What’s the news? Today the news is Kujichagulia  ((koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) is “Self-Determination”. It means “to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves”.

As I speak to my boys about self-determination I want them to first understand that it is impossible without God at the helm. That in essence your drive to define who you are, to name who you are and to create for yourself without the meddling of man comes from the core of who we are in Christ.

When we are bold in our walk we learn to speak up for who we are, what we do, and how we do it with tact and grace. It becomes the cornerstone of who we are as children of the Creator.

However I want to caution them that self-determination must be handled with a huge dose of humbleness so that pride does not become their downfall.

Your desire to do more and to be more has to first come from your desire to delight yourself in God. If not your self-determination becomes all for vain glory. Vain glory is not the right road to travel. The right road to travel is one that leads to unity in Christ first and man second.

So as I talk about self-determination I will remind them that it is not a pride issue but rather it is about getting your life in order and not letting anyone stand in your way so that you can turn around and help others do the same. It is about being a valued part of your community.

It is knowing that you are made to be something wonderful and extraordinary in whatever way God deems necessary.

The scripture we will use will be…

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13-14

If we understand this scripture then we can determine to be everything we are called to be in Christ!

Habari Gani…

Today determine to be the best you that you be! All things are possible with Christ!

Habari Gani? What’s your news of the day?

To read more about Kwanzaa visit the official site and be sure to read about the powerful theme for 2009′s celebration from the Founder of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karanga