New Beginnings

Wow....what a crazy 10 weeks. My first quarter as a graduate student at UCLA is officially over and all I can say to sum up the past 10 weeks of my life is wow. So many emotions, so many experiences, good and bad, a break up, a broken heart, a fall from grace. It's crazy how in an instance your life can completely change. I supposed I should be used to it by now with all that I have been through in my life but the one thing that my 22 years on this earth has taught me is that change is constant. Nothing stays the same. I survived my first quarter as a graduate student amazingly and although my grades are not yet released I am not nervous. I know I did the best I could under my circumstances. Adjusting to this new city was an overwhelming task at times and there were moments when I felt like I wouldn't make it. That coupled with the tumultuous end to a relationship was all that I could bare during the first half of the quarter. Luckily the incredible support system that I've built over the past 4 years was here when I needed it and surprising friends from the past helped me more than they could ever know.



These past 10 weeks were defined by close encounters with law enforcement, foreshadowings of what my future could be, financial constraints, and new beginnings. Being newly single in a new city has certainly allowed me to grow and learn things about myself that I never knew. The process of rediscovery has been revitalizing and has awakened in me the spirit of a champion. My studies has inspired me beyond belief and I have found myself engaging in heated discussions over the concepts which I have grappled with which will in turn compose the essence of what will hopefully be my master thesis. So as an african american studies graduate student I have proposed a possible course of research analyzing gay black activism in Los Angeles in the aftermath. I am already in talks with several grassroots organizations, In the Meantime, Equality California, Courage Campaign, and The Jordan Rustin Coalition in hopes of exploring the depth of the activities underway in light of the passage of Proposition 8, the hateful ballot measure that single handedly stripped lesbians and gay men of the right to get married in California.



A lot of has also happened in popular culture that has had a profound effect on me. Tiger Woods was engulfed in the unlikeliest scandals, my idol Chris Brown released his controversial 3rd album in light of his domestic issues with pop superstar Rihanna, my childhood diva Whitney Houston cemented a phenomenal comeback, media mogul Oprah Winfrey announced she would be ending her dynasty on daytime television, I met my internet obsession Brian Scott aka Lovebscott, and President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. As I type the President's orders to send 30,000 troops to Afghanistan are underway as well as his plans for universal healthcare. This is a historic time in our country. These are amazing times that I have the opportunity to live in and in my own little way I know that I am preparing to change the world. My generation will change the world.



Honing in on my own personal experiences, graduate school forced me to take on a part time job at Macy's in addition to my stint with the Grad Student Association and I am interviewing for another position as well. This recession has certainly hit my pockets and put a halt on many of plans as did a series of speeding and parking tickets, and unexpected medical bills that my insurance unfortunately did not cover! Overall, I have settled into my life in LA rather well with the support and love of my family and friends. I have made amazing connections already in my first quarter with students in the Afro Am program, Public Health School, and Law School and I am continuously seeking out additional networking opportunities to make a name for myself and be of service in any way that I can. My immediate goals are to secure a part-time job that will fulfill my career interests and financial obligations, obtain an internship of some sort in either the legal field or the political field, to continue to contact and interview more individuals for my research, continue reading and researching my thesis topic, to continue to meet with more law professors in hopes of obtaining additional advice and words of wisdom regarding my academic and professional pursuits, and lastly to continue to grow as a scholar, a leader, a public speaker, but most importantly as a human being.



My biggest hope is that I truly grow in my humanity and fight not to lose sight of why I am in graduate school, why I am pursuing law and public service, and why I most continue to fight for the things that I believe in. My goals for the summer are to relax... hopefully in Europe, to volunteer for some type of non-profit involving youth, and to catch up on as much reading as possible. I am intent on not letting graduate school stress me out and give me grey hair! I am going to live my life to the fullest, I know that I am going to make mistakes, but I'm finally understanding that, that's okay. I'm in my twenties and that is what I am supposed to do. However, I am learning from them and I am becoming wiser and more responsible as a result. I think at this point in my life a relationship is not what I need. I need to be free to learn who RODNEY really is and that is okay. The most exciting part is that I know when I figure it all out there will truly be no stopping me. I'm so excited for what the future holds for me. This is just the beginning....



~~~RKNJ
xoxoxooxox

Closing the Chapter on My Sacramento Summer Experience

Let me first start my acknowledging the life and passing of a true American hero, Senator Edward Kennedy. God bless his family in this difficult time. The United States has certainly lost a great American. It seems that this has been the summer of death as last month we lost another great American icon, Michael Jackson. Nevertheless, my experience in Sacramento this summer has been both underwhelming and overwhelming all at once. When I first arrived I certainly wasn't sure what to expect. This town felt so foreign to me! It seemed like I was going back in time and for the first few weeks I definitely felt like I was. But that quickly changed especially after I started my second job at Grassroots Campaign, Inc., working on behalf of Equality California to overturn California's Proposition 8 which took away the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. After I accepted this position my summer quickly changed. I begin meeting all kinds of interesting people, got my into my research on Prop 8 and begin to learn more about Sacramento. I definitely had quickly arrived to judgment of this town which I often do not only to towns but to people as well. That is definitely one of the flaws that I have that I would like to change, and believe me there are many.

So my internship at the District Attorney's office went well. Although it wasn't exactly what I had expected, it was an experience and I did get to meet some interesting people and get my name out there. The UCCS well thats another story. So with the budget cuts affects every sector of California, and most certainly education, the UCCS is one of the inevitable victims. It is looking like it is likely to have most if not all of its state funding cut which would likely end in the programs demise which is certainly unfortunate but a bit predictable. I am not alone in my criticism of the Sacramento internship program and I am sure that those in charge of it know what went wrong. So with that said the highlight of my summer was not my the internship component, it was my work on Proposition 8. I also enjoyed my frequent trips to the Bay Area to hang out with my family, visit my friends, and enjoy the City.

