Daily Walking, Working, and Winning by God's Word by Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr.

What is your highest point?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:39:00 +0000

This picture was taken as I was approaching an island off the City of San Paolo. As you can see the highest points of the island are the church steeples and the cross.

In many ways we are islands, even though we are interconnected. The question in my mind is what is your highest point? As one looks at you and takes their picture what image would one see?

I pray that your highest point is your love of God because of His grace and mercy.

Christ the Redeemer!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:52:00 +0000

I took this picture when I visited Rio de Janeiro. It's amazing to realize for miles and miles you see the image of Jesus Christ being available to you. It is truly one of the wonders of the world.

How was this monument transported up the hill and set on the highest point in the area?

I believe Isaiah makes note of seeing "God high and lifted up!"

"Look to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord!"

Get Out of the Boat

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Too many people find themselves stuck in the shallow water of life. If your boat is not moving fast enough, get out of the boat.

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:27:00 +0000

Life is the flower for which love is the honey.

-Victor Hugo

May each of you experience the fullness of love, the passion of love, and the patience of love. Love does believe all things, suffer all things, and love does not quit.

Always take the risk to love fully, because God first loved you. He took the risk for you!

Rev. Dr. Cain Hope Felder

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:29:00 +0000

February 12, 2012 at Union Baptist Church is "Red Dress Sunday" and "Pastor's Anniversary." Our guest preacher is Rev. Dr. Cain Hope Felder.

Dr. Felder holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Philosophy degree in biblical languages and literature from Columbia University in New York; a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York; a Diploma of Theology from Oxford University, Mansfield College in England; a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, Greek & Latin from Howard University in Washington, DC; and a diploma from the Boston Latin School.

Jitney

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0000

I went to last night's opening of "Jitney" directed by Ms. Shirley Basfield Dunlap at the Fine Arts Theater on the campus of Morgan State University. I wore a special tie given to me by my special sister-in-law. Ms. Dunlap integrate three singers and dancers who perform with the Singing Sensations into the play. The trio stole the show with their "Doo Wop" performances. The cast of actors drew the audience into the events of running and managing what we call in Baltimore a "hacking" service. In Pittsburgh, it was called, "Jitney." For today’s Saturday's matinee performance, the young men of Union Baptist Church will go to see the play accompanied by members of the Men's League. If you are in Baltimore, I recommend you see this outstanding play.

Mrs. Maggie Quille

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:49:00 +0000

Next to my mother, Ms. Maggie Quille was one of the most influential mothering figures in my life. While I feel the pain of her recent loss, I rejoice in knowing that her reward is in heaven. She was saintly in her character. Her commitment to youth, economic development and the Druid Heights Community is legendary. A renovated fire house which is being used as a community center bears her name. A mural on a wall within the Upton Community bears her likeness. A playground for children is in place because of her advocacy. Trees line Druid Hill Avenue because her unwillingness to accept anything, but the best for her community and she had them installed. The library located at Pennsylvania and North Avenue is there because of her. The boxing center, were future Olympic champions train, on Pennsylvania Avenue, is there because of her relationship with then Mayor Du Burns. More importantly, there are untold numbers of persons who were positively influenced by her who now lead productive lives. I loved Ms. Maggie Quille. I spent many quality hours talking with her, laughing with her, praying with her, and learning from her. She will be missed. She served with dignity and grace.

Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 06:32:00 +0000

I'm headed to Chicago to attend one of the most progressive conferences in America - The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference. We are meeting there this week to discuss "Reckoning with Power: DESTROYING CASTE AND RESTORING COMMUNITY."

Professor Michelle Alexander will present a lecture from her book, "The New Jim Crow."

I'll send updates from the conference during the week.

Eddie Long a King?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:41:00 +0000

Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. is a colleague and friend who served with me in the A.M.E. Zion Church.

