God Loves Golf, He Allows Mulligans

 God is able to blot out your sins and He will not remember them anymore Isaiah 43.25 

In golf sometimes a golfer is given a second chance which allows the player to do a particular move or action again. Mainly, the shot will not be tallied on the score card. As humans we make mistakes error, because we are no where near perfect. So it stands to reason that in life we should be able to ask for second chances however they are hardly granted.

In the eyesight of God he allows us to have Mulligans. God’s second chances are called forgiveness. Forgiveness is an opportunity to be exonerated from a sin. Many Christians feel that despite the fact you humbly asked forgiveness God still holds that sin over your head. Unlike man, the Heavenly Father does not. He clearly states that once we ask He forgets. God does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103: 10-12. God is able to blot out your sins and He will not remember them anymore Isaiah 43.25 Only humans have the problem with letting go or forgiving.

Let us take advantage of the Mulligans in life take it to the Father who can really allow a do over. So as it is written "For if you forgive men when they sin against you your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But, if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Mat 6:14-15
Remember God does forgive and allow second chances in life. Ask for yours.

Tigner J. 

Your PATIENCE can be a Virtue

There is an old saying, I’m sure we have all heard in our life time; Patience is a virtue. When hearing this quote one has to ask what is patience? It is the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, or irritation. Now I don’t know about you but it has taken a life time for me attain a few of these qualities. It is still a work in progress. Now virtue is moral excellence; goodness; righteousness conformity of one's life and conduct to moral and ethical principles; uprightness; rectitude. Many of you possess attributes of virtue however your misfortunes, pains, or irritation impedes your development of patience. Realize, there is still hope with some effort you can develop endurance which will give you the strength to handle storms, run life’s races, or climb rough mountains. The reward will be for those who wait on the LORD which shall renew your strength; you shall mount up with wings like eagles, you shall run and not be weary, you shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Why is it hard for people to gain patience or find it a challenge to wait through the storm for their break through? One quick simple answer is society has conditioned us to believe that we can get what we want instantaneously, with no wait. We see and hear the subliminal messages daily from various marketing campaigns; why one should not go home and cook a wholesome meal when you can stop by the grocer and pick up an eight piece meal for only $8.99! Or how about complete meals in a bag that can be cooked in a microwave in less than twenty minutes! Don’t leave out instant coffee, ATM machines, and our favorite fast food restaurants. Personally, I love home cook meals (smile).

How does this affect our living habits and Christian beliefs? It desensitizes us to the point that we expect and look for all aspects of our lives to respond the same way. When we pray we want an answer instantly. You’ve prayed for a break through, jobs, answers from doctors, friends and family members and when there is no response, many have gone as far as to demand God to quickly answer our prayers and when our patience has grown short due to no reply we find it quite appalling causing many to abandon the Father. Remember God is the Father He does not operate on a time schedule regardless as to how bad the situation may appear. According to the word be patient and wait on the Lord; He will turn to you and hear your cry. Psalm 40:1

James 1:3-6 sums up what it takes to strengthen our patience. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubt is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
One analogy I often quote to describe time and patience; it’s like watching a tree grow you can’t expect to plant a tree today and be capable to bare fruit tomorrow. The Tree has to go through the germination process, sprout, grow, mature and then produce. That course of action takes many years. In comparison, we may have to go through many trials, tribulations, and wavering faith before reaching a level of patience before one can yield fruit or reach the prize!
To bring this story closer to life another great illustration on patience is of a man who watched a caterpillar as it headed into the next development stages of life. This man quietly waited as the transformation of change took place. When the metamorphosis was complete the new butterfly began its break through the chrysalis. Struggling to free its wings the man felt compelled to assist by gently cutting away the casing which liberated the butterfly. Thinking he has done a great deed this man’s impatience created a disaster, the butterfly cannot fly. For you see the great effort it takes a butterfly to break out its part of building wing strength which will enable flight.
Don’t be like the impatient man, Learn from the butterfly by fighting through your obstacles while growing in faith. Make your virtue a necessity; seek God through prayer which will allow you to make the best of a difficult or unsatisfactory situation. You can win in the end keeping your faith growing patience and continue trusting in God!

Tigner Rand
For more posts check http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/

The True Vine in a Dry season

Good vines bring forth good fruit

I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me and me in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Dry seasons of life

For many seasons my life was stagnant. There was drought, No growth and no signs of relief - so it appeared.