As I reflect on my summer and look forward to the next journey that lies ahead for me I must admit that it is bittersweet. When I first arrived in Sacramento I could not wait to leave and now I find myself wishing that it was possible for me to stay just a little longer. Although I am very excited to start graduate school at UCLA I can't help feeling like I started something in Sacramento that is not quite finished. And even though I still don't know what my purpose in Sac was I definitely feel like I was here for a reason. I am one of those people who believes that nothing happens by chance and that everything happens for a distinct reason. I know that one day I will look back on the summer before UCLA and understand the reason why I was put here.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to conduct research on Proposition 8. It is crazy how when you ask God for something he gives it to you because I was certainly asking him to send me a legal issue to study and it is apparent that I found one. I am so proud of the research that I conducted and I will be certain to post links to both my UCCS 8 Prop research paper and my UCM Black Panthers undergraduate senior thesis. I am excited to conduct graduate research on these issues and to continue to important work of black studies. There is soo much misinformation out there being perpetuated by the media. My hope is that I will be able to filter through the garbage to find something of value.

As I move forward in the next chapter of my life I am excited to begin this new journey. Graduate school is certainly going to be a challenge for me but it is one that I am more than ready to meet. I have a lot to prove, to myself, my family, my peers, and unexpectedly to Jonathan. I have to show that I belong and that I deserve to be there. And then I have to excel. I also have to began making preparations for the next major phase in my life... applying to law school. It is more than likely that once I am accepted to UCLA law and receive a favorable financial aid package I will stay on. I am becoming more and more comfortable spending my life and building my career in Southern California.

With regards to my family, it is unfortunate that after going through so much in our past we are still going through the it even to this today. I truly hope that everything works out for my parents as well as my siblings and that they are able to piece together their lives. Once I finish my education, it is definitely one of my goals to help in anyway that I can. Also in keeping with my desire to give back to others and demonstrate my commitment to humanitarianism and philanthropy I am going to be on the look out for charitable organization doing work that I would like to be apart of. I definitely want to increase my community service hours and get more involved in non-profit work.

National and Global Same-Sex Marriage Movement

Another important aspect of this policy is legal precedent, both in California and in other states, as well as in other countries. As it is my belief that eventually the federal government will have to address this issue either through federal legislation or a constitutional amendment, it is important to recognize how other governments are responding. According to an article by Paula Ettlebrick entitled, “Global Warming to Gay Rights,” in a reader from UCLA Professor Stuart Biegel’s LGBT Studies class despite the passage of Proposition 8 in California, several countries and states have legalized same sex marriage and provided the opportunities that civil marriage affords to all couples. As of today the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, are Norway now the handful of nations that have legalized same-sex marriage and provided gay couples with equal economic benefits, legal rights, and social status. Additionally, many states and countries are being forced to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries.

One such case occurred in Israel, when five Israeli couples married in Canada and the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that legally the government must recognize these marriages as valid. Additionally, many other countries such as Denmark, Iceland, Finland, France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Czech Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia either provide civil union, registered partnerships, or have extended some type of economic or legal benefits to same-sex couples. Several other countries are also moving in that direction. Here in the United States Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Iowa, and Connecticut, and New Hampshire are the pioneering states that have recognized same-sex marriage and several other states are pushing forward with legislation to either recognize same-sex marriages performed in others states, or provide some type of economic or social benefits to gay and lesbian couples.

As of July 2009 same-sex marriage has been legalized in six states, and those marriages performed in other jurisdictions have also been recognized in New York, Rhode Island, and D.C. Six other states plus D.C. currently have in place some form of civil union or domestic partnership option available for same-sex couples. Despite the current status of Proposition 8, approximately 18,000 same-sex couples continue to remain legally married in California and 18 states now offer benefits for same-sex partners of state employees.

The Debate on Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage

This is a debate between my cousin and I. Get into it!

Jolette
August 14 at 9:10am
Roddie, I read your message on your wall. First, I want to tell you that I love you and I always will. Second, I want to tell you, and u may already know this...God hurts the most when His children are in sin. NO MATTER WHAT THE SIN MAY BE! He has made us to do His will His way! I know you know the word. Sodom and Gomorrah were distroyed. God was not pleased with their behavior. Sin is a dishonor to God, a spit in His face no matter what the sin it is. Sin leads to death. Please don't let the enemy continue to deceive you and keep you from the destiny God has ordained for your life. I encourage you that if you are going to be an advocate for anything or stand up for anything, why not stand up for what is right in the sight of the Lord? Do you desire His will for your life? I know you are grown and this is your life but think about how God feels if you can't think about anyone else. Think about what is happening to your spirit and soul. Where would you go if you died today(your spirit)? God made you for His purpose not the world's. We are to live in this world and not partake in the things of this world(that contradict His word). I can not call myself a child of God and not tell you what thus saith the Lord. The question is will you receive it or not. God bless you! I pray God's will for your life. I hope you seek Him diligently so that you are able to discern the right path to take! One last thing, when I was doing things the way of the world, I paid a heavy price for it! I thank God for His grace and mercy to still receive me back to Him. I have never looked back after being delivered from my sin!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 14 at 1:12pm
Hey Jo,
Thanks for your message. I appreciate you checking out my wall, links, and status updates. It is clear that we seem to disagree on interpretations of the word of God and that is totally fine. I definitely understand your opinion, although I have a different one. I will continue to advocate and stand up for what I believe God has called me to do. I believe in equality for everyone regardless of one's religion or interpretation of religion. The great thing about this country is that we are all free to believe what we want to believe, free to speak those beliefs, and free to pursue our own version of life, liberty, and happiness. People are dying everyday because other people are projecting their OPINIONS and BELIEFS onto them and I will not stand for that.

