chapter in context

And the seventh Angel sounded, and there were great voices in Heaven that said, “The Kingdom of the world has become our God's and his Messiah's, and he shall reign to the eternity of eternities.”  And the 24 Elders who sit before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, Saying, “We thank you, LORD JEHOVAH God Almighty, who is and has been, for you have taken your great power and you have reigned.”  “And the nations were angry and your anger has come, and the time of the dead to be judged, and you shall give reward to your Servants the Prophets and to The Holy Ones and to those who reverence your name, to the small with the great, and you shall destroy those who have corrupted The Earth.” -Revelation 11:15-18 ABPE *Study chapter in context

These are on a right course from their Lord and these it is that shall be successful.  Surely those who disbelieve, it being alike to them whether you warn them, or do not warn them, will not believe. -Surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:5-6 *Study chapter in context

And they ask you to hasten on the evil before the good, and indeed there have been exemplary punishments before them; and most surely your Lord is the Lord of forgiveness to people, notwithstanding their injustice; and most surely your Lord is severe in requiting (evil).  And those who disbelieve say: Why has not a sign been sent down upon him from his Lord? You are only a warner and (there is) a guide for every people. -Surah Ar-Rad (The Thunder) 13:6-7 *Study chapter in context

“Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever” -Thomas Jefferson circa 1785

There is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supercedes all other courts. -Gandhi circa 1900's

"I call on the young men of America who must make a choice today to take a stand on this issue. Tomorrow may be too late. The book may close. And don't let anybody make you think that God chose America as his divine, messianic force to be a sort of policeman of the whole world. God has a way of standing before the nations with judgment, and it seems that I can hear God saying to America, "You're too arrogant! And if you don't change your ways, I will rise up and break the backbone of your power, and I'll place it in the hands of a nation that doesn't even know my name. Be still and know that I'm God." -Martin Luther King Jr, circa 1967

This is a time for me to examine my own relationship with God. Is it real or is it fake? Is it forever or is it for show? Is is something that you do for the sake of the public or is it something that you do for the sake of eternity? [voice rising] This is a time for me to examine my own, and a time for you to examine your own relationship with God -- self examination. -Excerpt from Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright Post 9/11 Sermon delivered September 16, 2011

Everywhere we look on the Earth, nations are angry. When a nation is angry, that's one thing, but it says, “… thy wrath is come.” The Wrath of God is something to be terrified of, because when God gets after you, He uses the very thing that we depend on for our life and our health and well being, and makes it an enemy to us. So, the worst person to get into a fight with is The God of Justice. -Excerpt from The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan at Life Center Church of God in Christ in Chicago, Ill., April 25, 2009

The full story behind Rev. Jeremiah Wright's 9/11 sermon

Reverend Jeremiah A. Wright Post 9/11 Sermon delivered September 16, 2011 in full context

*Torah, Biblical, Quranic scriptures taken from: The Complete Tanach with Rashi'sCommentary, New Revised Standard Version, Aramaic Bible in Plain English, New International Version, Amplified Version, Maulana Muhammad Ali English Translation of The Holy Qur'an, and Know Ouran.org