DON'T DISCREDIT YOUR LEGACY!

Last weekend was so refreshing! I had the privilege of being apart of my good friends THE LEVITES amazing concert series entitled “Hope Is Like A Light”. This is a uniquely formatted experience that couples music and group therapy. We were empowered and equipped with practical tools to manage our mental health. I was invited because a few years ago I was a guest artist on their song GR8R which we performed that evening.

I was talking with the children of THE LEVITES leaders before the show, who I haven’t seen in person for years. A couple of them are now young adults and when they saw me they expressed how they still listen to my album everyday! I was shocked because my album Culture War they were referring to, was released in 2015! (Still relevant btw.) They almost had me in tears as they shared their testimonies of how my music has personally impacted their lives. It was a sobering reminder to never discredit the power of sharing your unique gift and talents with the world. You never know who you are impacting or the lasting effects. We must be willing to push past our own fears and insecurities because someone else needs what God has placed inside us!

I LOVE YOU GRANDMA...

Yesterday we laid my grandmother to rest. This was especially hard for me because this was the mother of my biological mother who passed away when I was four years old. I was very close with Grandma and she affectionately called me her “Texas boy.” I will surely miss our conversations and her witty sense of humor.

In 2016 we did the Paradigm Shift Tour and had a couple dates in Florida. That was the one and only time my grandmother ever saw me minister in person. We took this picture after the show and I can still hear her telling me how proud she was of me.

If only I could hear her tell me to “be sweet” one more time. Grandma had an intimate relationship with Jesus and loved to worship. I know that I will see her again one day in glory and until then I endeavor to make her proud and add to the family legacy. I love you Annie Weaver! Till we meet again. 🖤

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE

This year was by far the best Father’s Day I have ever experienced! I am so grateful for the gift of fatherhood. A lot of times men do not feel appreciated for the hard work and sacrifice that we put in day after day. It seems like the world only honors mothers and loves to demean fathers. My daughter Syreniti made sure that did not happen this year! A couple of months ago she found a Daddy/Daughter event online that was happening here in Killeen and asked me if I wanted to go. Obviously, I said yes! She was really excited and I proceeded to purchase the tickets. Subsequently, she sent me the dress she wanted and even found a dress for my one-year-old daughter as well because, of course, we had to bring her too!

In the weeks leading up to the event, our excitement continued to grow with anticipation of this milestone in our lives together. I am so thankful for the loving relationship that we have, and it is my prayer that we would only grow closer and closer as she gets older. It is my hope that she will always respect and honor my opinion and seek my wise counsel if she is unsure about anything. (Especially about boys! LOL)

During the event, the host asked all the daughters in the room to come up to the mic and tell their fathers why they appreciated them. There were so many fathers in the room getting choked up as they listened to their precious daughters expressing their love. I definitely had watery eyes after my daughter went to the mic! As a man, sometimes it is easy to get overwhelmed and your thoughts turn to despair. There are moments when you start to believe the lies that you are not a good father, that you do not do enough for your children, or you are not spending enough time. I am grateful for the memories of this incredible evening, because in the future if I am ever having a tough day, the loving words of my princess are ringing in my head. I know that I am loved and appreciated. I know that I am a great father! I am so grateful and I will continue to seek growth each and every day. Much love to all the fathers out there!

CHURCH IN THE WILD

Last night was incredible! My good friend Mitchell West aka Street Hymns celebrated his 32nd birthday by putting together one of the dopest battle rap cards to ever happen in Texas! This was a special event that was proverbially dark vs light; one whole side of the card was all Christian battle rappers. We had Th3 Saga, Loso, A-Ward, & Street Hyms (IV Horseman) all on the same card!

