Ode to the Field Negro

 Ode to the Field Negro

Beneath the burning sun you toiled,  

Your hands calloused, your spirit unspoiled.  

A silhouette against the blinding day,  

Sweat-soaked and stoic, you paved the way.  

Your strength unmatched, your will unbent,  

In fields of sorrow, your days were spent.  

Through cotton rows and barren lands,  

You labored hard with steady hands.  

They called you lowly, they called you less,  

But they could never cage your restlessness.  

In every furrow, in every seed,  

You planted hope, though none would heed.  

You whispered freedom through the air,  

A silent prayer, a defiant stare.  

You sang the songs of old and new,  

Melodies of pain that bore the truth.  

Your legacy, the strength to rise,  

To challenge chains and shatter lies.  

For every whip that cracked your back,  

Your soul stayed fierce, your spirit intact.  

O field negro, strong and bold,  

Your story, in every heart retold.  

You are the roots, deep and wide,  

The source of strength we hold inside.  

From dusk till dawn, from dark to light,  

You kept on going, you kept the fight.  

In fields of sorrow and skies of blue,  

O field negro, we honor you.  

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preachfn to save those who believe.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,

but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,

but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards,fn not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,

so that no human beingfn might boast in the presence of God.

And because of himfn you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Painting Jesus

 

Abu Bakr Insulted

 While the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was sitting with some of his companions, a man reviled AbuBakr and insulted him. But AbuBakr remained silent. He insulted him twice, but AbuBakr controlled himself. He insulted him thrice and AbuBakr took revenge on him. Then the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up when AbuBakr took revenge. 

AbuBakr said: Were you angry with me, Messenger of Allah? 

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied: An angel came down from Heaven and he was rejecting what he had said to you. When you took revenge, a devil came down. I was not going to sit when the devil came down.

Sunan Abu Dawud 4896

A Radical Open Letter

 Dear Fellow Americans,

As we reflect on the state of our nation today, it’s impossible to ignore the growing wave of radicalism that has taken hold across the political spectrum. Radicalism, by definition, is the belief or action of individuals or groups who advocate for thorough or complete political or social reform. While change and progress are vital parts of our nation’s story, radicalism poses unique challenges and dangers to our democratic fabric.

We must remember that America was founded on principles of debate, compromise, and the idea that differing viewpoints could coexist in pursuit of a greater common good. Our founders, despite their own disagreements, built a system designed to withstand the pressures of division through a balance of powers and the protection of individual liberties.

However, in recent years, we’ve seen an alarming shift away from these principles. Polarization has intensified, with people increasingly retreating into echo chambers where their views are not only reinforced but radicalized. This is happening on both sides of the political aisle, with extremists pushing ideologies that leave little room for dialogue, dissent, or compromise.

The dangers of radicalism are manifold. It undermines the very essence of democracy, which thrives on diversity of thought and the ability to find common ground. It fuels violence, as we’ve seen in various incidents where rhetoric turned into tragic action. It breeds distrust in institutions, weakening the social contract that binds us together as a nation.

So, what can we do? First, we must commit to engaging with those who hold different views, not with the intent to convert, but to understand. We need to champion a culture of critical thinking and media literacy, teaching ourselves and future generations to recognize bias, question narratives, and seek truth. We must also hold our leaders accountable, demanding that they prioritize unity and the common good over partisan gain.

In the end, America’s strength lies not in uniformity, but in our ability to bring diverse perspectives together to solve our greatest challenges. Radicalism, in its most extreme forms, threatens this strength. It’s up to all of us to steer our country back toward a path of reason, respect, and resilience.

Let’s work together to ensure that our future is one of progress, not polarization.

With hope and resolve,

𝒥𝒾𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝒲𝓇ℯ𝓃

Trinitarian Fallacies

(John 4:6)

Jesus grew weary

(Isaiah 40:28)

God cannot grow weary

(Matthew 4:1)

Jesus was tempted

(James 1:13)

God cannot be tempted

(Mark 4:38)

Jesus slept

(Psalm 121: 2-4)

God doesn't sleep

John 5:19)

Jesus wasn't all powerful

(Isaiah 45: 5-7)

God is all powerful

(Mark 13:32)

Jesus wasn't all knowing

(Isaiah 46:9)

God is all knowing 

(John 1:29)

Jesus was seen

(I John 4:12)

No man has ever seen God

(Hebrews 5:8-9)

sus had to grow and learn

(Isaiah 40:28)

God doesn't ever need to

learn

(Corinthians 15: 3-4)

Jesus Died

(I Timothy 1:17)

God cannot die

(Acts 2:22)

Jesus was and is a man, sent

by God

(Numbers 23:19. Hosea 11:9)

God is not a man

First seen by TikTok user Starvelaa

I told Ai to write a sarcastic letter to President Obama

 Dear President Obama,

I hope this letter finds you well, perhaps on the golf course or chilling in one of those incredibly stylish post-presidential jackets. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your time in office. Truly, what would we have done without you?

