BOBBEE BEE: SIGNS OF THE TIME

"My soul waits for the Lord More than the WATCH-MEN-Ps:130:6

SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: SIGNS OF THE TIME
by eric d.graham

As we were all watching the clock countdown and the apple drop in TIME SQUARE, the DOOMSDAY CLOCK, which was created in 1947 at the University of Chicago by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists was moved two minutes to midnight to show us how far we are from Armageddon or total annihilation. To all of you Comic Book Readers, it is not a coincidence that the "WATCH-MEN" series is airing on HBO at this particular moment in Time, which stars Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Oh yes, while January 1st signaled the beginning of a "New Year" for the "New World," with people singing and dancing the night away, drunk in their drunkenness, proposing to their lovers (Matt 24:38) which was sealed with a homosexual kiss (Luke 17:28-30) from host actor Billy Porter on the lips of his husband after he performed "Love YourSelf"(2 Timothy 3:1-2)...

Yes, Babylon is Falling. Despite all this brouhaha, January 1st, unfortunately, is not the beginning of the New Year. It really begins in March. Now, the Bible predicted that Time would be Changed in the Book of Daniel in Chapter 7:25, which states: (This passage of course can be interpreted estoretically as well as Masonically)

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to CHANGE TIMES and LAWS: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time."

The change of Time can easily be deciphered, however, easily by COUNTING the months from March, astrologically, begin the first month: 2. April 3. May 4. June 5. July 6. August 7. September, which comes from the Latin root septem-, meaning “seven,” because in the original Roman republican calendar September was the seventh month of the year rather than the ninth. Hence, October has a numerical value of "eight," as in the Octagon having eight sides and December (Dec.) meaning TEN.

The Bible reveals this in another way by discussing the PASSOVER/Spring Equinox in Exodus (12:1).

During the PASSOVER, observed on the 14th day of the month, which is MARCH, commemorates the day Israel (Isis RA-EL) left Egypt (known as the House of Bond-Age) and the blood of the lamb (Aries) was spread on the doorpost as a SIGN from the Most High (God, Dog Star (Sirius) should "passover" their houses when The Most High destroyed all the firstborn of Egypt. (Ex12:13). There is a lot of astrological symbolism in this passage for the learnt man and woman. Because, in the New Testament, which was translated by the Greek, the one named Jesus Christ or the Son/Sun of Man was crucified during one of these "PASSOVER" celebration, known as the Last Supper on the EVE of his death, making him the ultimate "passover" sacrifice REdeeming us from the power over SIN (moon) and death (1 Cor 5:7)

Let's not forget the MOON has a special significance for the ancient Israelites. The word month, in actuality, comes from the word "moon," which is why their festival calendar began each month with the rising of the NEW MOON. The Book of Numbers verifies this in Chapter 10:9-10) When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the Trumpets.
After reading this, now, you know why we blow those little Trumpets for New Year's!!! To add on to this, the month of March is a representation of the RED planet Mars, which means War. That's why most military action by Pentagon and NATO military planners have chosen March as the best TIME to go to war, with the exception of the War on Afghanistan (October 2001) and the 1990-91 Gulf War, all major US-NATO and allied led military operations over a period of more than half a century –since the invasion of Vietnam (aka Dr.Manhattan) by US ground forces have been initiated in the month of March. So, keep you eyes on Trump and his War with Iran, which is brewing as we speak.

Let's not forget, where the Days of the Week got their names from: Roman gods: Diana as the Moon for Monday, Mars for Tuesday, Mercury for Wednesday, Jupiter/THOR for Thursday, Venus for Friday, Saturn for Saturday, and Apollo as the Sun for Sunday.

Hence, the conflict between the Protestants, especially the 7th Day Adventist and the Catholic over the Sabbath Day. For, the 7th Day Adventist along with the Hebrews, believe the Sabbath begins from Friday at SunSET to Saturday EVENing) (Ex:16:23-27) While, the Catholics believe it is on Sunday.(Acts 20:7)

So, estoretically, we have Saturn worshippers fighting against Sun-worshipers. (2 Timothy 2:15)

With that said, with a clock around our necks like Flavor Flav from Public Enemy, we all must know the THEOLOGY OF TIME. Because,..I set WATCHMEN over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.-'Jer(6:17) (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: RUMORS OF WAR

“The noise of battle is in the land— the noise of great destruction.” (Jer: 50:22)

SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: RUMORS OF WAR by E.Graham

On August 31, 2013, Donald Trump tweeted “Be prepared there is a small chance that our horrendous leadership could unknowingly lead us into World War III. Now, SEVEN years later, during an election year, with a possible impeachment trail looming, the Trump administration, assassinated Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by drone, which is equivalent to killing Vice President Mike Pence, has the world on brink of war, with claims of a $80 million bounty being placed on the head of the President, where Iranians, while shouting, “DEATH TO AMERICA” are believed to be willing to contribute $1 each to the person who will kill him.

