Mark Hensley
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Mark Hensley commented on Religion and the Black Community on May 1, 2009, 12:38 AM
I listened to the rationale that God finds his way into everything Black folks do, and I agree to a point with the articulated dichotomy between the two strands, social and prosperity gospel. I believe their are additional reasons as well as a nexus pertaining to the two gospel strands. One reason is that black people have a very large disparity in health care that leads to premature death, on the surface age is the least cause. The usual suspects, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart attack, asthma and stroke reminds us of the people we all knew, who died so young. We have no answer for this, because what happened to them is the least understood phenomena of death. At the point of death, the living catalogue, mix and mingle prosperity and social gospel. When death is the context, you will hear comments like "Willie didn't have "nuthin" but the clothes on his back. And at the same time, you will hear about how certain family members are lining up to fight over Willie's belongings. Evidence of such behavior is the greedy, loud relative, who has a key and locks the door to keep everyone out, as he/she picks and chooses who gets what, if anything in the residence. My point here is that the social and prosperity gospels merge at the point of the funeral, and it surfaces during remarks of the deceased. It also emerges because a lack of health care keeps many of us on our knees for two reasons; because of the doppleganger, pain and prayer. It is for these reasons, God is in everything that black folks do, much sooner than later as demonstrated by a greater reach and frequency of suffering to some, death to others. Excuse the pun, but to many of us, whatever happens, God is the reason for the season.
Mark Hensley commented on What inspires you? on April 30, 2009, 9:19 PM
On a more personal note, I believe that inspiration is the basic ingredient to maintain one's dignity particularly in these trying times. Inspiration does not have to be a huge event, it can be a subtle nuance, privately touching your heart by a distant yet sweet memory. For me, inspiration comes from a distant memory; a memory of Grandma McNeely sitting me on her lap as a child. That memory! The one that rose from beneath the shadows of a long time ago giving me a reflection today, of a precious moment in my childhood more than 30 years ago. It's like looking into space and understanding the concept of light years away. And with a child-like fervor, I can hear this little boy's voice say, Grandma, "I love you to the moon." Then I pause for the moment, and I think how "Grandmamas baby" has grown up. She would be so proud and happy to know, her grandson was raised to be a gentleman and he still is. She emphasized reading and writing, even penmanship, boy, would she marvel at my words today. I think on those things, and it gives me a new oxygen in the room, a deep purposeful inhalation to get on with it. To do my best everyday. If I fall or fail, I am not defined by either, but to get up and try again. I need that breath of fresh air every "now and again." Tomorrow, I must somehow create new memories and pass it on to Daddy's baby girl.
I am a single father, a retired military chaplain and entrepreneur. I love to learn and fancy writing. I have worked in the Defense Industry alongside bench scientists to prepare the nation's stock piles as the U.S. readies itself to thwart bio-terrorism. My work in the pharmaceutical industry had several specialties, sleep science and respiratory disorders. I have worked in local, state and national politics, mainly in the legislature. I served in the Army with Field Artillery, Infantry and within an Armor Battalion. Half of my career was in Top Secret communications, the other half a Chaplain. Currently, I serve as a consultant in brand management at Allstate Insurance Company and Color Design Innovations a digital print multimedia company.
Mark Hensley commented on Jim Taylor on the Hypocrites of the Green Revolution on May 1, 2009, 5:02 AM
I wonder how Mr. Taylor would explain, how Lexus has been able to marshall this hybrid technology that GM has such a difficult time in bringing to market. Not only has this Japanese luxury car maker utilized it in the lower echelon Toyota Prius, but throughout the Lexus line up, effectively surpassing General Motors. It would seem that the customer did not have to difficult of a time parting with our cash in this instance. GM missed the Green opportunity, when they crushed the EV1. It is for this reason, GM is maddening to the home crowd. The lithium ion battery may be rocket science, but that is no excuse for the leading American luxury car manufacturer. Traxxas a leading radio control company for hobbyists of remote control nitro and battery powered vehicles have it figured out. It is incomprehensible Cadillac is stooped on either front. The next thing GM comes out with is the Chevy Volt. A 4,000 pound $40,000 car. This Chevrolet is the crown jewel of GM hybrid technology, not Cadillac. What gives?