 No matter the direction of choice, every road was a dead end. It was one disappointment after another followed by frustration and discuss. I searched for my purpose revisited my passion(s), and even questioned why I was here. For each inquiry was a negative response despite the fact the HOLY SPIRIT was speaking to me all along. Setbacks can cause a person to feel like a failure, especially when you loose connection with Christ which later leads to questioning God. As soon as uncertainty synchronizes in ones spirit, Christians (people) have a tendency to withdraw and detach from God.

Jesus the true vine

Jesus spoke of Himself as the ‘True Vine’ in John 15. If Jesus is really in our lives as the true vine only we can hold ourselves back from growth.
Sure a person can make a case that by their own doing life is progressing and increasing dividends. Please realize by excluding God in your plans you limit your potential growth! When storms come in your life you will not be able to withstand them alone. As a result of not having a direct link to the ‘true vine’ - Jesus Christ - you are doing nothing. Your personal growth and upward mobility will surely fall just as the man who built his house on sand; without a foundation it could not withstand the storms Luke 6:48-49.

Jesus Christ confirmed this by saying “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” As a result of getting a ‘direct hook-up’ with Christ you have to abide in Him as well as His word.

 There is no doubt trials and tribulations will come again. But let it also be known, the closer we walk with Jesus, the more Satan attempts to tamper with our weaknesses. However by walking in faith God will see us through! Hallelujah!

Find your connection to the true vine; Christ will not lead us astray. ...If God be for us who can be against us?” Romans 9:31.

All Mighty and merciful Father,
Thank you for sending your Son Jesus the Christ allowing us the opportunity to be redeemed from all our sins and have a chance to receive eternal life! Thank you for being the True Vine the branch that can produce and reproduce goodness for eternity. Lord I pray asking that you will rally around all readers connecting them to your vine and enabling them to grow spiritually. Allow their branches to bear fruit: Fruits of love, compassion, honesty, faith, creativity and helpfulness. May each reader find their purpose and to be in your will. We can do all things through you Lord as long as we stay connected to you. May these words be received by you and may blessings fall upon all that read. These things I pray in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Tigner Rand 

The Desires of your Heart

Desires of the Heart

There is a man named Blake who works hard for his family of four. He manages to live a modest life. He is a caring, loving and giving man who would lend a hand or give his last dollar to any person under the pretense of getting a blessing in return. 

On paper, Blake believes in the Holy Trinity: The Father Son and the Holy Spirit, occasionally attends church and only pray when he has trouble. As the sands of time flowed in his life, he begin worrying about evildoers and corrupt people,  who don't believe in God. They are happier and financially secure while Blake’s life spirals closer to a dismal end. He is just two pay checks away from being without a roof over his head.

A Generous Heart

There is Joyce, a woman of God with eight children from 10 to 28 years old. Since the passing of her husband Joyce has managed to maintain her house. She has kept the family together, food on the table, bills paid, and put three children through college. Joyce is always full of joy with a kind word to say everyday. Joyce is a generous person, giving from the heart with no false pretense. This woman’s cup continuously overflows with blessing for her and others.

Envious Heart

Two people who both accept Jesus Christ as being true. Both are caring and giving individuals. Blake has a small family while Joyce has a large brood. Why is it such a contrasting difference in their blessings? One would assume that Joyce would be the one struggling, disgusted, and questioning why her prayers have not been answered on the other hand she is happy blessed and highly favored. Based on this situation there are loads of legitimate discussion points we could focus on: Pride, Self-righteousness, being Humble, giving from the heart, trust, faith and the list can go on. But for this topic of dialogue I’m focusing on not being envious.

We all know someone who depicts the lives of Blake and Joyce. It’s also safe to say many of us may portray some of these attributes albeit the good or bad traits. By all means there is yet another sect of people who will argue the point that God has not given you your desires, yet you keep knocking, seeking, all while trying to get an answer just as Jesus told us in Matt. 7:7. Often times God don’t always make sense on how and when he will answer our prayers and desires. We have to implement what David wrote “Trust in the Lord, delight yourself in him and commit your way to the Lord.” Psalms 37:3-7. Reading these verses David emphasized the word trust several times which tells us trusting in God is the key to your desires. Remember trust is a form of faith. However to get the wishes we also need to rest, commit, don’t worry and wait patiently on the Lord. By doing this God shall bring to pass the desires of your heart.