With all of this talk of impeachment and assassination plots, we must take a political yet prophetic look at the Bible, which can be viewed astrologically as well as Masonically in the Book of Matthew Chapter 24:verses (1-8), which discusses the disciples asking the Christ, “What shall be the SIGN of thy coming and the END OF THE WORLD?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, TAKE HEED THAT NO MAN DECEIVE YOU.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; (Christians) and shall deceive many. Hence, the recent comments of televangelist Jim Bakker, who resurrected his career after serving years in prison for fraud saying, “that only SAVED people can love Donald Trump.” Along with Paula White, a Pentecostal preacher and longtime adviser to Trump, who has been tapped to head the White House's Faith and Opportunity Initiative, who stated “let every demonic network who has aligned itself ...against the calling of President Trump.. be broken..."

And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: (Case in point, recently, following an end-of-year party plenary meeting, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un announced his country will no longer abide by its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing.

Despite this imminent threat, the Bible GOES ON to said: see that ye be not TROUBLED: for all these things must come to pass, but the END is not yet. For NATION shall RISE against NATION (CHINA & RUSSIA), and kingdom against kingdom (SAUDI Arabia/Yemen): and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. For instances, on January 7th, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake affected: The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Turks and Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Saint Barthélemy, Antigua and Barbuda, and Anguilla. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Yes, this is the beginning of sorrows. But, with all of these events taking on the nightly (NEWS) N. orth E.ast W.est S.outh around the FACE of the earth, those, who are students of T.H.E.M. always refer to the prophesy of Ezekiel Chapter 38 to understand the SIGNS OF THE TIME. Especially, when the scripture discusses MAGOG OR GOG (Khazars), which, according to certain Biblical interpretations, are DESCENDants of people, who occupied lands from Spain to Asia Minor, the islands of the Mediterranean to South Russia, Togarmath, near the Black Sea of the CAUCASUS Mountains. For Black preachers, Ezekiel’s vision and prophecy, is very important to understand. But, not with a Western World view. Because, this text can also be broken down from an astrological perspective as well.

Let’s not forget the words of General Wesley Clark, who stated that America was “going to Take out 7 Countries in 5 Years: Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan & Iran..” (Ek:38:5-6). This is a form of predictive programming.

The book of Revelation Chapter 6:verse 8 puts it this way:
And I looked, and BEHOLD A PALE HORSE: and his name that sat on him was DEATH, and Hell followed with him. And POWER was given unto them over the FOURTH part of the earth, to KILL with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

With this mind, continue to be WATCH-MEN as Isaiah 21:6 states: "Go, station the lookout, let him report what he SEES.(bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: THE POLITICS OF IMPEACHMENT

THE POLITICS OF IMPEACHMENT

The decision by Democrats sitting on the House Judiciary Committee to approve Articles of Impeachment that will be affirmed in a full vote of the House of Representatives just handed Donald Trump a probable victory in the 2020 election barring a sudden economic downturn, the eruption of an unlikely war, or yet another revolt by a discontented electorate. The Democrats know that conviction in the Republican controlled Senate is impossible. Why pursue a dead end agenda?

From all appearances, the strategy seems to involve an attempt to discredit Trump and increase the chances of defeating the orange tinted billionaire in next year’s November election. If that’s the calculation, the Democrats are grossly misguided as Trump is America’s second Teflon President, the invariably cheerful Ronald Reagan being the first. Nothing sticks. Reagan beat Iran Contra-gate. Trump beat Russia-gate and will most certainly emerge unscathed from the Ukraine-gate impeachment proceedings in the eyes of his supporters thus lending credence to the fiction that he is fighting the swamp.