See below for a blog that I wrote on my website. I hope you understand my perspective and respect my beliefs as well.
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So with that said let me begin my commentary. For much of my life I was raised in a traditional Southern Christian family with core middle-class values that many Americans will probably relate to. We went to church every Sunday and Bible Study on Wednesdays. With regard to this issue, I was always taught in church and in my family that homosexuality was immoral. The children in my neighborhood and at school, the hip-hop music that we listened to, the media in general, and just about everyone else also reaffirmed this. I say all of this to preface my personal beliefs and to let it be known that I do understand where those beliefs are rooted and derived. However, through my personal experiences, as a student of History and through my studies I have come to understand that the issue of same-sex marriage is larger than religious beliefs, personal values, or moral teachings. It's quite simply an issue of equality.

Although as an African American I strongly respect what my elders did during the Civil Rights Movement as well as what my ancestors did throughout the history of this nation, and as such must acknowledge the distinct differences between that and the Gay Rights Movement, I must draw comparisons between them because the causes of each movement are rooted in the same spirit of hate. For much of the history of this country, gays and lesbians have been violently persecuted for simply being different and whether you believe this was a choice or not, violent persecution is wrong. Gay bashing, hate crimes, derogatory slurs, family nonacceptance, religious excommunication, denial of basic rights, and the list goes on and on are un-American. They are the true threats to this democracy and threats to our values. This to me spells out terrorism, discrimination, injustice, and inequality, all day and all night and if you do not see it then you need to put on some glasses or something!

Before we are gay or straight, whether you believe you chose to be either or not, we are human, we are Americans, and in the United States of America, the law of the land, which as I understand it to be, is our United States Constitution, interpreted by the Supreme Court. It is explicitly spelled out in clear English that we are all created equal with unalienable rights, to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Those who advocate same-sex marriage are not advocating that their actions be tolerated by the majority. Quite frankly if you do not agree with same-sex marriages then it would be in your best interest not to get one. This issue has nothing to do with whether or not folks approve of the "actions, lifestyles, etc." of the LGBT community. That is of the least of concern. This issue is about liberty and justice for all.

The laws of this country must apply to everyone equally, not just gays, lesbians, and trans-gendered people, but women, those with special needs, and other minorities and the same thing applies to the issue of marriage. Martin Luther King Jr. said it best when he said that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." People have to understand this if nothing else. Bottom line this issue is about fear and division. Many Americans are fearful of these times and they have every right to be. Our country is headed in the wrong direction in just about ever conceivable way possible.

Nevertheless, the answer is NOT to become further divided over issues of relatively little or no importance. Same-sex marriage is not the same as polygamy, or underage marriage, or any other ADULT relationship and does not seek to replace "traditional marriage." It is not about the best interests of children either! Many children are raised by single parents, AND GET THIS...gay parents too, and even no parents at all and turn out fine. Same-sex parents that can provide a loving, stable home for children should not and cannot be denied this BASIC RIGHT. This would do more harm to children than anything.

Lastly, same-sex marriage will not and cannot undermine anyone's values. Everyone can and will still have their beliefs, and regardless of what those are, it is not the place of the government or the law to take sides. The law must protect and recognize everyone in the same way. We have to come together and treat each other with compassion and respect regardless of our values. We cannot continue to demonize each other and expect that we can solve bigger issues like global poverty, world hunger, and social injustice.

Our society is changing and evolving and becoming more diverse like societies tend to do. We are a nation of many people and we are nation of ideals and values that cannot be sacrificed regardless of our religious foundation. It is time to progress and the Obama Administration will signal in a new era of tolerance and hope. It is imperative that we all get on board.

Please people educate yourselves on the issues. Research a variety of viewpoints and perspectives and try to learn the facts about this issue. It is so sad that this measure passed barely due to deception and shady marketing techniques. I truly hope that Californians and Americans in general wake up and truly began to arm themselves with knowledge and leverage their power. God bless America.

RKNJ

For the full blog and more please check out my blog at www.rodneynickens.blogspot.com

Jolette
August 14 at 10:10pm
Roddy, this is not an opinion. The enemy wants you to believe this. Where in GOD's word does HE tell you it is ok for same sex marriages? Either you believe the word of GOD to be true and not just a belief/opinion or you don't. GOD loves everyone. HE does not want us mistreating each other, hating each other or sinning. Men shouldn't marry men. Women shouldn't marry women. Men and women should not have sex unless they are married. Married people should not commit adultry. Thou shall not kill or steal or coveted. The list goes on. None of these sins are ordained of GOD. Wrong is wrong and right is right. Don't get it twisted. Equality is a privilege that GOD permits, just like life is, if HE permits. If a group of people are going to suffer then they are at the mercy and hand of GOD. They need HIM to deliver them. Remember the Israelites? They were delivered out of Egypt by GOD's mercy (they gained rights). They forgot about how GOD delivered them and suffered even more in the wilderness (they lost rights). People's hearts must turn to GOD. People want equality for their views they have(in general), well, the word of GOD says, "SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN and IT'S RIGHTEOUSNESS and ALL THESE OTHER THINGS(like equality) WILL BE ADDED UNTO YOU". Rod you are well educated in what you believe; so was Paul in persecuting the Christians. Education nor logic can explain how GOD or HIS miracles work. Paul believed that