The question you need to ask yourself is “Can you not be envious of men who “have it all” and not believers? Can you not worry about the evil doer nor be envious because the day will come when they are cut down like grass Psalms 37:1. The solution is for us to REALLY become committed, trusting, and not worrying. But most important patiently on God by aligning ourselves with Christ by asking to be in his Will as well as learn to TRUST Him. 

A Sharing Heart 

A sharing heart allows you to give ungrudging to those less fortunate your:

• Time 
• Talent
• Treasures 

Regardless to your current state - Blake or Joyce - maintain a praising heart to God during the excellent and unpleasant times. Have a caring heart, and love others as you love yourself. No matter what render your heart to God and he will bless you with the desires of your heart.

Tigner J. Rand
For more posts check http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/

When God appears far away I questioned him

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?   Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalms 22:1

Not too long ago I questioned my faith at every crossroad. Was the Holy Spirit with me or was I home alone. Though I professed my faith in Christ my mind played tricks on me. I questioned God. Lord my life does not make sense. Doubt found a small breech in my foundation of faithfulness. I wanted to give up.

When God appears far away

David was hand picked by God. He slayed Goliath, and was chosen the next heir to Saul. David was a man after God’s own heart. Despite all God’s bestowed blessings David encountered emotional despair.  Why Lord do you stand far off?  Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?  Psalms 10:1

Did God forsake me? No. Though it appeared that God was far from David as heaven is to earth he confirmed that God was still in control. In you our ancestors put their trust they trusted and you delivered them Psalms 22:4.

As the ocean tides ebb and flow I learned to trust in God’s word no matter how unstable a situation may appear. Every day is confirmation God has blessed me. When bad days rise God expects me to rely on my faith in Him. To dig through tribulation, trust in his word. As with David my valley is only temporary.

The paradigm shift

I focused on these steps as I developed my Spiritual relationship with Christ.  

+ Never-ending prayer [conversation]

+ Seeking to improve self spiritually

+Trusting more in every word

+In return God made his presence known through the Holy Spirit

Spirit over Flesh

When operating in the flesh I was frustrated and unable to maintain a clear mindset. As I leaned more on His word it was evident He never left me nor forsaken me. God was always present.

Don’t give up no matter how hard the journey. Trust more in God and express it through prayer and praise. Lift your eyes unto the hills from whence cometh your help Psalms 121.  In exchange God will fulfill his word by making the expedition just a bit easier. Keep the faith and allow God to complete his masterpiece which is you!

Let us pray:
Lord, in the name of Jesus I doubt that you are with me. I am questioning your love, joy and peace. Help me trust in your word. Remove my disbelief. Make your word clear so it will lead me in to trusting you more. Give me the strength not to give up and continue to grow into the warrior you created me to be. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. No weapons can form against me if I trust and obey your word.  Lord Bless every reader of your word. This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. - Amen

You Can’t Change History… with an * Asterisk

Reggie Bush gives back Heisman Trophy

Yet again college sports are tainted with misdoing, corruption and illegal dealings. Because of these ill will endeavors, The University of Southern California has decided to rub out the legacy of former running back Reggie Bush.
“The school will remove jerseys, photographs and all awards that Bush won during his career. They have also decided to remove Bush’s Heisman Trophy that sat next to other USC greats such as O.J. Simpson, Matt Leinart, Carson Palmer, Marcus Allen, and Charles White.”What ever the unethical circumstances, man cannot change history or put an asterisk in books to notate an amendment and think that is a fix all to a predicament. Is there a better way to deal with wronged occurrence? Could it be a form of pride, betrayal or an opportunity to let people know man can do as he pleases and everything will be alright? Regardless the fact, calculated steps are taken to change the past by notating and taking away metals and awards remember the event/task was done and no man can take that away.

Let me be the first to say the thought has crossed my mind if I could only recapture a moment in time and had resources to persuade times past to allow me to rewind life I would do it! There are a few stops I would have to make: my high school days (to right all the wrongs), Jim Crow, The Holocaust, premature death of love ones (I never knew), world wars, and Slavery. As far fetched as this ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty fantasy is why does man continuously try to change history with a swift action of a pen? My message today is for us to not to repeat history; not to debate how, why, or to whom these asterisk notations in sports history tend to lean toward but to take a look how God dealt with situations like this in the Bible.