First, a huge shout-out for the *affordable* Affordable Care Act. Nothing says “healthcare revolution” like spending hours on a malfunctioning website, only to find out that my premiums have tripled. Thanks for the *affordable* part—I’m sure it was meant in the most aspirational way possible. 

Let’s not forget your incredible efforts in foreign policy. Who could overlook the brilliant decision to draw that infamous red line in Syria? Or was it more of a pinkish hue? Either way, your ability to draw, then erase, and then redraw lines kept us all on our toes, wondering if you were just playing a geopolitical game of hopscotch.

Speaking of achievements, thank you for the stimulating economic recovery. Sure, some might argue that the recovery was slow and uneven, but who needs a robust economy when we have so many inspirational speeches to listen to? Those were the true economic stimulus.

And how could we overlook your legacy of transparency? The way your administration handled issues like Benghazi and the IRS scandal was nothing short of textbook—if the textbook was titled *How to Keep America Guessing.*

Finally, a heartfelt thank you for leaving the nation so united. The harmony we’ve seen in the political landscape since you left office is truly a testament to the bridges you built. Or perhaps it’s more like a smoldering pile of ashes, but hey, at least we’re all in the rubble together, right?

Yours in eternal gratitude,  

[Your Name]

1,000 Arabic Maxims Prelude Copy Summary

 "1,000 Arabic Maxims" is a compilation of traditional Arabic sayings that encapsulate the wisdom and insights of Arab culture. These maxims serve as a guide for individuals to navigate life's complexities and challenges. It offers profound advice on various aspects of life, ranging from relationships to ethics, and provide a moral compass for individuals to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. In this essay, I will explore the significance and relevance of these maxims in contemporary society, and how they can enhance our understanding of Arab culture and philosophy.

One of the key themes that emerge from the "1,000 Arabic Maxims" is the importance of humility and modesty in one's interactions with others. Many of the maxims stress the value of humility as a sign of strength and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and kindness. This echoes the traditional Arab values of hospitality and generosity, which are deeply ingrained in Arab culture. By embracing these maxims, individuals can cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion towards others, leading to more harmonious relationships and a greater sense of community.

Another prominent theme in the maxims is the significance of self-awareness and self-reflection in personal growth and development. Many of the sayings encourage individuals to reflect on their actions and intentions, and to constantly strive for self-improvement. This emphasis on introspection and self-awareness aligns with the teachings of Arab philosophers and scholars, who have long emphasized the importance of self-knowledge and self-mastery as a path to wisdom and enlightenment. By understanding and applying these maxims in our daily lives, we can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.

Furthermore, the "1,000 Arabic Maxims" offer valuable insights into the nature of morality and ethics, and the importance of living a virtuous and righteous life. Many of the maxims emphasize the virtues of honesty, integrity, and justice, and encourage individuals to uphold moral principles in their actions and decisions. This moral guidance reflects the ethical teachings of Islam, which has long been a foundational influence in Arab culture and society. By adhering to these moral precepts, individuals can cultivate a sense of ethical responsibility and integrity, and contribute to the greater good of society.

Moreover, the maxims also shed light on the complexities of human relationships and the importance of building strong and meaningful connections with others. Many of the sayings offer insights into the dynamics of friendship, love, and family, and provide guidance on how to nurture and sustain these relationships. By heeding the wisdom of these maxims, individuals can cultivate deeper and more fulfilling relationships with others, fostering a greater sense of connection and unity within their communities. This emphasis on interpersonal relationships and social bonds reflects the communal values that are at the heart of Arab culture, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and mutual support among individuals.

In addition, the maxims also touch upon the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of worldly possessions, urging individuals to focus on spiritual and moral growth rather than material pursuits. Many of the sayings emphasize the transient nature of wealth and fame, and caution against excessive attachment to worldly possessions. This reflects the teachings of Islam, which emphasizes the importance of detachment from material desires and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. By internalizing these teachings, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, and free themselves from the anxieties and distractions of materialism.

Furthermore, the maxims offer valuable insights into the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming challenges and adversities. Many of the sayings encourage individuals to stay steadfast in the face of difficulties, and to trust in their own abilities to overcome obstacles. This emphasis on resilience and perseverance reflects the spirit of determination and fortitude that has long characterized Arab culture, which has endured and thrived in the face of numerous trials and tribulations throughout history. By embracing these maxims, individuals can cultivate a sense of resilience and inner strength, enabling them to navigate the complexities of life with courage and fortitude.

Moreover, the maxims also highlight the importance of wisdom and knowledge in shaping one's beliefs and actions. Many of the sayings emphasize the value of education and intellectual growth, and encourage individuals to seek out knowledge and wisdom from a variety of sources. This emphasis on intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning reflects the values of scholarship and intellectual inquiry that have long been revered in Arab culture. By embracing these maxims, individuals can cultivate a sense

Public Credits of Contributions

Khalil in Loss: None

Arabic for Beginner: Arabic 101 on YT, Elementary Classical Arabic Reader M.C. Lyons