The Art of Connectivity

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Contents

FOREWORD........................................................................1ACKNOWLEDGMENT..................................................................3INTRODUCTION....................................................................7Connectivity And Eradicating Negativity.........................................7Steps Toward Connectivity And Eradicating Negativity............................12THE ART OF CONNECTIVITY.........................................................15Steps Toward Navigating Your Life...............................................21THE CHALLENGE...................................................................24Steps Toward Embracing Challenges In Your Context...............................26A THEOLOGICAL VISION REVEALED...................................................28Steps Toward A Personalized Theological Vision..................................33A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE........................................................36Steps Toward Personalizing Your Historical Perspective..........................39PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS...................................42Steps Toward Understanding Tears In Social Fabrics..............................45BIBLICAL CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................47Steps Toward Greatness..........................................................53LET'S GET CONNECTED.............................................................55Steps Toward Getting Connected..................................................57APPENDIX A......................................................................59The Black Family Pledge.........................................................59APPENDIX B......................................................................61Willie Lynch's Speech On His Methods For Controlling Slaves.....................61APPENDIX C......................................................................63The Timeline....................................................................63APPENDIX D......................................................................67The Lesson Plans................................................................67APPENDIX EMINISTRY MODEL AANDAPPENDIX FMINISTRY MODEL B.........................93APPENDIX G......................................................................97Additional Questions To Evoke Awareness.........................................97BIBLIOGRAPHY....................................................................105

Chapter One

"Connectivity is wholeness, healthiness, and spiritual well—being one with another." "We are a breath of wind, a glimmer of light, a whisper in a dark and distant night. We are one, connected to accomplish that which is not always simple, but that which is right".—M. Markell McPhearson

The Art of Connectivity begins as an individual quest. This entails finding oneself and becoming whole and healthy, only then will one be able to assist others holistically and without prejudice. Personal connectivity is attempting to fulfill the lyrics Diana Ross sang, "Do you know where you're going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know ..." Connectivity is wholeness, healthiness, and spiritual well-being (holistic well-being) as an individual as well as one with another.

Connectivity is a bridge over uncertainty. It is a compass on untraveled roads. It is the glue that binds and re-connects families, friends, and communities. It is true love in action. Connectivity involves knowing who you are as well as knowing your intended purpose in life. Connectivity is mapping your life backward and securing direction and re-direction throughout that life journey. Connectivity is staying in your lane at times, or crossing and eradicating negative and chaotic lines as the Holy Spirit inspires you. Connectivity is helping others after you have helped yourself or found help from the hands of another. It is helping oneself and opening doors so others may be helped.

Therefore, I write of connectivity in an attempt to unite the disconnected. I write in a world where we are all really one, separated by our fears, our stories, our languages, our religions, our race, and our ethnicity. I write to bring together fraternities, sororities, political parties, faith groups, those separated by social lines and a host of other commonalities we use to unite or separate us from one another. I write for the child who has no clothes, the abused woman who has no voice, and the man who has been negated by ignorance, hatred, and prejudice. I write so the unseen, the unheard, and the underprivileged may be connected. I also write because in times of trouble we often find common ground where we are connected. When somber circumstances like wars, life stresses, and natural disasters are before us, it seems like it is then that we are connected and re-connected, one to another, and we serve those who are in need. So, I write of the dangerous, dark, and chaotic experiences, and the stories that disconnect us from one another. I write about widening gaps and of coming together in oneness.

If one finds himself, realizes his spiritual value and intended purpose in life, he is less likely to be self-destructive. Likewise, if one is connected holistically and knows what one has been called or created to do, then one can map out one's life and take the appropriate detours when obstacles arise. On the other hand, if one is living only with undefined directions and focus, one may become lost, unstable, or unable to move ahead when a detour or obstacle is encountered. Proven Christian and secular educational processes and methodologies are vital in selecting the holistic vehicles that propel an individual or group from disdainful situations to the state of connectivity.

Many biblical theologians have written that man (Adam) was disconnected due to a disobedient nature, and he was eventually evicted from the Garden of Eden. From that time, men and women have been spiritually disconnected. They may be on a quest to find themselves and their connections with others by which they may align themselves and establish themselves with their God, whereby a true spiritual walk in the universe is realized. Others may say connecting to God, to others, and spiritually to everything that is good are the only true connections in this present life. Regardless of your preference, know that connectivity is essential to your wholeness and living harmoniously for the betterment of all in this world. Begin now and ask yourself, Do I know who I am? Do I know where I am going? Am I prepared for the journey? If I am not prepared for the journey, am I willing to ask for help? Am I willing to change in a positive manner and become spiritually aligned to assist others to see the true and vibrant light that was established by the Master of this universe?

Positive connections have allowed others to live holistically within their particular faith practices, in the richness found in their particular heritage, within their families, and in their communities, towns, and villages. In this writing, the village represents a personal commitment that holistically fosters...