what he was doing what was right as well(read about Paul if you haven't already). His education had nothing to do with him following the word of GOD( his education was used to fulfill his purpose later on). When he turned his heart to GOD, those which he used to support and advocate for, persecuted him. When we as people are mistreated but our lives are in line with the word of GOD, HE has our back and HIS word says that HE will make our ememies at peace with us. Education is wonderful and is a privilege but nothing going on now or in history is larger than GOD. HE made this earth did HE not? HE also made the people. Satan creates walls to keep us from seeing the truth. Rod have you lost your fear in GOD? I am not saying that you should not stand for people's rights. But these rights you are standing up for, do they offend GOD?? Only GOD"S HOLY SPIRIT can help you see and descern what kind of things you should support. GOD has created this fight(advocacy) in you to win souls for HIM. The enemy is trying to use what GOD created in you( to help support/advocate people getting saved and delivered from their afflictions), to help people stay in sin. What does the word of GOD mean to you if you are ok with and support the things that contradict HIS word. Rod, this not a belief or an opinion. I've lived it and know HIS word to be true for myself. Yes, this is America, a place of free speech and to do what you please. But are you a follower of CHRIST or just an American? What does GOD instruct us Americans and any other nationalities to do if we say we love Him and desire HIS will?? HIS word says,"Llive in this world but be ye not of it". You are definitely consumed by this. Does the scripture in Romans(1:24-32) that Paul talked about mean anything to you? Is it just an opinion/belief that JESUS CHRIST is GOD's son, that HE walked this earth, and died for our sins? Or is it a fact? Everything that has happened in history was permitted by the LORD for HIS glory to be shown through these situations. HE does not want us to forget that HE is still GOD. HE wants our hearts and the things we stand for to reflect HIM and HIS holiness. Do you believe that it is holy for people to have same sex marriages? This is not about what is taught through man or history. This is about what GOD teaches and requires of us. Are you concerned about gays being saved, holy and acceptable to the LORD? If you say you are doing what GOD has called you to do, then that doesn't come without bringing souls to HIM, telling of HIS goodness, how much HE loves them, and desires them to be holy in HIS site. Roddy, I know for a fact that GOD did not tell you to support same sex marriage. This is something the enemy wants you to believe is right and tag equality on the end of it. In GOD's eyes, there is no equality for sin. The only EQUALlity sinners get is GOD's judgement. Sinners will EQUALly receive the same sentence as lucifer did. Sin EQUALs death. If GOD was ok with it, then HIS word wouldn't teach against it. Anyone that is in sin and is ok with it will suffer because GOD wants their hearts to desire Him more than the sin or life itself (any person or thing). Gays are so consumed with their rights and being mistreated that they have forgotten about their CREATOR. GOD didn't create man or woman to defile their bodies in anyway and think that they won't suffer for it. If you love the LORD thy GOD with all your heart, then you will keep HIS commandments. If you find it evil to do this, then you choose this day whom you serve. GOD is not in this. HE is holy. HE is righteous. HE still loves you Roddy and gays too. HE does not hate anyone. I've heard and seen the mean things going on towards gays. This kind of behavior does not reflect the love GOD has for people. It's not right. People that hate need the LORD to give them love(It was HIS last commandment) for everyone no matter what the person is doing. GOD is a GOD of love and is also a GOD of wrath. This nation(full of people that are doing and saying what they want) is under GOD's mercy right now, which will soon come to an end. Judgement is coming for everyone, even the people that bash others! HE will not continue to stand for anyone(no matter what gender, color, creed) disrespecting HIS word. Nor is HE going to stand for those who say they love HIM but their life does not reflect it. Roddy we don't always have the right examples set for us growing up. But once we are grown it is up to us to get to know GOD, understand His word, and live HIS word for ourselves. Be blessed!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 15 at 5:23pm
Jolette,
I love you and I appreciate your concern. Thank you and God Bless you.

RKNJ

Jolette
August 16 at 3:20pm
You too Roddy!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 18 at 2:47am
http://www.gaybygod.net/index.php?option=com_community&view=videos&task=video&userid=64&videoid=9&Itemid=62Pastor Joseph Tolton Responds to Gay Exorcism Video
Source: www.gaybygod.net

Jolette
August 18 at 12:26pm
Rod, I looked at both videos and was saddened by both.
GOD gives HIS disciples authority to "cast out" demons but sometimes our methods are a little unorthodoxed. We all may have phobias of something but GOD wants us to fear only HIM. No one is gay by GOD. It is just lust. GOD made us in HIS image but the lust of our hearts get us in trouble! Romans talks about lustful hearts and how God turns them over to their lusts, which ends in a reprobate mind. The word speaks about being gay( homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or a transgendered) and same sex marriages. God does not hate you or anyone else! Anyone that tells you that, it is a lie from the devil!

Cast out demons(Matt. 10:1)
Jesus casts out demons( Luke 8:26-39)
Fear GOD( Matt.10:28, Prov.2:5; 9:10)
Made in GOD's image(Gen. 1:27)
Wicked hearts(Jer. 17:9)
Consequences from Lust in the heart(Rom. 1:18-32)
Homosexuality(Lev.18:22, Deu. 23:17-18, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, 1 Tim.1:8-10, Rom 1:27)
Marriage(Gen 2:24, Prov.18:22;19:14; Matt. 19:4-6)
God loves us(1 John 3:15,17,18; John 3:16; )
Love one another(Matt 22 :37)

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 18 at 12:29pm
Thank you Jo for the scriptures and we can definitely agree on that. God does NOT hate anyone. What did you think of the website?

Jolette
August 18 at 1:10pm
God didn't make you or anyone else gay. We choose the paths we take. Just as we choose to: be wrong or right , to hate or to love, to sin or be righteous, to steal or not, to kill or let live, to serve satan or to serve GOD, to stand or sit, to be sad or to happy , to marry or to divorce, to have children or not, to overeat or eat in moderation, to speed or drive the speed limit, being quick to anger or to be humble , to apologize for hurting someone feelings or not, to hold grudges or to forgive, to dwell on the past/a certain subject or to just let it go, to choose our own way or God's way.

