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My wife and I have enjoyed watching Tyler Perry share his creative genius with the world since his plays were distributed ‘underground’ in barbershops and beauty salons.

Since then, he has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry releasing plays, movies, television series and building the careers and fortunes of others.

I don’t know Mr. Perry, but I have a few sincere, non-confrontational and non-judgmental questions for him. We are all learning and growing in our walk with our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Mr. Perry, you began your career with very inspiring stage plays that were injected with life lessons, Godly wisdom and biblical references. In fact, they were known for those attributes and many times they were the main reasons people watched them.

THERE’S BEEN A ‘DRAMATIC’ SHIFT!

But now, your movies and television series are laden with profanity (much more than just ‘damn and hell’), both heterosexual and homosexual sex scenes, and nudity.

Here are my questions:

As a man of God (and I believe you are sincere), how do you justify this huge shift in your work? I know that even the bible is filled with ‘adult’ themes, but our challenge as disciples is how to relay those messages and themes without compromising the integrity of our Godly character. For example, preachers shouldn’t use profanity to get across a message or use nudity in a visual aid. Has your work transitioned from inspiration to titillation?

If a writer or director instructs actors to use profanity, act in a love scene or be nude, aren’t they provoking them to sin to do their job?

Scene from episode of “RUTHLESS”…👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

When you instruct an actor or actress to curse drop ‘F’-Bombs, and use ‘unclean language’ are you becoming a stumbling block?

Matthew 18:6 (NKJV)

⁶ “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea…”

If you are directing two unmarried actors to kiss, grope and simulate sex with one another are you asking them to commit fornication?

If you are responsible for asking a married actor or actress to do an intense love scene, are you asking them to commit adultery?

If you are responsible for asking two actors to act out a homosexual scene, are you asking them to commit sin?

When you begin producing the same kind of movies and television shows as ‘the world’, are you conforming whether than providing a Godly example?

When what we watch and when what the actors do is a product or fruit of your creativity, doesn’t all accountability to God fall back on you?

Mr. Perry, you have been given a platform and influence to shape and establish culture. You are in a position to strengthen or weaken believers. You have been given the power to confirm to many what is acceptable because they know and respect you as a believer… ‘Well if Tyler Perry does it, then it must be okay’.

Again, Mr. Perry these questions aren’t meant to be mean-spirited or judgmental, but some of your work has definitely evolved into, when measured against the word of God, what could be considered ungodly.

If you ever see this please respond in the comments or in the blog ‘CONTACT tab. You may show me a perspective that I have haven’t considered.

We are here to hold one another accountable, because it’s not about whether we ourselves are ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, but whether we are in harmony with the word, truth, love and perfect will of our God.

DOES GOD CONSIDER IT CHEATING WHEN MARRIED ACTORS DO LOVE SCENES?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Education in America has changed tremendously through the years.

Of course there have been many improvements however, the overall culture, and level of respect for the profession has devolved from the perspective of one 20-year veteran teacher.

Even though her perspective is anecdotal rather than empirical , it’s not exclusive and can’t be ignored.

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One of the greatest laments of her career is how she feels she was ‘expected to neglect’ her own children for her students. And, her lament doesn’t diminish her dedication or discipline passion for her students.

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This expectation in education isn’t explicitly stated, but inferred through the work load and expectations.

Many of the expectations states and school boards set for administrators and teachers are unrealistic. It is impossible to meet an ever-growing list of tasks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Of course, many people feel the expectations are justified because of summer vacation.

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America must step back and examine the accepted culture and levels of toxicity in its education system…

The workload…

The legal responsibilities…

The unrealistic expectations…

And of course, the compensation…

When referencing the workload and expectations, many educators say, “It’s a lot” as if they’re afraid to say ‘ “It’s too much!”.

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Freedom of speech to express their legitimate concerns is forfeited for fear of retribution. The fact that some teachers would be afraid to share this article is an example of the problem.

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One teacher expressed that her district treats the teachers like children or chattel.

Many enter the profession enter it with the will to do it, only to have their will broken just like Ethan Hawk’s character in the movie “Training Day”…bearing the blame for not being dedicated enough.

Doing what’s best for students should never mean doing what’s not best for a teacher’s own children.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)

¹¹ For the grace^(A) of God has appeared^(B) that offers salvation to all people.^{(C) 12} It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(D)and to live self-controlled,^(E) upright and godly lives^(F) in this present age,

“I’m only human!”

“I’m just a man!”

“I have needs!”

“God made me this way!”

These are some phrases we can find ourselves using to comfort ourselves or to explain to someone else when we have given in to sins of the flesh…especially sexual sin…

Fornication…

Adultery…

Homosexuality…

Pornography…

The bible reminds us that the ‘flesh’ wars against the ‘spirit’ and ‘spirit against the ‘flesh’. It’s a battle, therefore God knows that it’s not easy…

Galatians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

¹⁶ I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)

⁴¹ Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

God designed our bodies (flesh) to have sexual desire to be enjoyed within the boundaries of Godly marriage between a man and woman.

