The Top Two Things to Leave in 2022

The Top Two Things to Leave in 2022 if you want to grow spiritually during the new year.?

On second thought, if spiritual growth is not your goal these suggestions are still better off in your rearview mirror.?

Let’s begin with the most controversial, music. Specifically, secular music. I can’t count the number of times that the wrong song: Prince’s “Get it Up” or Ginuwine’s Pony and the wrong guy: tall, dark, small waist, big shoulders collided with me on the dance floor and led me to a world of grief. How many times can someone make the same mistake and blame it on alcohol? Too many.?

Jimi Hendrix said, “Music is my religion.” If music has that much power, we should be careful how we use it. Google defines religion as believing in and worshiping a superhuman power(s). The definition Jimi was probably referring to is a pursuit or interest in which someone ascribes supreme importance. I have my own connotation for religion that’s really based on a relationship. Religion (Christianity) is a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and faith that results in eternal life. Music couldn’t save Jimi. In fact, some would say, that's what killed him.

As quiet as it's kept, spiritual music is available to us in every genre: classical, jazz, pop, country, hip-hop,... If country/western is your jam, check out Carrie Underwood or Steven Curtis Chapman. Of the two, who do I like? Neither. I grew up in Los Angeles in the 80s so I was strictly gangster rap. I'm so grateful I have time and distance separating me from that lifestyle of fast money and profane language. Now, my preferred genre is Christian hip-hop or truth music. If you're still listening to rap, consider Bizzle's song, King, or Lecrae's Still in America. Your genre of music is available to you by artists who focus on the spiritual rather than the physical.

Bias, prejudice, and racism, who would argue with leaving them behind instead of dragging them around with us yet another year? It baffles my mind that there are people who intentionally live in a world where everyone looks like them. All Vanilla. All Chocolate. All Butter Pecan. Yep. I like ice cream.?I wonder if those same people have a Taco Tuesday or enjoy a stir-fry Friday. Stir-fry Friday is not a thing, but it should be. Extra shrimp and extra eggs. Two egg rolls. Please and thank you. I'm wondering if they love the culture (food) but hate the people. How's that possible? The people bring the culture.

A world where everyone looks like you, and talks like you, how boring! I love all the varieties of colors, shapes, and textures. It’s really quite impressive when you consider it. There's a Power who's duplicated His image over and over again without ever repeating Himself for several millennia. This Power is so dope that His snowflakes have never been duplicated. My mind can’t fathom it. If God is that intentional about a snowflake, how much more was He intentional about you? So if anyone has a problem with your color, shape, or texture, the problem isn’t with you. It’s with Him.

Here are three feelings worthy of honorable mention, but not worth carrying into 2023: fear, regret, and unforgiveness. Look for newsletters covering these topics.

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