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 18 at 1:12pm
Well if that's the case, then God didn't make you or anyone else straight either? When did you choose to be straight?

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 18 at 1:19pm
Sweety why would someone choose to be a persecuted minority who many believe are damned to eternal hell? Does that make sense? Like seriously think about that. Being gay is no more a choice than being black or having brown eyes. We all have to deal with the cards we are dealt.

Jolette
August 18 at 2:24pm
God made us to follow HIS word. I choose to follow HIS word. So, yes I choice to be straight. I haven't choosen to be anything but straight. It is not a sin to be straight. It is a sin to go against God's word. I have choosen sin before. Ok, here's the thing. The enemy can make anyone think that what they are doing is right and that they won't go to hell. Only God"s word can set you free. If you have no conviction then you won't think you are wrong. Our skin color and the way our bodies are made, that is different. That is physical. What we do with our bodies and to our skin is our choice. Don't blame God for that.


Jolette
August 18 at 2:37pm
Rod, where in God's word does HE condone men with men and women with women? Or sin at that? Confusion is of the enemy.(1 Cor. 14:33) GOD gives us a peace that surpasses all understanding.(Phil. 4:7)

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 18 at 3:04pm
Honey u have been listening 2 way 2 much Pat Robertson! No one lives their lives exactly according 2 any religious or religious doctrine. God loves us the way we are and understands that we fall short and make mistakes. I truly believe His love is unconditional. I don't spend my life stressing about what other ppl think or try 2 tell me how I should live. I love my life for my own happiness and 2 bring honor 2 those I love and 2 glorify God n the best way I can.

Jolette
August 19 at 9:11am
Rod, the last thing I want to do is tell you how to live your life. GOD knows that no one is perfect nor should we confess to be. I need the LORD in my life I am no one without HIM.(PS. 27:7-8) However, HE does expect us to seek HIM daily(pray), read HIS word and follow it.(Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22) We all need a closer walk with the LORD. We can only achieve it by making special time for GOD. This involves shutting the world out for an amount of time. If we sin, we should be quick to repent and turn away from it. We aren't supposed stay in it once we've repented. We are not going to do everything right. But, GOD honors the heart that seeks HIS glory and righteousness over what the world deems as right.(There is a way which seemeth right unto a man.... Prov. 14:12) Rod, I will continue to pray for you and I wish God's best for you. Do not think that because we've had this conversation that I love you any less or would disown you. Love covers a multitude of sin.(1 Peter 4:8) Life is hard and no, it is not easy following GOD's word but not impossible. For HIS word says that ,"We can you all things through CHRIST that strenghtens us!" .(Philippians 4:13) I also pray for your heart. Any hurts or disappointments you 've gone through that have never been healed. Any damage that has come to your spirit, mind, soul and body, I speak healing IN THE NAME of JESUS. Forgive anyone that has hurt you or disappointed you. Bless those that dispitefully use you.(Matt. 4:44; Rom. 12:14) In JESUS name, Amen. You are welcome to talk to me anytime. If you would like to have a online bible study, I am open to that as well. Be Blessed and be safe!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 19 at 1:09pm
Did u get my email?

Jolette
August 19 at 1:42pm
Which one? The one with the 2 papers you wrote? I have it.

Jolette
August 19 at 7:00pm
Rod, would you please send your email again?

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 19 at 11:50pm
Yeah sure!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
Today at 12:50am
Jolette, As you can probably tell, I am conducting research on the issue of same-sex marriage and it has come to my attention that not one time does Jesus Christ, himself mention sexuality or homosexuality for that matter.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that we are all children of God and that despite our differences we are all made to drink of one spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13) and if one member suffers, all members suffer with it; and if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it (1 Corinthians 12:26).

There are various references to being gay in the Bible as you noted but many do not apply to the way we live today. Much of the Old Testament for instance is outdated as it was used to justify slavery and the disenfranchisement of women.

We must look at the Bible as a body of work in its totality. Its central message being love and inclusion, especially the love of God and love towards each other. The core of this message being to treat each other as we would want to be treated.

Just as God's love is all-encompassing we must strive to show that same love to gays and lesbians. Since straight couples have the freedom to marry each other, so must gay couples. Just because I don't approve of something, it doesn't give me the right to judge someone else because as you know it is God's place to render judgment.

Many gay couples live together around the country. There are gay couples that are loving, caring, and committed to each other and their families despite much discrimination and terrorism. As I'm sure you will agree, discrimination in any form is wrong. Our ancestors fought so hard against it. We must all come together to fight discrimination whenever ever it rises and we must all find it in our heart to support every couple that chooses to build a life together and start a family through the institution of civil marriage.

Love Always,

RKNJ

Please visit www.freedomtomarry.org for more information.

Freedom To Marry
Source: www.freedomtomarry.org
Freedom to Marry is the gay and non-gay partnership working to win marriage equality nationwide. We promote the national conversation about why marriage equality matters while bringing together partner organizations into a larger whole, a shared civil rights campaign.


Jolette
August 20, 2009 at 5:57pm
Rod, GOD(Hey that rhymes!) has placed in you excellence. You are an excellent writer and researcher! You will make a great Lawyer one day...a Lawyer of the gospel of the word of GOD( If you receive it). I do not think that you are a bad person because you believe what you believe. I do however, question that if you love the LORD thy GOD, then why don't you believe HIS word. The people who recorded the scriptures in the bible were annointed and appointed to do so. They recorded the good and bad things the people did; that we might learn from their mistakes. Either you believe GOD's word to be the truth in its entirety or you believe it to be merely a body of work with some truth .