The story of David and Bathsheba, 2Samuel 11 is a biblical depiction of David, who was a man after God’s own heart, tried to erase history (sin). As the story goes, David saw a beautiful woman bathing and later found out it was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. David sent messengers to get her. She came and he slept with her. (She purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived got pregnant. In David’s attempt to put an asterisk in History he placed Uriah in the front line of the war where he would surely be struck down and die. As expected Uriah died and David moved Bathsheba into his house where she gave birth to a son. God was displeased with the actions David did. God made it clear that David’s measures to right a wrong would not go unpunished first by the death of child.
2Samuel 12:11-23 In spite of this God is a forgiving father! He later blessed David with a new son named Solomon.

In life, we have all fallen short of the Glory of God through sin. Many don’t realize it but God’s desire for us all is healing and restoration. What ever your burdens are you have attempted to erase and place an asterisk by remember the way to receive restoration and remove the blemishes is through the Son of God the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ. Don’t allow pride, guilt, or the power of your mind keep you from being forgiven. Take time today and humble yourself, ask God to forgive you. If you don’t know what to say just repeat the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Tigner J.- The Thought Provoker

God got it under control

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. Ecclesiastes 7:14

Photo: Tigner J.

“Where did all the blue skies go? Oil wasted on the ocean fish full of mercury, Ah things ain’t what they use to be. Over and over you can be sure there will be sorrow but you will endure. Where there's a flower there's the sun and the rain Oh and its wonderful there both one in the same.“


Throughout our existence we are confronted with good and bad situations. Marvin Gaye and Frankie Beverly both duly noted life’s balance through song which enlighten us; people can’t have good without bad or joy without pain. Marvin’s cry for Mercy along with Frankie’s acceptance of Joy & Pain they are both one in the same. God also made it clear through Solomon in this scripture no matter what come to pass in living be happy during the good as well as the bad. How we choose to deal with them is entirely up to us.


Consider Job, who God stated “No one in the world is like him! He is a man of integrity: He is decent, he fears God, and he stays away from evil. And he still holds on to his principles.” Job 2:3 Job was a wealthy man, in all aspects was very proud and happy man who in a blink of an eye lost everything; family, including seven sons and three daughters, money, livestock. Job was bankrupt in today’s equation of worth. Despite the fact he faced misfortune in such great magnitude Job did not sin or blame God for doing anything wrong, he tried to find the balance between good and bad but most importantly he could not determine his future. With an attempt to put this in prospective in our lives I don’t think the average man could have withstood any lost of this enormity and find himself standing, not complaining, questioning God, and most definitely not be happy.


Misfortune should teach us to consider the fact as we are paid a visit of various stages of “good and evil” events we need to be reminded that no matter what tomorrow my bring God got it under control. The pain and weeping may endure for night or season but joy will come in the morning.


Be encouraged don’t give up the good fight and remember to pray as well as pray for others.


Tigner J.

Deniece Williams- God Is Amazing

You are a Leader! (insert your name here)

If you don’t like my leading then you lead – Benjamin Hooks

If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully – Romans 12: 7-9

Team Leader

Yes you are a leader

Webster’s dictionary defines a Leader as a person who guides or directs over an army, or political group. Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart was quoted “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.”

A large number of people (me included) have leadership traits but choose not to seize the opportunity. Despite the fact we enhance the self-esteem of others and direct them to do immeasurable tasks! This is an attribute of a leader.

Biblical leaders

The Bible depicts many great leaders – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, and others. Take Apostle Paul who demonstrated a remarkable example of true leadership. In Acts Chapter 27, Paul was a prisoner on board a ship heading to face Caesar. Though he was a prisoner, he took charge and told the guards that their voyage was going to be disastrous. The Centurion guards did not take heed. They set sail directly into winter storms. Through out the tedious journey Paul, continuously empowered himself as a leader by the guidance of an angel of God.  Acts27:25-26 

 A true leader is close enough to a situation to relate and mentally ahead to motivate. That was Paul.  A great leader must have faith.  Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 

What sets great leaders apart?

To a certain extent, society perceives great leaders as powerful and influential. They have political prowess or CEOs of corporations. Just because a corporation is profitable does not mean they have a great leader at the helm.

Executives [people] get caught up in making money at any price opposed to how they can teach, instruct and lead others to reaching their highest potential. As the old proverb goes give a man a fish you feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. “True leadership is about bettering the lives of the people around you. That is a simple idea, but far too few people don’t follow it,” stated journalist Shaun Rein.

Leadership opportunities

At many junctures in life we are close enough to a situation to relate but far enough ahead to motivate. This is that leadership opportunity.  However this is typically when we run. The mind conjures up a plethora of reasons why you should not lead – time, willingness to commit, fear, and doubt. What is your reason?

