Wal-Mart & Satan: Low Prices...NEVER!

After an interesting conversation with my mother somehow we got on the topic of why I dislike shopping at Wal-Mart. After voicing my longing for the nostalgic “regular” Wal-Marts of yesteryears (wow, has it really been that long?), I left her with a question that sent her on an investigation to the blue warehouse building. I asked her this simple question; “have you not noticed that the whistling 'Rolling Back Prices' Smiley Face logo of Wal-Mart has disappeared altogether?” Accordingly, this fact stood as the basis for my argument. Because without him, Wal-Mart no longer had the lowest prices in the grocery industry (Can you say Krogers?). My mother’s argument was momentarily quieted and then answered with, “you know what, I can’t remember the last time I saw that smiley face.” Exactly!


As an observer by nature I notice everything especially if it relates to the places I often frequent, or the brands that I commonly purchase. Accordingly, I was the first in my family to state my disdain when Orbit removed two sticks of my Sweet Mint gum and still charged me the same price. I mean what are ya’ll doing with my two other pieces of gum Orbit?! But, that’s another story. However, this just adds to the validity of my observation skills when it comes to most things.

It wasn’t until this morning’s shower that I had an epiphany of why Wal-Mart’s phasing out of their smiley face bothered me so. I am aware of the trademark infringement case that caused the megastore to kick Mr. Smiley to the curb, but something still didn’t rub me the right way. And then like a bolt of lightning, I experienced an aha! moment right in mid-lather. I lost all respect for Wal-Mart not because they were forced to rid their company of the Smiley, but because they let their word fall to the waist side as well. As a result, I was made to feel like a dunce in a major bait-and-switch initiative, and I officially had a problem with this “super” establishment. Not only, did I feel hustled by the once “reasonably priced” merchandise ending in a mere $0.88 instead of a full dollar, I now saw the connection between Wal-Mart’s sneaky antics and Satan himself.

Now before I get hate mail, hear me out! God has interesting ways to get life lessons to the masses, so here goes. Just like the enemy, Wal-Mart lured buyers in with the anticipation of getting the best items at the cheapest rates, and for quite a while this was true. And like this Satan, lures us away from salvation with the idea that we can live the “good life” at a lesser sacrificial level than complete holiness and righteousness. And for a moment these things seem proven to an extent. Wal-Mart was indeed, the lowest merchandiser at one point, and I would be a liar if I said I never had a good time partying like a rock star; giving into my every carnal desire. But, when Satan’s rug was pulled from under my footing in a Holy-Ghost-initiated reality check I was left bruised with conviction. Now, fully aware of just how much I was “spending” my life away.

Much like the idea of shopping at a store that is no longer valuable, but the advances of its culture are seemingly irresistible , Satan has this effect on believers who refuse to renew their minds with truth. The deceptions of the enemy are so subtle, and his trickery so well orchestrated that he’ll have people doing things they don’t desire, but they can’t shake because of attachment to their spiritual DNA! However, I have a problem with being hoodwinked and watching others fall prey to lies! Thus, I feel it my duty to reveal when Satan is trying to lead people on a wild goose chase of "comparative shopping" when God’s way has already been paid for. Christ handled our sticker price; so get out of the (Wal-Mart lol) check-out line because there’s no other price that needs to be covered! Just thankfully accept the gift and keep it moving.

Satan is sneaky, but his lies always fall through. Hence, I suggest you follow the King of kings who really does have the “best buys”, and the revelation power to give understanding in all things (like where my two pieces of gum disappeared to!). Let that marinate good peoples as you think twice about your next "shopping" trip. Things are not always as they seem—PAY ATTENTION!

Nikki D

Note To Satan: “This Ain’t What You Want!”: Overcoming Bullies

Ever notice that once confronted, bullies pan out to be nothing more than overstuffed chickens? It’s as if your confrontation of them suddenly makes them realizes just how powerless they really are without a good dose of fear. In my experience, bullies are always bark and no bite. Think back just a moment to those heated “discussions” on the school playground. When Tyrone got tired of BIG Moe constantly jacking him for his lunch money, Moe was eventually defeated with one swift left hook to the nose. The one-hitter-quitter was all it took to slay the seemingly impenetrable Goliath. Why? Why are the world’s biggest giants, obstacles, or bullies defeated by those who seem physically unqualified?

The answer is so simple that it seems like this logic couldn’t possibly be referenced within the “deep” Bible—oh but it is! And the answer for 1000 is get you a crew! People won playground brawls because they had a crew. And whether one's crew was a gang willing to fight, a cheerleading squad, or a hype team; the posse was the inevitable prescription to winning battles. Now, I know some people already have cousin Lou on speed dial ready to murk (Palm Beach slang for “get revenge on”) the dudes bothering you on the block, but wait just one second! Nikki D is not condoning violence because it’s never the answer. But, what I am saying is fight smart, not hard. No need to sweat and mess your hair up when you were given the conqueror’s manual.