I''ve been asked questions about Eddie Long's recent exhibition of being crowned a king. She presented the clearest arguments for refuting and debunking that claim.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-wil-gafney-phd/a-biblical-scholar-rebuts-claims-eddie-long-coronation-video_b_1249602.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false

National Prayer Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:57:00 +0000

President Obama's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast. I didn't attend this year. I will most definitely make it next year. Prayerfully to hear President Obama speak.

Mr. Walter P. Carter

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:20:00 +0000

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, University of Maryland School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry will release a documentary entitled, "Walter P. Carter: Champion for Change."

This documentary will share one man's courageous fight to end segregation in Baltimore.

A special feature of the documentary and its release will feature The Senior Choir of Union Baptist Church singing freedom songs of the Civil Rights Era.

The demand of RSVPs for the noon film release has prompted a call for a second show to be presented on Wednesday.

After its release, a special showing will be held at Union Baptist Church on Sunday, February 12, 2012 following the morning service.

Red Tails, The Movie

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:47:00 +0000

Mr. Donnie Glover has put together a very nice collage for the "Red Tails" movie. The Men's League of Union Baptist Church is taking the young men of the church and community to see the movie this Saturday. I'm going to take my father to see it as well.

Promote this movie; it took 20 years to make it. Our collective support can pave the way for positive stories such as this to be produced.

Red Tails

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:43:00 +0000

2. Red Tails (LucasFilm/Fox) NEW [2,512 Theaters]
Friday $6M, Saturday $8.7M, Weekend $19M

Hollywood studios were stunned by how well the No. 2 film, George Lucas banner film Red Tails, did in matinees Friday. Until they discovered that the Lucasfilm/Twentieth Century Fox movie’s marketing inside the African-American community resulted in busloads of schoolkids and midday filmgoers for the Tuskegee Airmen’s true story. Despite fears that this pic appeared very frontloaded, it went up a whopping +40% from Friday ot Saturday and kept surprising by flying towards $20M. It boasted an ’A’ CinemaScore from audiences. Historians and critics chide this film as a whitewash. Directed by Anthony Hemingway (Treme) it had a stream of other writers working on it over the years but John Ridley (who also has story credit) and Aaron McGruder receive screenplay credit. Rick McCallum and Charles Floyd Johnson receive full producer credit.

It took Lucas all the way from 1988 to 2009 to get this pic in production, and he’s been bitter in interviews about the lack of support from major studios for the film. Like he couldn’t bankroll it from the start — which he ultimately did. Reports say he covered the cost of production with his own money, and provided another $35M for distribution. In an interview on The Daily Show on January 9th, Lucas claimed the majors balked at the all-black cast and didn’t think there was any overseas market for the film. Lucasfilm’s knack for creating aerial battles was used here along with high-def Sony F35 cameras. Also talented actors like Terrence Howard, Bryan Cranston, and Cuba Gooding Jr. Both Howard (Hart’s War) and Gooding (HBO’s film) have portrayed Tuskegee Airmen previously. According to production notes, Lucasfilm invited some of the surviving Tuskegee Airmen to Skywalker Ranch and interviewed them about their WWII experiences. Lucasfilm also had access to the original mission logbooks used by some of the

This is the Day that the Lord Has Made

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:09:00 +0000

"Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18

Yesterday during the morning service, my nephew recited the names of the Presidents of the

United States

beginning with George Washington. He paused after saying the name of Bush 43. He recited the 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The power of the speech coming from the lips of an eleven year old was reinforced when after the speech, he then said the name of our 44th President, Barack H. Obama. The entire congregation was moved, almost to tears. Following his presentation a soloist sang, "Precious Lord."

To achieve freedom in our land one will need spiritual freedom first. After which I believe you can grow in grace and knowledge.

Today, we have much to be thankful. Today, we still have work to do.

I remember standing on the steps in front of the Capital in January 1983 when Stevie Wonder took the stage and released the song, "Happy Birthday."