There are many words we use now that were not used in the bible. However, there are terms in the bible for them. Homosexuals/gays were called sodomites in the bible. Just because the term gay/homosexual was not used in the word, does mean that the act itself is not a sin. Here are a few others: satanist are same as the children of belial in the bible; demons are the same as devils; gangsters/bandits are the same as thiefs; alcohol/liquor is the same as fermented wine/strong drink. All of these are contradictions to GOD. Everything we are faced with now may not be mentioned in there but one thing that holds true is that we are to "present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to HIM".... (Romans 12:1-2).

This nation as a whole and the world have become corrupt. Posioned by man's doctrine. GOD's word says, "Many are called but few are chosen"(Matt. 22:14). The people that are willing to stand up for God's word are few. The people that know HIS word and continue to compromise it, will eventually give up their rights to go to heaven. Blessed is the nation whose GOD is the LORD... Ps. 33:12; Ps. 37:9. There is no one in this world that is bigger than GOD. HE is sovereign! It doesn't matter how accomplished, famous, or rich we are. We all have many opinions but the only opinion that is valid, is GOD's!

People of the OT did not have JESUS, and some where killed on the spot for their sins! They had to sacrifice animals to be forgiven! In the NT, JESUS had one purpose and that was to die for our sins! Praise GOD HE did or no one on this earth would exist! JESUS also left HIS followers( of HIS time and of our time) the authority through HIS HOLY SPIRIT to righty divide the word of GOD(II Tim. 2:15)! If GOD was displeased with the behavior(sin) in the OT and NT; HE is certainly displeased with it now!
"And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,"Lev. 20:1. Every scripture of this chapter that follows this line was spoken from God through Moses. "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them( Lev. 20:13). The OT is old but not to be discredited. GOD's word does not change. "We The People..." are the ones who change. GOD has permitted things to happen back then as HE does now. Nothing is new under the sun. We don't live life quite like people did then but sin hasn't gone anywhere. Sin is still sin and death is still the end result for those who won't change their ways.

Rod, all of GOD's word has to take residence in your heart for you to receive HIS truth. Not just what you deem valuable.To sum it up, the bible is about GOD and HIS righteousness. We have to get to know HIM before we decide to flive our lives the way we please and expect HIM to be OK with it! We can't get to HIM unless we first accept JESUS as HIS son! As we get to know HIM better, then we understand HIS word in its entirety. Do you desire the love of a man and his ways(doctrine) more than the love of GOD and HIS ways? If you love GOD(with all your heart), then you desire HIS love and HIS ways over man's(or what you want too). In seeking HIS love you will find the truth!

Rodney Kendell Nickens Jr.
August 21, 2009 at 10:57am
Jolette, I would encourage you to keep learning about your faith: If you want some resources on faith and homosexuality, I suggest that you visit Soulforce (www.soulfource.org), or HRC’s “Religious Life” web area (www.hrc.org). In addition, you might want to read Bishop John Shelby Spong’s Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism: A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scripture, or Dr. Daniel Helminiac’s What the Bible Says and Doesn’t Say About Homosexuality. It might help you to know that several faith traditions have embraced marriage for same-sex couples, and see nothing inconsistent between the dictates of their religion and the blessing of same-sex marriages.

These include: the United Church of Christ; American Baptist Churches; the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Quakers; Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform Judaism); Ecumencial Catholic Church; Alliance for Jewish Renewal; The Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association (Reconstructionist
Judaism); Unitarian Universalist Association; Universal Fellowship of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC); Episcopal Church; Presbyterian Church (USA). Get informed about the distinction between civil marriage and religious marriage: Another point to consider is that many people of faith support civil marriage for same-sex couples even if their faith community reserves the sacrament of marriage for heterosexual couples. Indeed, many clergy have signed the Marriage Resolution, calling for civil marriage equality for same-sex couples.

RKNJ

Black In America from My Perspective

Being Black in America for me has always been my greatest pride. From an early age my parents instilled in me a sense of pride in my culture and heritage and that translated directly into my self esteem, emotional development, and academic motivation. Today as a 22 year old African American male I can say that I still am proud to be Black in America. I am so honored to have attended the University of California at Merced for my undergraduate work and to have the opportunity to attend UCLA to complete graduate work. I was inspired to write this blog after watching Black in America 2 on CNN. Since I couldn't get to sleep I figured I may as well blog about my thoughts about life and what's going on in the world. This particular segment was so inspiring for me personally, especially seeing the Black and privileged section. I love how this documentary was designed and it was just so well done in that not only did it focus on needy children and what needs to be done to help them but also on the privileged children and what they are experiencing.

For me I have always felt like I straddled the fence in this regard. Having grown up privileged, experienced hardship, and now being fairly privileged once again. This series definitely motivates me to continue doing the positive things that I am doing and to strive even harder for the success that I know I deserve. These past few weeks have been particularly challenging for me especially with this heat wave that we have been experiencing in Sacramento. Finances are once again an issue for me as checks continue to fall short of expectations. Somehow I always manage to get by and I know that this summer is no exception. Nevertheless, my internship experience in Sac has been lackluster as this budget crisis has definitely dampened the environment. EVERYONE and I do mean EVERYONE is complaining about furloughs and budget cuts and losing their jobs, and having to downsize, and moving, and its just really depressing! I hope I don't sound like I'm complaining I mean I like my internship experience enough I guess. It's a great opportunity working in the District Attorney's office and studying California public policy in the State Capitol. And now I have YET another gig working with Grassroots Campaigns and Equality California to overturn Proposition 8 and put it back on the ballot which is what I'm conducting research on for my policy paper! How convenient huh!?

