Dear God,

There are some strange things going on in the world today, and it could only mean one thing: you’re coming back soon. This old guy named Harold Camping has been making predictions about your return for decades now, and so far he’s been wrong each time. I don’t know if you two have spoken, but it seems like he has gotten things all mixed up.  Frankly, I’m tired of being disappointed, and being the planning fanatic who’s emotionally attached to her to-do-list, the unknown drives me a bit crazy.  Could you please tell me the exact day and time you plan to return to this earth so that I can make arrangements to accomplish some large projects? That would be wonderful. And in case you were wondering, here’s a list of things I’d accomplish starting two years years from your tentative date of return:

Book a flight to Africa

That’s right, back to my motherland. But this time I’d stay for at least 3 months. My itinerary would be PACKED! First stop: Ghana, which is my other home.  Next stop: Nigeria, to revisit all of those place I once enjoyed. Third stop: Democratic Republic of Congo to help teach orphaned girls at the Georges Malaika Foundation.  I’ve volunteered with the organization remotely, but it would be wonderful to be on the grounds, interacting with the girls directly and witnessing the organization’s impact.

Throw A Huge Party

Like every little girl, I’d always dreamed of having a large fairytale wedding. I don’t have a groom, but I’m hoping you could help me with that? (And just to let you know, I like ambitious men with cool accents :)).  We’d honeymoon in the Maldives and go on a 21 country cruise around the world.

Tell folks about Jesus

No, I’m not just saying this cause he’s your son. And no, I am not standing on someone’s street corner shoving pamphlets at pedestrians. I’m creative and spunky. I’d find a more creative method of sharing the Good News with others. I’ve been a bit shy in this regard because I care too much about what people think, but since I’ll be leaving soon, what would I care what others think of me?

Publish My Own Private Journal 

It may sound a bit eerie, but I often wonder what would happen to all the entries I wrote in my journal when I pass away.  Would someone read it and reveal my deep dark secrets to all of my family members and close friends? Would it published posthumously? Would the book become a best-seller and I become a millionaire in my death? Or would they continue to sit in parents’ basement and collect dust for the next 20 years?  Well, I’m not going to wait around to find out. I’d rather take matter into my own hands; I have nothing to hide. I would collect my entries and write my own book. In fact my struggles and private stories may help a young girl who is coming of age. She may find comforted and find affirmation in my stories.

Backpack across Europe

On my itinerary would be France, Italy, Germany, UK, and Spain. I want to go to Greece too.

Spend time with close friends and family

My Moms, Pops, Brothers, Niece, Nephews, Grandparents, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Sister-in-Laws, and friends are pretty cool folks. No really, they are actually cool people to dine with, and hang out with. We laugh, we joke; we poke fun at others and we always enjoy our time together.  When I know the day and time you’re coming back, I’ll be sure to spend a lot of time around them.

Tell my supervisor I Don’t Hate Her

I didn’t have the best relationship with one of my former co-workers. We get along now, but I never got a chance to tell her how much I have learned from her and how grateful I am that we crossed paths. I am a stronger professional thanks to her. If I had the chance, I will tell her these things.

Eat a final supper

If I had to choose between all the meals I’ve ever had in my life, my final would consist of jerk chicken, rice & peas, macaroni & cheese, and plantains. Sheesh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

So, God, this would be considered my “Bucket List” I suppose. Let me know how much time I have to complete it. If it’s soon, I have to make some moves very quickly.

Thanks!

Love your favorite daughter,

Yaa Yaa

I have a friend who is adamant in her belief that Christians are hypocrites. Now, she hasn’t always endorsed the belief that Christians are hypocrites. She grew up in a Christian household, but after a few bad experiences, she’s abandoned her faith. Her new hobby is pointing out the hypocritical things that Christians do.  We can be in a mall and if she hears secular music in a Christian bookstore, she’ll point out the contradiction: “How will the owner allow Rihanna’s Talk That Talk play at a Christian bookstore?” And when Bishop Eddie Long’s trial came to the forefront, she had a field day, tweeting things like “Eddie Long is the reason why I’d never step foot in a church.” In fact, in most cases I can’t even argue with her I am usually in agreement with her. Why is it that Christians will be the main ones gossiping about others? Why is it that Christians will go to church but fail to volunteer at the local organization or help those who are need? I know why. Because Christians are hypocrites.

For those of you who have sworn off Christianity, I get it. You see what we say and what we do aren’t exactly synonymous. After all, read my post about Why Christians Aren’t Waiting Anymore. There, I give you plenty of excuses of why Christians are hypocrites. I could go on to tell you stories of how friends have turned their back on me in the name of “following the spirit of God.” I can tell you how five years ago, I confronted a friend about something she said to hurt my feelings. She Bible bashed me, using God’s word to curse me out.  I can tell you how on the school bus during my seventh grade in middle school, my Christian friend cussed out the bus driver so bad that she was banned from taking the bus to school. I can even tell you how I’ve handled situations inappropriately, despite my “walk with God.”  Upon hearing these stories,  you’ll probably nod in agreement. You’ll be happy to find proof that your assertion is correct: Christians are hypocrites.

But before you do that, I want to tell you that you are a hypocrite too. In fact, everyone on the face of this earth is a hypocrite.  There is no one who is immune to hypocrisy. We all believe that we should always tell the truth, yet all of us are guilty of telling a white lie. All of us have all said something to someone we didn’t mean. And we all have done things that don’t necessarily align with our beliefs and values.  How many times have you told a child “Don’t say that cuss word!” Yet you utter the same cuss word.

Now, I know you hate to admit it. You’re always so quick to point the finger at us Christians, but you have to admit. Christians are people and we have our shortcomings. We are not perfect, so why you feel the need to point us out amongst a multitude of people who are guilty of hypocrisy confuses me. The only difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is our philosophy and perspective on life. We admit that we are imperfect, and need a perfect being to help us throughout our life’s journey. I’ll be the first to admit: I’m a flawed individual who wishes she was more perfect than she actually is.

Everyone is a hypocrite. You, me, and all your friends and family. So while you point the finger at me, remember that you have four fingers pointing right back at yourself. We are all hypocrites in our own way.

Oh and Christians, can we at least make a conscious effort to be a little less hypocritical. Please?

Christians have a bad rep. They’re overly religious. They judge others for things they do wrong. They Christians say the darndest things! In church, in a restaurant, in a Wal-Mart, we have all heard a Christian say at least one of the phrases listed below.

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