As for the popularity of Reagan and Trump, both opportunistic politicians had a simple persistently optimistic ‘Make America Great Again’ feel good message that played well amongst the disenchanted masses. Reagan won office amidst the economic stagflation and malaise of the Carter years. Trump won the White House after the prolonged recession of the Bush and Obama eras. The extended economic slump that propelled Trump to victory occurred as a direct result of the financialization of America and the subprime meltdown. It should be well understood that Wall Street’s speculative frenzy was financed by the deindustrialization of the United States, a global flight of capital that cast millions of American workers on the scrap heap of various rustbelt cities.

Both Reagan and Trump used rightwing populist rhetoric to win their respective elections only to serve the interests of the corporate plutocracy as exemplified by the enormous tax cuts both gave to the upper class and the corporations they own.

So why don’t the Democrats fight Trump politically and contest his far right policies of upward wealth transfer; deregulation and privatization of the economy; slashing of food stamp benefits; environmental destruction; unending war; unqualified support for apartheid Israel, the Saudi monarchy and the Egyptian dictatorship; and the imposition of deadly economic sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela?

Because they agree with the substance of these policy orientations that’s why. The Democrats pose no serious alternative to the Republicans on matters of economic and geopolitical significance, the anti-corporatist noises being made by Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren notwithstanding. Stripped of all pretenses, both parties advance an imperialist agenda that protects the process of global capital accumulation in America’s corporate neo-liberal empire. (Source:Donald Monaco) (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: FAMILY DIVISION & ROLE PLAYING

"They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother...Luke12:51-53

SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: FAMILY DIVISION & ROLE PLAYING
by eric d.graham

According to the Bible, "a house divided can't stand. Of course, this passage can be interpreted in several ways: literally, metaphysically, astrologically and mathematically, for the true scholars of the Craft. But, to keep it simple, during this Christmas SEA-SON , let's find out what ROLE you will be playing in this "never-ending drama, AS THE WORLD TURNS. The 4 psychological archetypes are:

1.)Self-Appointed Family Hero
This person is deemed an overachiever. Their success is celebrated by the entire family. From the outside looking in, it seems, as if, this person has the perfect family, perfect job and perfect marriage. But, under all the flash and cash, in many cases, this person fears that their accomplishments may be minimized and ignored, if his/her secrets or issues are exposed. So, they hide their vulnerability through becoming a work alcoholic. But, the family, in order to protect their name, will sometimes shield and protect this person to a default, avoiding the obvious, while creating scapegoats within the family hierarchy.

2.)The Scapegoat
This person is an easy target for family feuds. Why? Because, most of their issues are visible to the naked eye. They are not concealed like the Self-Appointed Hero’s. See, the scapegoat is deemed a troublemaker-In street terms- the family “f*$# up,” whom always, it seems, to be filled with drama. Usually, this person will have financial problems, relationship problems, which, sometimes come along with a baby or two, as well as problems with substance abuse, which could be clouded by marijuana smoke, the scent of alcohol, traces of heroin or cocaine.) Whether, using, or selling. As a result, all the family finger-pointing ends up being pointed in his or her direction. But, from the inside looking out, this person feels that they are getting blamed for the real issues, which the family fears to face or address, which has held them in bondage.

3.)The Lost Child

The Lost Child is a “Dream-chaser.” She or he dreams of having a perfect family, perfect job and perfect existence. So, to avoid the brouhaha brewing within the family dynamics, they tend to shy away from issues. So, they isolate themselves, fade way in the background, becoming the fly on the wall, camouflaging themselves, hearing everything; but, saying nothing, in order to avoid the family volcanoes erupting at every event. Unfortunately, their isolation can cause anger, resentment, depression and sadness. And in some instances, he or she feels, as if, their feelings, issues, (whether sexually, spiritually, emotionally, or academically) are being ignored. As a result, this person may try to avoid all family functions, in order to “runaway from the drama. But, if ever provoked, will, sometimes, reveal all the hidden secrets, to release themselves from the chains of generational grievances.

4.)The Family Mascot or Clown
This person is always the life of the party. Most family members hate if he does come. But, hate, if he doesn’t come and the same time. He or she is always telling jokes, always making fun of someone else's issues. But, never address his own. And, while, laughter is always “good medicine” for the soul, some family members may find him or her constant joking to be obnoxious, offensive, mean-spirited, demeaning, and hurtful. His humor, however, while not done to provoke displeasure, usually, is used as a coping mechanism to help him deal with his own issues shortcomings, pain, addiction and frustration with life, which he may refuse to address. Whether it is a recent divorce, the death of a love one, or other hidden trauma not known by family members. Hence, the song: “The Tears of a Clown..” (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com) (Source:T.Hall)

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BOBBEE BEE: CAMEL-TALK

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”- Matt 19:23-25)

by eric d. graham

SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON: CAMEL-TALK

The classic newspaper comic strip entitled the The Wizard of Id, which was created by Brant Parker and Johnny Hart in 1964 tried to re-mind us to remember the Golden Rule! “Whoever has the gold makes the rules!!” With that little bit of knowledge, we shouldn’t be surprised that any good investigative journalist, private detective, or police officer will tell you, if you want to solve a mystery, a crime, or cases of political corruption-“ALWAYS, I mean, ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY.”

