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Not again Spike Lee versus Tyler Perry
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Tyler Perry & Spike Lee
I ran across news that just made me shake my head in disappointment. Normally, I do not speak on race or race issues, because I believe that God does not see color. He sees the hearts of men and our deeds. There is no racism in heaven, therefore, most times when I run across race related articles and news, I bypass them. However, one thing that has always managed to get me a little edgy is an issue that plagues some in my very own race.
Today was a reminder of how far we have come and how far we have to go as a race. Headline news: Spike Lee has referred to Tyler Perry's movies as coonery and buffoonery. I didn't even have to watch the video to know where this was headed. One black man that has gathered immense success is tearing down another one that is on his heels. While I do not favor anyone over the other, I am just a fan of a good movie. I am, however, particular to comedies. Most of Tyler's success has been because he created a character that is reminiscent of someone many blacks are familiar with. Whether you know a Madea or not, the antics are funny. Spike Lee makes more serious movies that detail issues in the black community. Then there are movies like 'Bamboozled' and 'Jungle Fever,' which are part of Spike Lee's portfolio and could be labeled coonery.
His statement brought back memories as far back as Mia Campbell trying to shut down Tyra Bank's career when she was just a newbie to the infamous Jesse Jackson, quote on quote, "accidentally" blurting out snide remarks regarding then Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama. What's more disturbing is that rarely do the very ones that take time out to bash one another do this with any other race. As a matter of fact, they don't do it until intimidation rears it's colorful fangs.
I did the research. Spike Lee began directing movies back in 1986, so that is more than two decades under his belt and his films have brought in a total gross of $371,768,625, while Tyler Perry debuted his first play in 2000 and has a total gross earnings of $371,092,802. The numbers show that in Tyler's less than decade spring to fame, he is garnering success at such a rate that before the year is out, he will have out grossed Mr. Lee. This is no reason to display this far too uncalled for professional jealousy. If one speaks the truth, he speaks the truth, but why are Spike Lee and Jesse Jackson and others like them going on record to exploit those on a like trail? Why are they not talking about the misguidance of our youth from rappers who promote sex, violence and the love of money?
The sad truth is, race or no race, coveting is sin. What God has for me, is for me and what God has for you is for you. While one may work decades to gather success, sometimes, another rises up, works a few months and outshines you. Complaining never caused God to reconsider His choice to bless the other, it simply displays for Him the condition of your heart and causes Him to reconsider blessing you. "Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou? Or thy work, He hath no hands?" (Isaiah 45:9) We have no right to question God about His choices. While the Enemy makes some that serve him rich, which is the purchase price for their soul, we must continue to look to the hills from whence cometh our help. Our help cometh from the Lord. We can not walk a straight line if we are focusing on someone else's steps.
You may be righteous, doing whatever it takes to be a good servant of God and notice that someone that does nothing for God seems to have better things, more money and less problems. Consider his plight. While he may have more on earth, often times, God was not the giver of what is viewed as his blessings. Those very things can be and most times are a curse upon him. Read this passage from Matthew 19:26-22:
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
The only thing that hindered this man's salvation was his riches. Sometimes, we allow ourselves to look into another's life and covet their curse because discernment is not present. God said," My people die from lack of knowledge." If we know the Word of God, we should not allow jealousy, envy or strife creep into our hearts. The bible says where there is strife, there is every evil thing. Sometimes, you need to pay attention to the adjectives. Every is inclusive. There is nothing excluded.
Men and women of God, whether you are black, white, yellow or red, we need to love one another as God loves us. Stop with this backbiting and gossip. There are no blessings in sin, only curses. Each time you take the time out to attempt to belittle someone else, God sees it and as a result, you bring His Wrath upon you. Let's stay focused and Kingdom minded.
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