Later Ronald Reagan signed into law the legislation that would make today a national holiday in honor of The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dale Carnegie Training

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:51:00 +0000

"A man that hath a friend must show himself friendly." Proverbs 24:18

I had a pleasant surprise this morning as I watched morning television prior to going to church. There was a segment on the morning show describing the work of the Dale Carnegie Training. It is estimated they have trained over 8 million people around the world with their techniques for "Winning Friends and Influencing People." This is their 100 year anniversary. How marvelous to think that an idea would be so powerful and a man's concept would be so well received. Adding to the joy of watching the segment was the interview with its President, Mr. Peter Handel. He does epitomize the philosophy of his organization. He is an astute businessman with a compassionate heart for service. I'm proud to call him and his wife my friends.

Life's Choices?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:55:00 +0000

"Choose this day whom ye shall serve..." Joshua 24:15

Dr. Howard Thurman once wrote, “a dilemma is the kind of problem that a man faces when live options, alternatives, are presented to him, any one of which is not quite a satisfying solution to the problem that confronts him."

In life, we find that the choices before us are not clear cut. They are not simply black or white, yes or no, right or left. Life has many grey areas. Life has many borderlines. How do you decide how to make the right choice when confronted with so many options?

Even as I write this, there is no easy answer. Life is situational, and it is always transitional. Therefore, each one of us is constantly faced with decisions and choices in life.

Our vision is blurred. We only have the benefit of microscopic vision. We sometimes can see the little things. We need the benefit of macroscopic vision, the ability to see the big picture. Some have a periscopic vision, the ability to look around.

Before you today and tomorrow will always be choices. Choose wisely your life depends upon it.

Mr. Tavon Austin

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:44:00 +0000

You may wonder who is this young man pictured in my blog this morning. His name is Tavon Austin, who plays for West Virginia University's football team. He's also from East Baltimore and played for Dunbar High Schools' football team.

Scripture asks the question, "can anything good come from Nazareth." Given all the negative press about Baltimore via "The Wire" and daily news. You might ask can anything good come from Baltimore?

In this instance, the answer is yes.

Tavon Austin and West Virginia played one of the greatest football games in Orange Bowl history when they beatClemson last night: 70 - 33.

My hat is off to Mr. Austin and wish him the best that life; his skills, and God can offer to him.

Life's Merry Go Round

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:22:00 +0000

"As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly." Proverbs 26:11(NKJV)

It's the fourth day in 2K12. Do you find yourself doing the same things that you did last year? Is your routine the same? Are your options the same? Do you feel like your life is a merry-go-round?

The unfortunate reality is for some people old habits are hard to break. Continuing the same patterns, visiting the same places, hanging around with the same people reinforces for some that life is only a merry-go-round, and that you are spinning in circles.

How do you get off of life's merry-go-round? How do you keep your life from spinning in circles? How do you experience the new mercies promised that you are to see each day?

These are good questions. The Psalmist reminds us to, "look to the hills from whence cometh our strength; our strength comes from the Lord."

To change your patterns, don't look around, don't look back, learn how to look up.

You Will be Fed

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:40:00 +0000

"That year they ate of the produce of Canaan" Joshua 5:12

This is my first post of 2K12. I want to encourage someone who is wondering whether this year will be any different than last year.

I know you have been wondering and wondering what will alter your course? What will change the trajectory that your life is traveling? You have spent the last two days in prayer and meditation asking for the windows of heaven to open and to pour you out a blessing.

Good News!

This is the year that you will enjoy and eat the fruits of your labor. This is the year of your breakthrough. God has prepared you for this moment in time. He has strengthened your prayer and devotional life. He will respond to the deepest yearnings of your heart. God does answer prayer!

As you continue into 2K12, I ask you to focus upon the small miracles you are experiencing. That is God's reinforcing actions to let you know He is with you. The things that heretofore you have taken for granted. God operates within the small crevices of our lives.