History backs this theory up. Hence, many historians agree that the Civil War of 1865 was a “rich man’s battle” but a “poor man’s war.”

But, honestly, nothing has changed. Because, despite, all of these political spin doctors on television, trying to convince the general public that their presidential candidate represents the poor, with their stories of poverty. It is still politics as usual. Because, in order to be President of the United States, you have to have some money to spend. And, I mean, lots of it.

According to Investopia.com, usually, the candidate who spends the most money wins. However, that did not prove true during the 2016 elections, when the runner-up, Democratic candidate Hilary Clinton, spent $768 million, nearly twice as much as the eventual winner, Republican candidate Donald Trump, who spent $398 million. So, if you're planning to make a run for the White House, you'll want to start saving your money now.

Case in point, according to Bloomberg News, Former NY major and Billionaire Michael Bloomberg reportedly plans to self-finance his effort without outside donations, budgeting $34 million on pro-candidacy advertising, $100 million on anti-Trump digital ads in swing states and $15 million to $20 million to register a half million voters in five battleground states that had swung to Trump in 2016. Not to be out done, former hedge manager billionaire, Tom Steyer, who entered the presidential race in July — months later than most of his rivals — pledging to spend $100 million of his own money on his bid to “dethrone” President Donald Trump in 2020, who still refuse to publicly release his tax returns.

Despite all of their riches, for all those self-proclaimed scholars, the Book of Psalms Chapter 49:verse (1-20), which is entitled: Trusting Money Is Foolish, makes it SIMPLE AND PLAIN. 

Listen to this, all you nations; listen, all you who live on earth. Listen, both great and small, rich and poor together. What I say is wise, and my heart speaks with understanding. I will pay attention to a wise saying; I will explain my riddle on the harp. Why should I be afraid of bad days? Why should I fear when evil people surround me? They trust in their money and brag about their riches. No one can buy back the life of another. No one can pay God for his own life, because the price of a life is high. No payment is ever enough. Do people live forever? Don’t they all face death? See, even wise people die. Fools and stupid people also die and leave their wealth to others. Their graves will always be their homes. They will live there from now on, even though they named places after themselves.

Even rich people do not live forever; like the animals, people die. This is what will happen to those who trust in themselves and to their followers who believe them. Selah ( RISE) Like sheep, they must die, and death will be their shepherd. Honest people will RULE over them in the MORNING, and their bodies will rot in a grave far from home. But God will save my life and will take me from the grave. (RISE)

Don’t be afraid of rich people because their houses are more beautiful. They don’t take anything to the grave; their wealth won’t go down with them. Even though they were praised when they were alive— Rich people with no understanding are just like animals that die.

While you ponder those words, I, encourage, all of those inspiring “prosperity pimps,” to take an eye-opening look into the lives of former PTL leaders Tammy and Jim Bakker, as well as the life of Bishop Eddie Long along with all of these big-money politicians when you read (Matthew 19:23-25)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “

Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

…For, the brothers & sisters of the Craft, you should “OVERSTAND” the meaning of the Camel and the deepness of this verse from several different ANGLES. (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: THE BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: THE TEMPLE
by eric d.graham

"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" 1Co 6:19

The Bible tells us to feast, eat, drink, celebrate, sing, dance, shout, and make music-all things we do with our bodies. These appetites, desires, and delights can actually become a way of remembering how good The Most High is. The physical is not separate from the spiritual; indeed it is the Most High's Spirit who makes our bodies come to life. The Bible doesn't condemn you for wanting to be physically attractive.Now, this needs to be kept in perspective: "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion (Pr 11:22). So, we desire our women to be fashionable without displaying their bodies to the world.

The same principle applies to men.But the Most High did create our bodies. So can we get real? The Most High made us with a love of beauty.