I guess what I'm most frustrated about is the boredom that I have with my life at the present moment. Currently I would prefer to be anywhere except where I am right now. LA, NYC, PARIS, or LONDON is where I would prefer to be. I know that in time I will be able to live the lifestyle that I deserve and that it is going to take time and that I'm still young and that I have to go through more schooling and gain more experience but the whole situation is just tiring and a great debacle! I'm just ready to be done with this whole summer experience and get on with my life. Start grad school, work on my master thesis, finish, apply to law school, go to law school, take the bar, and start practicing at a top law firm on Wall Street. Ugh that sounds like a long process huh! Regardless, I have about 2 months of summer left and I have a feeling its going to be the longest 2 months of my life which I am not entirely excited about. I WISH I was having more fun this summer and enjoying myself and meeting people who are going to help me get to where I want to go but I simply don't feel that I am at this point. I think Jonathan was right when he said that I never wanted to select this internship from the start and that I wanted to do the internship in Washington instead. I wonder how my summer would have turned out had I chosen to go back to Washington D.C. this summer. Well I guess I will never know because I did not go to DC I chose to go to Sac and God has a reason for me being here so I guess it's no point in my looking at hypotheticals.

To be continued...

Why do I want to go to law school after I finish my Master's?

To many going to graduate school to obtain a Master's degree is the ultimate finality to a lifetime of educational and scholastic achievement. However, to me it's only a much needed detour to my ultimate educational destination, which of course is to obtain a Juris Doctor's degree. Growing up in Hampton Roads, VA to many, would have seemed like torture having not only to endure impoverished working class minority communities, ravished by crime, drugs, gang activity, and every obstacle one could forsee from stopping a young African-American male from ceizing the opportunity to succeed. For many years growing up for me was torture. Finding solace in my scholastic ambitions, forced me not only to come to terms with my social class but also with my race, gender and sexuality, and inherent desire to succeed despite them all. I believe this coupled with a strong family support system in the form of my parents and select teachers were some of the reasons that I did in fact manage to successfully graduate from high school with honors and go on to graduate from the University of California, Merced as a member of the inaugural graduating class.

However, for me being the first in my immediate family to graduate from a college or university was not nearly enough to satisfy my thirst for learning and my intellectual curiosity. I decided in my final year of my undergraduate education that I would forego applying to law school and instead apply to graduate programs in African-American Studies, Ethnic Studies, and Policy Policy and Administration. My intense interest in the political system and in how it relates to minority communities of color and especially African-Americans fueling my desire to further investigate and study race and public policy issues at the graduate level. After being accepted to every graduate program I applied to, I chose UCLA's graduate program in African-American Studies, a fitting choice considering my research and extracurricular background.

However, the purpose of this blog is to frame this in a way as to demonstrate why after all of this I am still committed to furthering my education by attending law school. Although there is much work to be done at the public policy level, work that I firmly intend on participating in as well, I believe law is the means to accomplish all ends. It is through the law that public policy can exist. It is my hope that through attending law school and excelling in my legal endeavors that my world and my understanding of the law can be opened to the possibilities that the legal profession can present. I hope that through joining the legal community not only will I help to continue to diversify a growing and dynamic segment of our society but will also work to actively and fruitly contribute to the spectacular work that is being done throughout the spectrum of the legal profession. Although my hope would be to specialize in critical race, civil rights, employment discrimination, human rights, corporate, government areas of the law, I know that throughout my career in the legal profession I will undoubtedly work in a variety of aspects of the law in both the public and private sector and am more than amenable to this.

Growing up in a socio-economically disadvantaged, single-parent household as an African-American male in Portsmouth, Virginia brought about extreme challenges and experiences that have fundamentally shaped the man that I have become today. It is these experiences as well as countless others that have enabled me to contribute to society and will continue to enable me to strive for success in my academic and professional career. Most of my memories of my childhood are of a constant struggle to survive, not only financially, but also socially, emotionally, and occasionally even physically. Nevertheless, from an early age I made it my life-long goal to achieve greatness and to make something of myself, to defeat all of the odds that were stacked against me. Life in Virginia for me meant being constantly judged by the color of my skin, being followed in stores, broken homes and broken promises, and even homelessness. It has also meant being told that the person I saw in the mirror would never amount to anything because I was a black man in a society that did not value blackness. Despite the circumstances that characterized my tumultuous childhood I was fortunate to have had key individuals in my life that believed in my intellectual and academic potential and motivated me to strive for greatness. In addition to my mother and father I have been fortunate to have consistently come into contact with teachers, tutors, mentors, peers, friends, and supportive people who have been pivotal in my life, especially at my darkest moments. It is because of this incredible support system that I have been able to defy the odds, shatter the barriers, and break the chains to become the strong Black man that I am today. This has been my most passionate source of inspiration to rise above my circumstances and become an attorney to help to fight the inequalities that exist within our legal system and work to make our society more just.

Due to my parents’ vigilant efforts to instill in me a sense of appreciation for my culture and heritage, I quickly became conscious of marginalization, segregation, and the social, political, and economic inequalities in America and developed an intense interest and appreciation for my ethnic identity, which led to my graduate work in African-American Studies at UCLA. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career I have strived to work hands-on to bring the African-American community, the legal community, and local, state, and federal government closer together to solve the disparities that continue to plague the African-American community due to the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow segregation. Despite tremendous gains that have been made due to key pieces of civil rights legislation, even today segregation, institutional racism, discrimination, and systematic inequalities still seriously threaten American society and disproportionately put African Americans at a disadvantage politically, economically, and socially.