Paul had the right idea in Philippians 1:27-28 when he said “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but you will be saved—that by God.” I laughed when I read this passage of scripture because Paul was telling believers that it’s necessary that we are just as gangsta as the devils that try to intimidate us on this earth. And not only are we to stand firm in our belief against those who oppose us (see haters), we are not to flinch when they throw their insults, slanders, and digs at our reputation. Nope, we should smile with a countenance that says “This ain’t what you want, because you have no idea who I roll with!” And as we smirk, trust and believe with unyielding faith that God sees and He has your back when you are in His will. Enemies will never defeat believers because the Son professed assuredly that “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

So the next time Satan sends his workers spewing ying-yang in your direction, smile and summon your authority—your crew. The Father, Son, Holy Ghost, and angels stay strapped and ready to defeat the devourer and his antics. So be of good cheer and fight the good fight of faith because can’t no devil in hell steal a victory that is already awarded to you! And when we look adversity square in the face and say “I’m not scared of you and I’m not moving” guess what that does? It lets enemies know that “they will be destroyed, but you will be saved!” So, stop cowering in fear when God did not give us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Fight off those attacks with your two-edged sword; keeping your sanity, faith and peace intact. There is nothing better to fight for than the clarity of mind and speech, and peace. The world didn’t give it to you so don’t let the enemy of this world attempt to take it from you!

Fight Baby!

Nikki D

The Great Falling Away… Is This You?

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

The Bible prophesies about a great falling away that will take place in the earth before the return of Christ. And it is righteous men and women who will fall prey to this supernatural phenomenon. However, is this predestined occurrence avoidable? This question rose up in my spirit as I studied the book of Romans. I was revitalized and ignited with new power as I read in 8:30 that I was predestined, called, justified, and glorified by God. As a result, I belted praises to the roof top because of this awesome gift given to such an undeserving candidate. But, as I kept reading into chapter 9 the tough reality of the situation set in.

Just like God has predestined, called, justified, and glorified me, He has also created people to which He will show no mercy. Beginning at the 16th verse of the ninth chapter of Romans, Paul explains that this was the very reason for God’s creation of Pharaoh. “I, [God], raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (NIV; emphasis mine). Wow! So, just as God has predestined me to display His greatness, He also chose the “Pharaohs” of the world to display is wrathful and vengeful power in the earth. Why? Neither of us chose our destiny; but, why have mercy on one soul and wrath against the other?

Paul knew that we would ask such question which is why he posed his own set of questions in verse 9; “Shall what was formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” (20) Again, WOW! So, then where does that leave us as believers who have been chosen? This is the answer that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart:

“It is imperative that as the chosen of God that we do not take the things of Him lightly. The things that He requires of us on this daily journey we must adhere to them with serious tenacity, and to the best of our God-given ability. For, if we take light the things of God we will most definitely fall prey to the subtle influences of the enemy which will cause us to be led astray by our own fleshly tendencies. Therefore, remain on guard, and be not deceived because your adversary is seeking to snatch you out of the running for your inheritance. So, study, read, meditate, recite the words of God, and pray without ceasing; for your very position in the kingdom is being threatened.”

Hence people of God, in order for us to remain in the running for the inheritance of God’s kingdom we must pursue God’s righteousness with extreme tenacity. We don’t want to look up one day and realize that we have become one of the fallen just, as prophesied about within scripture. Get on your post and remain there! It is here that you will find safety, longevity, predestining, calling, justification, and glorification.

Take Heed!

Nikki D

All Fingers Point Towards D.C.: Black America’s Blame Game

“I thought Barack Obama could have provided some way out. But he lacks backbone.” ~Cornel West (truthdig.com)

Cornel West’s blame of Obama for black America’s problems resonates overwhelmingly in the hearts of many Americans. All fingers point towards D.C. However, with all hands stretched northward, it’s a wonder why there’s no real work taking place. When you remove your hand from the plow, metaphorically speaking, to slap the hand of a supposed oppressor, you miss out on the value of a day’s work. Now, many will take the previous statement as a slavery reference, and this is to be expected by those who always have something to say, but never anything to do. As I channel my inner Michael Jackson (R.I.P.), I think it necessary that we all visit the closest vanity mirror ASAP!

I’ve never encountered a more egotistical, hateful, narcissistic, people than Americans who have found themselves in a position of power; no matter how slight! And this is not everyone, but I speak of those who use their position to cripple rather than empower. Poverty is a creation of Satan and the mentality linked to it is running rampant in minority communities. It’s utterly disgusting the audacity in thinking that one is justly warranted a free “sit on your tail” pass while others remedy your problems. Yes, we all need help from time to time, but the epidemic of passing down this “you owe me” mindset to future generations is deadly!

I knew, undoubtedly, that Obama’s presidency would face such backlash as this. But, it’s an even greater travesty when it comes from a member of the community who has the clout that Cornel West does. To think that a, now, black-occupied presidency seat is the antidote to all black problems is asinine! The only way that black America (and all America for that matter) is going to truly solve the issues our communities face is to take a harsh look at the badmouthing critic in the mirror. Are you pointing the finger of blame towards others because your circumstances are beyond your capable control? Are you like those who have made their brand of complaining, blaming, and nagging a daily staple? When will we grow up and understand that it’s not how loud we whine, but the actual work that gets the job done?

I will be content when people understand that one’s success is not rooted in the tearing down of another; or, for that matter, in the waiting on one to bring about change in your life. It’s your life so if you want change, then it’s going to have to be you that enacts it. Be the change that you desire to see; otherwise, sit there, shut up, and wait until your number is called! And this message is especially for my brothers and sisters of the Christian persuasion. It’s NOW high time we banish excuses and just do what God has required of us. Hence, more working equals less time to complain and point fingers of accusation.

People want others to remedy their problems before they ever check with the Creator to see if there’s anything that can first be done on their part. No one owes you anything, and when this lesson is fully learned, from it flows good character and proper work ethic. Stop the madness people and look to the ant you sluggards!

Real Talk!

Nikki D