You may not be in charge of an organization, group or church committee however there are situations where you can step out, take the lead. “Great leaders are those who are willing to give up something to help the little person.” Fear, doubt, lacking faith are no options.

Stand up! Stand up today and be the leader that you were called to be! 

Tigner Rand 

Offended and cannot not forgive

 Read:  Matthew 18:15-35

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15

 

Good Morning!

At some point in our lives, we have all been hurt by words, actions, or deeds. What is your approach to handling the situation? Do you forgive or seek an opportunity for revenge?

 Six-year-old Kai Leigh Harriott was a cheerful and contented child. Kai Leigh Harriott is now paralyzed. She was struck by a stray bullet, rendering her permanently unable to walk. The little girl, who was both brave and gentle in her demeanor, confronted the person in court who had wronged her. "I forgive you for what you did to me, even though it was wrong."

 

If you were put in a difficult and traumatic situation, what would be your response? Do you think your soul would be overwhelmed with feelings of resentment and wrath? Would you approach the situation with forgiveness, or would you harbor anger and bitterness in your spirit?

 

 When Peter inquired Jesus about forgiving someone who sins against us seven times, Jesus replied that we must not limit it to just seven times, but rather forgive them seventy times seven (Matthew 6:21-6:22).

 

Being offended can cause individuals to experience both physical and emotional distress. The act of forgiveness is often forgotten and lost in the depths of the mind. It is difficult to imagine forgiving someone 490 times. Dear God, it feels challenging for us to exhibit boundless forgiveness. Although it may be difficult, His wish is for us to show forgiveness.

 

It should be noted that Jesus did not commit any wrongdoing. He was still crucified, beaten severely, had thorns placed on his head, was nailed to a cross, and had his side pierced. As Jesus hung on the cross, he had every reason to feel anger. Jesus' last words, according to Luke 23:32-34, included a request for forgiveness for those who caused his death: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

 

When faced with hurtful actions or words, it can be difficult to forgive. However, Jesus' example of boundless forgiveness and the example of little Kai Leigh Harriott, who forgave the person who wronged her, can be a reminder to us that forgiveness is possible and is the path to peace and healing.

.

Prayer of forgiveness

If you are having a difficult time forgiving someone repeat this prayer. 

Father in the name of Jesus I have sinned against your word because I have not forgave people who offended me. Holy Spirit I seek your strength. Enable me to forgive those who have transgressed against me. Lord, today I forgive (Insert a person’s name). In the name of Jesus I ask that you restore Love in our hearts. Lord I ask that they have a forgiving heart and will power to forgive those who transgressed against them. These and all things will be granted and restored in the name of Jesus. Amen.

My Children Talk Gibberish but I listen

I Love My Brother

Then there arose reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child and set him by him. “Who so ever shall receive this child in my name receives me: and who so ever shall receive me receives him that sent me. Luke 9:46-48



Listen to your children

Do you ever listen to your children or pay attention to their shallow school adventures? Jesus mentioned humility several times in Matthew. When we receive children in Jesus name we receive him Matt. 10:42 & 18:1-5.
In life we often choose to ignore children and disregard their conversation as complaining or silly gossip. Let’s face it is nothing but gibberish right?


God’s Blessing


When my children talk I listen. No matter how trivial it appears. God blessed my wife and me with two lovely children. They are out going, always showing affection and love to talk. Daily I see the Holy Spirit operating in them, through their actions and conversations. My son is inquisitive, while my daughter enlightens me with examples of how she spoke words of wisdom to friends.


On one occasion the Holy Spirit worked though my children. That event became the inspiration for this devotion. One evening they decided to play church. I, being preoccupied didn’t pay much attention until I was called into their circle of fun. With an audience of stuffed animals and Bible in hand, they asked me to preach. Initially reluctant, but I took the occasion to speak the word. This was a Just Do It moment and not a time to question God.


Was there a reason for me to preach/teach my children? Don’t know. Could I have continued with my undertaking? Yes, but I listened and used the occasion to edify the word of the Lord. Was it a message for the children to learn from? I may never know the intent for the impromptu bible class but one thing for certain LISTENING was the lesson.


God speaks to the hearts of your children. Humble yourself, receive, and learn from them. And remember God gave us two ears and one mouth for twice as much hearing and less talking!