Therefore, we must take care of our temples. According to (1 Corinthians 3:17-19) it states clearly: "If any man/woman defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

So, we must find ourselves walking, working out and exercising. We also must try not to de-foul our bodies with unhealthy foods (Lev. :11:3 and 11:7-8), which could lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol. Alongside a healthy diet, that is not dominated by fast foods, we should try not to smoke cigarettes, which could cause cancer.

Have you noticed the recent outbreak of vaping-related deaths in the US, which has been described as a public health crisis, where at least 39 people have died and more than 2,000 have suffered lung injuries from vaping-related illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?

These are simple suggestions. Nothing new under the sun. But, our people, according to (Deuteronomy 31:27,) are stiff-neck and rebellious. So, year after year, despite constant warnings NOT to "do drugs," they continue to do the opposite. For instance, currently, between 2002 and 2013, the rate of heroin-related overdose deaths nearly quadrupled, and more than 8,200 people died in 2013. Despite these devastating facts, the number of "NEW" heroin users continue to increase.

While drug addiction is a problem, some people tend to overlook alcoholism (Ephesians 5:18), which is defined as the most severe form of alcohol abuse that involves the inability to manage drinking habits, which could destroy a person's professional life, personal life, marriage, and family.

This is why the scripture states in (1 Peter 5:8) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Case in point, every year like clock-work, there is some news report about some college Alcohol-related hazing incident that leads to the death of a young pledge on a college campus.

Unfortunately, people have forgotten their body is the temple of God and should not be abused. This, of course, also includes sexual relationships as well as "sexual immorality", (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) which we have witnessed with conversation about R.Kelly, Billy Cosby, Jeff Epstein, Harvey Weinstein along with Malik Yoba, Tank, and Lil Nas X. (Mark 7:21-22)

As we deal with these issues of sexual immorality and sexual identity, let's not forget, more than 58,000 Georgians are living with HIV, and about 32,000 of them are in the metro Atlanta area.The issue is particularly acute for young gay and bisexual Black men..

So, remember "Your body is a Temple of the HOly Spirit." take care of it.(Source:WOT)

(bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE:HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS!!!!

In 1919, the 369th infantry regiment marched home triumphantly from World War I. They had spent more time in combat than any other American unit, never losing a foot of ground to the enemy, or a man to capture, and winning countless decorations. 

Though they returned as heroes, this African American unit faced tremendous discrimination, even from their own government. 

The Harlem Hellfighters, as the Germans called them, fought courageously on—and off—the battlefield to make Europe, and America, safe for democracy.

In THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS, bestselling author Max Brooks and acclaimed illustrator Caanan White bring this history to life. 

From the enlistment lines in Harlem to the training camp at Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the trenches in France, they tell the heroic story of the 369th in an action-packed and powerful tale of honor and heart.

BOBBEE BEE: POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER & SIDE EFFECTS

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER & SIDE EFFECTS

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: 1.)intrusive memories, 2.) avoidance, 3.) negative changes in thinking and mood, and 4.) changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person.

1. INTRUSIVE MEMORIES:

Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks), upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event, severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

2.) AVOIDANCE:

Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event,

3. NEGATIVE CHANGES IN MOOD:

Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
Hopelessness about the future, memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event, difficulty maintaining close relationships, feeling detached from family and friends, lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, feeling emotionally numb,

4.) EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

Being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast, trouble sleeping, trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior, and overwhelming guilt or shame (Source:MayoClinic) (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com) (eric d.graham)

BOBBEE BEE:MILITARY SUICIDE & PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICATION

MILITARY SUICIDE & PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICATION

According to the World Health Organization, almost one million people die by suicide every year, which is a global mortality rate of 10.7 per 100,000. In the United States (U.S.), someone attempts suicide every 31 seconds and an average of 1 person dies by suicide every 11.9 minutes, a rate of 13.3 per 100,000. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the country. An important consideration is that suicides have consistently been underreported for a variety of reasons. Experts have estimated that suicide incidence may be 10-15% higher than officially recorded.

The U.S. military reflects an important subset of the U.S. population with both shared and unique characteristics when compared to the U.S. population. Historically, military suicide rates have been lower than those rates found in the general population. Rising suicide rates among Service members and Veterans over the past decade have raised public and professional concerns. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. military. According to the calendar year 2015 Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) annual report, the standardized suicide rate was 20.2 per 100,000 for the Active component. For the Selected Reserves component, the rates were 24.7 per 100,000 for the Reserves and 27.1 per 100,000 for the National Guard.