These desires are produced and regulated by our glands and our brain.

Testicles…

Ovaries…

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When we allow how we react to the hormones these glands release into our bodies to control us, we are allowing our glands to become our god.

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“I just can’t help myself!”

“I just can’t say no!”

“I just can’t stay away!”

There are some people who spend most of their time and energy thinking about sex. Even within a marriage, being obsessed with sex can be unhealthy and destructive.

The fact is that much of our society is obsessed with sex. It’s in television, social media, movies, music, art, literature…SEX SALES!

So, whether married or unmarried, we must control our sexual desires and not let them rule us. Because when something rules you, it becomes a priority, and it’s easy for what we prioritize to become our idols….our gods.

That’s why the apostle Paul asserts that he brought his flesh under subjection…

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Remember, lack of discipline over his flesh is what allowed Esau to give up his birthright and blessing. He surrendered it to his brother for a single meal (Genesis 25:29-34).

That’s why the exercise of fasting is so important. It’s bringing our bodies under subjection so that what our bodies ‘want’ and our cravings won’t rule us…we rule them.

Sometimes telling God YES is telling our bodies NO!

Don’t let your glands become your God!

Titus 3:3-8 (MSG)

^3-8 It wasn’t so long ago that we ourselves were stupid and stubborn, dupes of sin, ordered every which way by our glands, going around with a chip on our shoulder, hated and hating back. But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! You can count on this.

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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The Covid-19 pandemic has made the term ‘Essential Worker’ and every day term. I found this definition after a quick ‘Google’ search: “According to the U..S Department of Homeland Security, essential workers are those who conduct a range of operations and services that are typically essential to continue critical infrastructure operations.

It’s easy to see how those on the front lines of medicine, science, logistics, energy, agriculture, first responders and technology are considered ‘essential’. But, many people raised their eyebrows and the world shut down that liquor stores remained open while churches were closed. Hmmmmm.

Then there are overlooked the ‘essential’ workers such as sanitation professionals. As many celebrated medical, retail, logistics, and other workers many people failed to mention the sanitation workers that make sure our society is free of the filth that allowed the Black Plague to ravage Europe.

But, what about entertainers? Should they be considered essential workers? As Americans and people around the world spent time at home, we consumed the ‘inventory’ of entertainment and creativity on video and streaming platforms. People had countless hours that they passed by enjoying the talents, and creativity of those whose career is to entertain us.

From movies to music to poetry to literature to sports…how much do the essential workers on the front lines of the battle against Covid-19 rely on entertainers to unwind, relax and recharge their batteries before they go back into battle. How much does enjoying our favorite entertainers help us to ‘release the pressures’ of the extreme challenges in these trying times?

What if restrictions restrained actors, singers, artists, musicians, comedians, athletes…those who entertain us from creating new work? How long would that being to show an effect on our society?

Think about the fact that God gave people these gifts of creativity for a reason. There is a time and a place for everything under the sun…

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NKJV)

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:

² A time ^[a]to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
³ A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;

How ‘essential’ is being entertained to your life? What have you enjoyed since the pandemic started? What would your life be like without it?

Even laughter can be a ministry…ARE YOU A MINISTER OF LAUGHTER?

BE BLESSTIFIED!

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Pray is such as special gift from the God of our creation.

We may not have instant and direct access to the President, the governor, the mayor, the CEO, the Athletic Director, your pastor or even one another sometimes…

But, we always have direct access to God through our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ).

the Bible teaches us through prayers and supplications to make our requests made known to God…

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

There have been times that after I have finished praying, I have wondered…did I miss something?

I thanked God.

I asked for forgiveness of my sins.

I prayed for provision, protection and other things.

I prayed for others…

Did I forget something?

But, then I remembered that we are created in the image of God. That means that we can have His character…His essence.

We can love like Him. We can nurture like Him. We can take care of our children the way He takes care of His children.

So, our children don’t have to make a point to specifically ask every day for us to:

Feed them…

Protect them…

Provide the things they need.

The fact is that many times if they simply come to us, unsolicited…

If they approach us ‘out of the blue’ and with obvious sincerity expressing, I LOVE YOU…and we know that it’s real.

That sincere and unselfish expression of love provokes us to WANT to do something to show them how much we love them. Sometimes it makes us want to do something special for them.

I think we have that reaction because we are created in God’s image. Maybe He sometimes reacts the same way towards us when we bow heads prayer or lift our hands in praise and unselfishly, sincerely express I LOVE YOU! I TRUST YOU! I BLESS YOU! And, I JUST WANT YOU TO BE PLEASED WITH ME!

Remember, prayer isn’t only giving God a laundry list of our needs, but an opportunity to express our love for Him.

Every now and then, just thank God and tell Him that you love Him.

Psalm 103:1-2 (NKJV)

Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

BE BLESSTIFIED!