Tigner James

The Grand Theater: Fort Worth, Texas A Picture is worth A Thousand words



By: Tigner Rand
The Grand Theater -Southside
Fort Worth, Texas - 1984

A theater painted on canvas could have no significant meaning.

Yet to many, this modest representation of a Black Historical landmark on Fort Worth Texas, Southside is reminiscent of childhood memories.

I was inspired many moons ago to paint this iconic location to capture the last twinkle of a once vibrant life-style surrounding Rosedale and Fabons Streets, Fort Worth's Southside. A hot July in 1984 froze in time. A photo archived my final chapter of an area’s transformation into a dormant state.

For many years this painting laid quiescent in my garage buried among other sketches and paintings of years gone by. At one time, The Grand Theater served as a beacon for natives of Fort Worth, Texas, connecting them one way or another to good-times, food, church or family gathering. Unbeknown to me did I realize that this restoration would be an evolution of flashbacks to ‘The good old days’.


A picture is worth a thousand words

This work of art has granted access to long forgotten images of my brain’s memory banks. Mental pictures emerged with crystal clear images. Childhood happy times materialized recalling weekend skating fun at Jolly Time Skate Rink, or that first kiss at the Poly Theater. Weekly rituals of Friday night football at Farrington Field, anticipated gravity defying basketball Ally-Oop's from Dunbar Flying Wildcats, cruising Don Carter bowling lanes, or just cooling out at the Car Wash on Berry St on a Saturday night. One cannot forget summer parties at the Forest Hill Club house, kicking back at old Bunche Park or Bar-b-que's in Sycamore Park! A picture can be more than a thousand words.

A New dawning

The Grand Theater -Southside
Fort Worth, Texas - 1984
photo by Tigner Rand

The Grand Theater was once home to a segregated world in Black America. But it also was the epitome of togetherness in a community. Where families would line up to see Hollywood’s greatest superstars on the silver screen, or children could fantasize of being a superhero.

As a reminder of history, The Grand sign still stands. Today the edifice houses 619 Productions, a community art center designed to revitalize a community and develop minds for the future.

So the next time you find yourself rummaging through discarded mementos, rediscover and chronicle those magical moments from photos, places, or visiting with childhood friends. Whatever your iconic landmarks, cultivate, cherish, and share them with others so they too can enjoy a piece of your memoirs!

Tigner Rand

After the Storm

“If you are going through storm after storm maybe you have not learned the lesson from your last storm.” – Marvin Sapp

I’ve come to the conclusion that in spite of how much praying and church going an individual may do, one is likely to have unpleasant circumstances in life or another way of saying it, dealt a bad hand. We are to be reminded of Paul who was given a thorn in the flesh (2 Cor 12:7-9). Paul prayed and cried to God the Father three times asking for the thorn to be removed but God’s reply was “My Grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. God does give reprise from the storms but he also wants us to realize that through our weakness and most vulnerable moment His grace is enough. …take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Cor. 12:10)Life’s trials can be overwhelming especially when you are trying to take the burden alone. Where you are in life right now; middle of depression, drowning in doubt, or faith is feeble, I’m here to remind you it will not last forever. The enemy has pressed you down so far it feels as though you are dead and your heart is in despair. (Psalms143:4) You are under attack. One of Christ’s quotes to remember is that He told us to take His yoke for my burden is easy. Allow Christ to take all your storms, worries and problems He knows what to do with them. Sure you say it is easier said than done only if you don’t believe in yourself and don’t put God to the test by releasing the burdens.


To conquer your tribulations or storms first pray to God in the name of Jesus asking for encouragement and the will power to standing strong. Then surround yourself with positive warriors for Christ. Jesus said when three or more come together in my name I will be in your presence. What does that mean? You have to place yourself with friends and family who can become a support system through the struggle and encourage you while going through the storm. Satan is forever busy and with all his power he is seeking the opportunity to bring you down.

God has used me as an instrument to write devotions as a mean of encouragement for me as well as others. Often times when storms stir up in my life I find comfort in worry oppose to writing a testimony (that was Satan trying to keep my pressed down.) Through the voice of a fellow Christian at work the Holy Spirit made it clear I should write more during my storms “for when I am weak, then am I strong”. Wow! God is using me to actually minister to me (as well as others)! Like wise you cannot continuously beat the drum of depression in your life. Allow God to manipulate your weakness and break down the walls of despair so that is Power of the Holy Spirit can bring peace to the storm as well as grow in you.
He makes the storm calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Psalm 107:29