Additionally, until we change our ideologies as well as our policies about these issues, I am under the belief that we will never be able to fundamentally address these disparities and truly solve the issues facing the African-American community. Coupled with my interest in race and public policy I have strived to utilize my interest in the law as a means to effect social change and as a source of inspiration in pursuing opportunities to learn more about the law and how it relates to public policy and government. This has presented incredible learning experiences for me working with the U.S. Model House of Representatives, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the District Attorney’s Office, Equality California’s Campaign to Overturn Prop 8, on the Obama for America Campaign, and in the Office of a State Senator. (Elaborate on one most recent specific issue) The underlying catalyst for all of these experiences being my sincere desire to work diligently and strategically to achieve equal justice and civil rights for all people. It is my intention that through being admitted to law school I will not only solidify my academic and professional background through becoming an attorney, but also position myself to begin a career in the public and private sector that will help to rectify many of these historical and contemporary issues that not only affect the African-American community but all communities of color, as well as other socially and disadvantaged communities across the country and around the world.

Through my admission and matriculation to law school I hope to utilize my legal education to become a much-needed resource to Black America, which I believe has suffered from inequality and injustice, specifically with regards to criminal, social, and economic justice, for far too long. Utilizing my graduate work as a theoretical framework to understand race and how it affects American society I hope to give back to a community that gave me so much. After finishing this program I hope to work in civil rights law in either the public or private sector in preparation for a career as a public servant working diligently to address critical public policy issues facing our great nation. Law school will not only allow me to grow intellectually, but it will also provide me with the chance to have my voice heard and to encourage, motivate, and inspire countless other individuals. My story is a quintessential American story that exemplifies the notion that regardless of race, class, or social status anything is possible with determination, drive, belief in self, and morality. Having experienced multiple angles of the effects of educational, social, and economic disadvantages in my own personal experience, and witnessing the linguistic disadvantages that occur as a result of immigrating to the United States through my family experiences, I am convinced that I would provide a much-needed addition to the legal community.

To be continued...

God has the power to show you who's God!

God is so good all the time, and all the time God is good. Be encouraged! There is nothing that you can't give to God that he can't solve. I've been in Sacramento for about 4 days and already God is already working wonders in my life. Keep in mind that this a city that I have never lived in and one in which I know only a handful of people. It is the state capitol and about two hours north of Merced, where I have been living for the past 4 years and also about 2 hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, where my aunt and uncle live with my cousins. So although I've been to the capitol to visit, on several occasions, I have never actually been here for any extended period of time.



Nevertheless, after graduation I was a little concerned. I wouldn't say I was worried, but I was a little discombobulated because I had planned to received at least $1000 in graduation money and also to work at UCM in Campus Tours until my summer internship started. So when that didn't work out not only was I looking STUPID, but I was also wondering how I would be able to pay my bills and get by until I began my internship. So by the grace of God, I scraped by, all throughout the month of May and half of June, with my little bit of savings and with the help of my Dad and Uncle whom I love sooo much! And so after scraping by May and June, I was seriously in debt and behind on many bills when I moved into my new apartment for the summer, in Sacramento.



So when I came to Sac I was already at a a negative and wondering how I would pay for my internship fees, luxury apartment, bills, and various living expenses. All the while, I was doing my best to stay positive, be optimistic, make phone calls, and work my magic. When you meet God half way you can't fail. You have to always remember to plan ahead because when you plan to fail you fail to plan AND of course me being the organized, thoughtful, forward looking man that I am, I have been planning for this summer since February, when I had got back from DC. So I was putting things into motion all year for this summer so that I wouldn't be looking like BOO BOO the FOOL! LOL! But nevertheless things weren't working out as I had hoped and my internship advisor had informed me that my payment for the program was due and that if I wasn't going to be able to pay then I might have to drop out of the program.



So he asked me to compose a letter (which I did, in a matter of 2 hours) and send it to him explaining in detail what's going on. Beloved when you do what God has called you to do then there is no way you can fail. God did not lift you up to let you down. Thank you God for seeing me through and giving me the wherewithal, know how, and energy to go forth as ye have called. I know that I serve an awesome God who has blessed me infinitely! So I composed the letter, sent it through and he told me that he would forward it to the appropriate individuals and make some phone calls. That night I took to some serious prayer and was connecting with the universe in ways that I never knew that I could. My spirit was in tuned with a higher power and I was focused on a positive outcome which was me getting what I wanted, being able to pay for my various expenses, live comfortably, and garner this summer experience for all that it is worth. Beloved I tell you no sooner then I had given it to God my advisor was calling me in the office to discuss my status.



Now I didn't know what he was going to say. Part of me was ready to pack my bags at a moments notice! lol! But when you are working for the Lord on His mission, He will make a way out of no way! My advisor informed me that he had taken care of the situation, that everything would be paid for, and that I needn't worry because I was going to have a great summer and learn more than I could imagine and I got so excited I nearly jumped out of my skin. I was ecstatic! The power of the Lord just rushed through my body and I was jittery and running all over the place. I simply just couldn't believe that God had worked out that situation that fast! The presence of God was just all around me and it felt magnificent.



Now the reason I wanted to share this with you is because I know a lot of people right now are going through some tough situations. This recession has got everyone down and programs and services are getting cut left and right. People are losing jobs, homes, cars, and everything else. Businesses are closing down, sales are going down, and it seems really dismal. But I want you to know that everything happens for a season and that God is the one in control. He has allowed all of this to happen for a reason and a purpose and it is so divine that we could not began to imagine what He has in store for us. I want you all to know that I serve a mighty God who knows everything in the universe and who is perfect. If you believe in Him and what He can do then He will work wonders in your life. I know that no recession is to bad for God to fix. No job is out of His reach. There is nothing that He can't fix, heal, or repair. And they that trust in God shall be like Mount Zion, they will not be moved and not be afraid. I will not be moved by what man has done and I refuse to be afraid for the future. God is still in control of my life and He has a purpose for me. I am trusting in the Lord and I know that he will fulfill my destiny. There is no name as sweet as Jesus!

Sincerely,

RKNJ

Rodney K. Nickens Jr.
Love, Hope, and Peace