A number of psychosocial factors are associated with suicide risk. The most common individual stressors identified for both military suicide decedents and military suicide attempts were relationship problems, administrative/legal issues and workplace difficulties. Other medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk for suicide include traumatic brain injury (TBI), chronic pain, and sleep disorders. These conditions can contribute substantially to increased suicide risk in affected individuals. The most common method for suicide in the DoD is firearms, accounting for over 60 percent of all suicide deaths in the military. (Source:Deployment) bobbeethehater.blogspot.com

BOBBEE BEE: THE PARENTAL GUILT TRAP

My son (and daughter), if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice..” Pr 23:15 NKJV

AFTERNOON SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: THE PARENTAL GUILT TRAP

Since there are no perfect people, there are no perfect parents. And, they are definitely, no perfect children. So though you love your children dearly, at times you’ll get tired, frustrated, disappointed, and irritable with their behavior. Unfortunately, doing this time of turmoil, many parents tend to blame themselves for the decision that their children may make during their lives, which could lead to depression, anxiety and social isolation from others. Especially, within the African-American church, where one may be judged by the faults or decisions our children decide to make.

This is known as parental disappointment or parental guilt, which usually arises after adolescence ends and young adulthood begins. Disappointment is the outcome of parental investment. Guilt is the outcome of parental implication. Both can adversely affect the relationship with the adult child (in his or her mid twenties) that is beginning to unfold.

With that understood, parenting is a process of investment. Because, most parents not only invest their care, energy, and resources in their children, they also invest their assumptions, ambitions, hopes, even dreams about how this person will turn out when grown up. The more investment parents make, the more invested they feel …. are expected, and deserved, in return.

It's like they're saying, "We worked so hard and sacrificed so much for her, the least she can do is give some of what we hoped for back!" They were treating her like she was supposed to fulfill whatever promise they thought she showed and owed.

For instance, what happens when parents, who assumed their adolescent would pursue a traditional lifestyle similar to their own, but (ends up going to jail for using drugs or for selling drugs, or becoming a stripper?) Or what happens when parents, whose ambition was for the adolescent to go to college, have a son who decides after high school that he/she wants to make a living as a musician or an actor? Or what happens when parents, who hoped their adolescent would choose to return to their home city after college and live close by, have a son or daughter who decides to move much further away? Or what happens when parents, whose dream for their adolescent included launching a career (doctor, lawyer) and remaining single until it was established, gets pregnant, gets married, and gives up the profession they were wishing she'd pursue?

"Of course, we're disappointed," declared the parents in counseling. "This is not what we planned for our child! And we told her so." "And how did she respond?" I asked. They replied, "She acted really hurt, like we had let her down, when the reverse was true! And she hasn't talked much to us since." Then I suggested that if they wanted a close and loving relationship with their adult daughter they needed to ask themselves whether their daughter was supposed to fit their expectations or whether their expectations were supposed to fit their daughter?

Their answer to this question makes a profound difference. If they believe she should live up to their expectations and is not, they will feel disappointed, and communicating that disappointment to her will to some degree alienate the adult relationship. If, however, they believe that for the sake of acceptance of a daughter they love they must adjust their expectations to fit the individual path and lifestyle she has independently chosen, then they will affirm that relationship.

It can be hard for parents to remember that when a grown son or daughter disappoints them, it is not his or her doing but their own. They chose to hold a set of expectations that do not fit the choices he or she is making. When the child and adolescent lived dependent on their care, part of living on their terms was meeting their expectations. But once grown into a young adult, that son or daughter is living on independent terms.

Now, for the sake of enjoying an ongoing relationship, parents must do more adjusting of their expectations to accept those terms in recognition that the life they gave their daughter, and how she chooses to lead it, belongs to her, not to them. The grown child is no longer in this world to live up to parental expectations. (Source:WOT, PsyToday) (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: DEALING WITH DEATH

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."Matt: 5:4

NOONTIME: SUN-DAY SCHOOL LESSON: DEALING WITH DEATH

by Eric D. Graham

Death comes early in the morning. So, heed the warning. But, how do we deal with Death when it comes? Some of us ease the pain of death by participating in funeral rituals, prayer, songs, sermons, poems, floral arrangements, and burial ceremonies. While others, try to cope with the pain, by self-medicating, by drinking, smoking, and overeating. Despite these acts, psychologically, there are 5 stages of dealing with grief, which most of us go through, which we may not be aware of .