Although I’ve been to a lot of battles and have battled 10 times already myself, this was an especially enjoyable night for me because I had the opportunity to do something I’ve never done before…I hosted the event the entire night! 5 hours, 7 battles, and a classic night later, we all snapped this iconic pic. I look forward to gracing the stage next time, but for now, I am just relishing the greatness that I witnessed in person last night. I feel honored to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

It is our duty to be salt & light in a broken and sin-riddled world. Sometimes that looks orthodox. At other times we must “become all things to all men”, which is not alluding to compromise or conformity. What it is alluding to is comfortability; being able to enter into different environments within the culture and be comfortable with being counter-cultural whilst leaving with your character and dignity in tack, because of your confidence in the Holy Spirit that is working within you, to the glory of God the Father.

The Love of a Father

Last night, I got off work and headed over to my church for praise & worship rehearsal. Maybe an hour or so later, my wife calls and asks if I can come home immediately and take my youngest daughter to the ER. Of course, like any parent who loves their children, my heart began to race and I started asking questions to find out, WHAT HAPPENED?!

It turns out that my 4-year-old son accidentally dislocated my daughter’s elbow while trying to play with her and pulling on her arm. The doctor later explained that this is called Nursemaid's elbow and is a common injury among toddlers and preschoolers that is easy for a doctor to fix and causes no long-term problems. On the short drive home, while processing what happened, I went through a range of emotions.

At first, I was slightly upset that my son hurt my baby girl. Then I had compassion in my heart knowing that my son loves his sister and in no way meant to harm her. After that, my heart hurt for my daughter because it pains me to see any of my children in pain. All I wanted to do was comfort her as much as I could and make sure she knew that no matter what happens, Daddy will always be there for her.

God always has an amazing way of teaching me spiritual principles through the most seemingly mundane human experiences. I took this picture as we were sitting in the ER and my daughter was in pain. Yet, she was still able to smile for the camera because although she was hurting, she felt comfort and safety in the arms of her father. As I sat there holding her and loving on her, I thought about what our posture should be with our heavenly Father. No matter what we are going through, He too does not delight in seeing His children suffering. He too is always there for us no matter what, and we can always turn to God for comfort and safety in our time of need.

As we were checking out of the hospital a couple of hours later and my daughter was back to her normal self, I was incredibly encouraged by this excellent reminder. I can always rest in God’s grace, love, and peace. He will never leave me or forsake me, and He is always working on my behalf to rescue me from my pain. I am always loved and I am never alone, no matter the temporary suffering I may be enduring. Shalom.

I love being BIG BRO!

This weekend was nothing short of AMAZING!

My sisters decided to put together a beautiful pink and white formal affair for their 30th birthday celebration and it did not disappoint! It was incredible to witness their tribe come together all in one place and celebrate them. So much love and laughter in the room! My spirit is so refreshed. One of my sisters I hadn’t seen in 4 years! Even though my siblings and I all have a group chat where we regularly text and FaceTime, I always look forward to spending time with them in person. There is nothing like being able to hug and kiss someone you love. We all live in separate states so anytime we get to be together in the same place I am there, no question!

I just wanted to commemorate this special day with two people I love dearly and also remind all of us that time waits for no man. Cherish every single moment you have with your loved ones, because you never know when will be the last time you see someone. You never know when it will be the last conversation, the last laugh, or the last memory. If there is anyone in your family that you have an issue with, I implore you to get it right quickly! Make the call, go pull up at the house, take the flight…whatever you have to do, do it. Unforgiveness is a cancer that will hinder you from the emotional maturity that produces peace. I love you all!

Shalom.

Unplugging From The Matrix...

Today I feel a sense of overwhelming liberation. For the past couple of years, I have been wrestling with the decision to completely abandon social media. As of today, I have taken steps to unplug from the various platforms to the best of my ability. From this day forward, I will no longer maintain a presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok. For anyone who has become a follower of the ministry that God is fulfilling in my life, you can find me here on my website, on YouTube, on SoundCloud, or Telegram.

This is a decision that is necessary for my physical, mental, and spiritual health, and my wife is in total agreement. I must protect the sanctity and purity of the anointing on my life. Please stay tuned as I will continue to do the work the Lord has called me to, as I cultivate the gift and many talents He has given me. New music, new videos, new podcast, new books, and much more is in the works and on the way! I love each and everyone one of you, and I pray the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.