Yes, He can do the miraculous. Yes, He can do the spectacular. What God always does is the small miracles that bless our lives everyday. Learn to count the small blessings. Learn to find peace in the comfort of knowing God is always available to you. If you understand this truth, this will be the year that you will eat the produce of God's great land.

Time is in God's Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:25:00 +0000

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God...For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." Psalms 90: 2 - 4

Like most people, I will watch the clock move from 11:59 p.m. on December 31st to 12:00 a.m. on January 1st. I will proclaim, "Happy New Year."

It's an age-old ritual to sing, "May old acquaintance be forgot." In reality, very little changes within one's life by the simple movement of the hands on a clock; t change happens within one own spirit, mind, and soul. It happens when one makes a decision to either do something or refrain from doing something. It's not about New Year Resolutions. It's about changing habits, practices, and patterns. It's about adopting a new paradigm.

What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing? Well, January 1, 2012 is a Sunday. Why don't you begin your change by attending a Synagogue, Mosque, Church or a place of Worship?

2012 will be a year of miracles, if you only believe!

Three Men in Baltimore with Power

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:52:00 +0000

People in Baltimore may not quickly recognize the men in the picture. Left to right, they are Willard Hackerman, Chairman and President of Whiting and Turner Construction, Robert Embry, President, Abel Foundation, and Peter Angelos, Owner, Baltimore Orioles.

The influence of these three men extends to all areas of our community.

I met today with Bob Embry to review progress in the City for the past year and to identify areas for potential growth in the coming year.

I left my meeting with a greater sense of urgency for members of the faith community to become more adept at navigating the waters of public policy and public financing.

If Baltimore is to grow, it will need people from every social strata sitting at the table of economic opportunity. The protest era is long gone. This is the era of negotiating and brokering power relationships and alliances.

The dreams and aspirations of a lot of people will hinge upon our ability to create change from within the system that benefits those who are outside the system.

Faithful Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +0000

"Devote yourselves to prayer." Colossians 4:2

Like many people, I have friends from different faith communities. My Jewish and Muslim friends are devoted to regular prayer. When I'm in meetings with them at their appointed prayer hour, they stop and pray. For my Christian colleagues, I offer this suggestion that in 2012, we devote ourselves to more fervent prayer. Within the Christian, community can you imagine the effect of us stopping to pray five or six times a day? The effect would be powerful and demonstrate a belief in God that is unshakable. Therefore, I suggest we join our Jewish and Muslim colleagues and devote ourselves to faithful prayer in 2012.

Mr. Michael B. Mitchell

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:42:00 +0000

I met today with Mr. Michael B. Mitchell. We had an amazing conversation that was historical, practical and monumental. He is a deep and profound thinker with a unique grasp of history and the roles we must play to continue the race. I look forward to working with him in 2012. I grew up in the shadows of him and his brothers. C3 is my political godfather. Keiffer is my physician. My prayers go out to George, my childhood playmate. Continue the struggle! The race is not given to the swift, but to those who endure.

Going to the Movies with My Family

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:39:00 +0000

Yesterday was absolutely fabulous. Today I'm going to the movies. Tom Cruise has a new film for the holidays - Mission Impossible 4. The experiences of life are made special when you take someone special with you. I'm taking my family to the movies. Time spent together is divine.

Also, movies provide a kind of escape from the routine of life. I never take a movie seriously. It's entertainment!

What I take serious is the strengthening of my faith in God.

Happy New Year and enjoy every moment of life.

The Gift of Salvation

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Al Hathaway) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Merry Christmas! This morning's sermon will unpack the most important gift that God gives: The Gift of Salvation. Matthew 1: 18 - 25 discloses that Jesus Christ came to save us. When you think about the moral, mental, and the man made dilemmas we face everyday, how can you navigate the quicksand terrain of this reality. I would argue you need a greater reality. The greater reality is that we come from God, we should live with God and that we go to God. The middle premise is the one that cause us difficulty. How to live with God? Jesus Christ provides the answer. We are to walk humbly before the Almighty God.