If It Feels Wrong, Then It Is





June 9, 2016 ended the type of affair many of us have or have had in the past. Robert Marks murdered his pregnant mistress, Lyntell Washington, because she threatened to tell his wife about their affair. Apparently, Marks was more afraid of his wife than the consequences of his actions. I don’t know how one can choose jail time over a broken heart, but I’d rather take my lick and deal with my feelings later. There’s nothing more precious than freedom! Washington’s 3-year old daughter was able to corroborate the story and thus serves as a key witness. I guess Marks didn’t think that a 3-year old had sense enough to know let alone remember what happened to her mommy that night. In summary, this supposed-to-be role model and leader claimed the lives of two people and left one little girl motherless. In the meantime, Marks faces charges of first-degree murder and first-degree feticide and could possibly face the death penalty.

What disturbs me the most about this story is Marks’ way of dealing with his problems. Like so many others who have committed similar crimes, he did not think about the possible consequences. Obviously, he did not want to die because he didn’t kill himself. He didn’t want to go to jail, so he tried to cover it up. He didn’t want to lose his wife, so he kills his mistress? So, that implies that he really thought he would get away with it, yet he didn’t have sense enough to delete the text messages and destroy her phone. Either way, authorities would eventually reveal some evidence of the affair. I don’t ever condone any type of criminal behavior, but if you’d like to add it to your resume, make sure you are adept in that field. Otherwise, you’ll get terminated before you get your feet wet. In this case, Marks’ hideous criminal actions cost him prison time, separation from his family, and possibly death. Even if he did think things through, he should have known that there was a good chance of him getting caught.

Nevertheless, Mark’s wife stands by her husband’s statement, despite all the evidence. But what good wife wouldn’t believe her seemingly innocent husband? Looks like he could’ve come clean after all. If she can accept a killer, then she probably would have accepted his infidelity and the unborn child.

Moral of the Story

There are risks in every decision one makes. Marks knew he was taking a huge risk when he was cheating on his wife, and he knew he was taking an even bigger risk by killing his mistress. Marks tried to get rid of one problem by creating a new one – never smart a move. And two wrongs never make a right. Cheating is always a bad choice. Should you choose to do so, be conscious enough to use protection each time. If you don’t have protection, don’t take the chance. You can end up with an unwanted pregnancy/child and/or a disease and so much more.

As you can see, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Robert Marks was the epitome of success and had no previous criminal record. Who would ever think he could commit such a heinous crime, right? That’s how many of us think. It’s also the same reason many celebrities, politicians, authoritative figures, and people with power get off after committing crimes. It usually takes some time before they are finally convicted and indicted.

We were all born into sin. Hence, it shouldn’t be hard to believe that anyone is capable of committing a punishable crime. Many people who commit such crimes are believers but not followers. And of course, where there is good, there is evil. So, don’t be surprised if something like this happens again.

What You Can Do To Prevent Such

If you have knowledge that a friend or loved one is taking the wrong path, it is your business to step in and advise. If that person does not listen to you the first, second, and third time, then pray for him or her. But don’t just sit around and act like you don’t care then cut up at the funeral. You will live with regret and disappointment, knowing that you could’ve and should’ve said or did something. You never know, your words or actions could possibly save someone’s life.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topic suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.








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Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing



“If I can’t see your eyes, then all I see is lies. Your wardrobe speaks truth, but it’s only a disguise. Sunday suits on the Sabbath, business suits on Monday, you could fool a judge and juror without saying a thing. You can’t hide behind your makeup. You can’t hide behind your name. You may be rewarded differently, but you’ll be judged the same.”

When people say, “Everything that glitters ain’t gold”, they are telling the truth. But when a person says, “You can trust me “, then he or she is usually telling a lie. A person who is trustworthy does not have to declare that statement. Trustworthy people walk and talk confidently knowing they have sound evidence to support their claim of integrity and nobility. Wolves in sheep’s clothing are always watching their backs and talking slick. In other words, wolves in sheep’s clothing are always prepared to tell a lie, whereas trustworthy people are always prepared to tell the truth.

So don’t be so quick to accept that invitation from your co-worker, classmate, neighbor, or even church member without first checking his or her resume. He might be plotting and scheming while preying on your innocence. He’s giving rides in stolen cars, feeding the hungry with drug money, saving souls and poking holes, and spreading aids while spreading the word.

Doing one good deed does not make you a righteous person, especially if it’s just a cover up. You’re poisoning good soil every time you make a move. Just because you were born into sin, it doesn’t mean you have to continue living that way. Sinning in secrecy is no different from sinning openly. At least, people would be able to see your truth then.

Be honest with yourself and others because deceit has unfavorable consequences. I’d rather be a work in progress with less stress than a bold betrayer swimming in a mess.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topic suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.




Photo: Flickr. A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing by Robin HuttonCC
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Dads Do The Most





Dirty clothes, dusty boots. Harry face, nappy roots. Ashy elbows, peeling hands. Everything I love about a man. But what I love most, other than one who works hard, is the man who doesn’t end the day without at least acknowledging his kids. A man who works sun up to sun down does not have much leisure time, but his children sure feel his presence and love when he tucks them in at bed time. Consequently, I call him dad…

Daddy, you don’t have to be in love with mommy to love me. I understand. Some things just can’t be worked out. Relationships are not promising, but your time for me should never be compromised. Any man can father a child, but only a real man can bear the weight of responsibility.

A father is the man responsible for giving children their genetic makeup. A dad does the latter and takes full responsibility for raising the child. The two are not interchangeable because one plays a more important role. A dad can father a child, but a father does not automatically become a dad. He has to earn that title. Men, you should never want to be classified as just a father because you are depriving yourself of some good years.

To all men who have stepped up to the plate and live up to their responsibility, you are the most prominent male role models of society. This includes step-dads, uncles, coaches, mentors and anyone who plays the role of a daddy.

“You are the kings of the nations, the cream of the crop, the gift that keeps on giving, and the bow that sits atop.”

“I know there’s a lot of pressure, but keep doing what you do. Your seeds will become blessings, and your kids will honor you.”

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topic suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.









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