Those five stages are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

1. The initial stage of grief recognizes normal reactions that include: shock, denial, unreality, emotional outpouring, psychological and physical symptoms (e.g. inability to think straight, feel panicky, bodily aches, and pains, which the person may say, "I can't believe Momma is dead. This can't BE REAL"...Along with the SHOCK and DENIAL comes DEPRESSION, which a person is likely to be fearful about what life has instore for them after the funeral and may be constantly defeated by irrational thoughts and belief such as "my life is over.."

2. The second stage involves SURVIVOR''S GUILT-which a person may think "I could have done so much more...If I had just done this instead (A lot of Military Soldiers experience this after losing a comrade on the battlefield ". NEXT, is Anger, which is such a powerful emotion that some people if they don't release it, it can consume them forever. So, they become ANGRY with GOD, the person, who DIED, as well as their family and friends. I have seen it on the faces of Grandmothers, mothers, aunties, cousins, sons, and daughters, who struggle with the lost of a love one, who say: "GOD, how could you do this to me?" Along with ANGER, comes RESENTMENT towards the deceased, which comes in the form of comments like:"Momma, how could you leave me? I need you...."

This is also considered part of the BARGAINING factor, which happens often at African-American funerals, where a family member, after viewing the body, for the last time- may say;" Take me God...But, please don't take my momma.... Usually, this comes with a form of Idealism, which the deceased family member, becomes the "perfect person" in the eye's of the one dealing with his death. 

Regardless of, what the person did in his or her life. After his or her death, he did no wrong.

3. And. the Final Stage of Grief is ACCEPTANCE, when the person comes to realistic terms with life and death of their loved one, while understanding that they are no longer physically present and appreciating both the positive and negative aspects of their lives. Therefore, they must make some readjustment and emotional investment in their lives, while developing a stronger inner sense of self, yet acknowledge, appreciate, and cherish the contributions the deceased person made in their lives ...."I did what I could...Now, I have to let go of some of this Denial, Anger, Sadness, Resentment, and Guilt...And, get back to Normal.. get on with my life, learn how to smile again, laugh again and love again." (Source:Counseling)by Eric D. Graham (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)

BOBBEE BEE: FAMILY FEUDS: FUNERALS, FOOLISHNESS, AND FIGHTING

FAMILY FEUDS: FUNERALS, FOOLISHNESS, AND FIGHTING

SOMETIMES, DEATH brings out the WORST in families. If this has been your experience, please know that you are not alone. Not even close! So many people can relate to family fighting after a death. What’s the number one source of conflict? You guessed it, fighting over material possessions, estates and belongings.

COMMON CONFLICTS INCLUDE:
...

1. When to begin sorting through belongings. Some people are ready right away, some people want more time before sorting through items.
2. Who gets what. Especially when there is not a will, but even when there is a will, there are often many household items or sentimental objects that are not accounted for.
3. What to keep and what to give away. Attachment to objects can vary greatly from person to person. While one person may want to save every Tupperware container and tube of chapstick that mom ever owned, other family members may be quick to toss those items in the trash.
4. Whether to keep or sell a house. Houses can have tremendous sentimental value, making them something many family members don’t want to part with. Houses can also hold tremendous value, making them something many family members may want to sell right away.
5. Money money money. Whether it is scraping together money to pay for a funeral, or dividing up bank accounts and investments without a will for clear guidance, money can quickly become a sore spot.

OTHER CONFLICTS INCLUDE

*Disagreements about treatment at the end of life. Conflict can begin even before a loved one dies when families disagree about goals of care, withdrawing support at the hospital, and caregiving responsibilities.

*Arrangements. Questions like whether someone will be buried or cremated, where will the service be held, where will they be buried, etc. can bring surprising strife between family members.

**Relocating. After a death, it is not uncommon that people may move, either by choice or out of necessity. This can split a family geographically and be devastating for those who feel left behind.

*Custody. When death results in children who must be cared for, conflict can arise around who will get custody of the children if this was not predetermined.
***Different grieving styles. We all grieve in different ways and on different timelines. When people are grieving differently this can be a major source of conflict within families. This is especially common if one family member thinks another is not as impacted by the death or they are ‘moving on’ too quickly. (CHECKOUT DEALING WITH DEATH POST) (Source:What'sYourGrief) (bobbeethehater.blogspot.com)