In yesterday's sermon, my pastor juxtaposed two 24 hour periods which coincidentally occur next to each other at the beginning of this week. This past Sunday was the Sanctity of Life Sunday and today is the Celebration of Martin Luther King Day which commemorates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on January 15th. In his sermon, our pastor mentioned these two significant dates as he shared his thoughts regarding what it means to Become A Child Again...and what it means to Receive and Release the Grace of Forgiveness.

After the service, I was in conversation with a couple who were probably in their early twenties during this turbulent period in the 1960's. As they shared their experiences of what that period was like, the elderly white man fought to choke back tears. He said.."Why do people have to hate so much...Why?" Then he turned to me and asked..."So what does the Celebration of Martin Luther King Day mean to you?"

It's interesting that this sermon and this conversation was taking place just after what has been termed "The Most Segregated Hour in America." I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan which has more churches per capita than any other city in the United States. If that remarkable statment by Dr. Martin Luther King is is true, that means each week, for a couple of hours, I am in a place in which the dark cloak of religious observances obscures an even deeper darkness within the human heart. For you see, today...almost 40 years after Martin Luther gave his I Have A Dream Speech, only 7% of churches nationwide are integrated!

Grand Rapids, Michigan is home to mega churches. Mega church is a term descriptive of congregations above 2,000. In fact, some statistics indicate that mega churches are the fastest growing churches in America. Yet even these colossal structures struggle to integrate their gigantic audiences on Sunday mornings. In Grand Rapids, we also have access to Christian TV. Invariably, a quick glance at the screen reveals who is speaking by the color of the audience.

So, I've been thinking about it. What would the workplace look like if business followed the same rules that have continued to dictate the norms of church goers? What would our universities produce in the way of scholarship and academics if people of color were excluded? What would happen to our hospitals if doctors and nurses from other countries were limited to a paltry 7%? Who would clean our hotel rooms and harvest our produce if the 7% rule combined with the brown paper bag test to determine eligibility for work? And where would our military be if bravery was restricted to what you looked like instead of what you were able to do on the battlefield?

Today, in all aspects of American life, integration works because it has to. To compete on the world stage, we can't afford to negate our talent and intellectual wealth on the basis of the color of the skin. But, in the place where it counts the most...the heart, Americans still struggle. Prejudice, by the way is not an American thing...it's a human thing. It's that dark side of the human psyche that urges separation, disdain and disregard for another human being. It's the small part of i which must step on another in oder to feel significant enough. It's the cowardly side of me which fears what I do not know or understand.

And...it is a taught thing. No baby comes into the world possessing it. Children have to be socialized to absorb the fear. And then life's experiences reinforce the mistrust. I grew up abroad. Yet, I went to school with a lot of white kids. From time to time they would forget that I was a different color and talk frankly about Africans. Now, these were missionary kids. Children whose parents were on a mission from God...to save lost souls in a foreign country. In exasperation one day I said..."Don't you guys realise that you're talking about me when you say these things?" They looked at me in surprise. It was then I understood another powerful revelation about prejudice.

Prejudice is largely an unconscious evil. We have to be deeply separted from the intimacy of the human experience to blur recognition of ourselves when we encounter another human being. This poison seeps so deeply into the human soul that many of us can no longer touch it or acknowledge its control in our lives. In prejudice we entertain a deep level of absence from who we are created to be.

We may be largely unaware that our choices are determined by a perverted guidance. We may never have questioned it and so it remains largely unexamined. So, that is why, after working all day in environments in which we meet all sorts of different people, some of whom become friends...we retreat to our private domains. And none so fiercely as the cloistered ranks of Sunday Morning Church.

On Sunday evening, ABC News carried a broadcast about a small largely black church in Ohio which has determined to close it's doors once a month and go to visit it's neighbors in their churches. When Pastor Biggers was interviewed he spoke about "Closing His Doors" and "Opening His Heart." Pastor Biggers understands that prejudice is as much a black thing as it it a white thing as it is a red thing or whatever color you want to put on it. He gets it...Its a human thing.

And that's the crux of the issue...the condition of our hearts. So when my pastor spoke about forgiveness yesterday and the need to become like a child, he was absolutely right. We can never truly honor the sanctity of life and understand what Martin Luther's Dream was all about until we forgive each other from the heart. It is childlike humility and openess which allows the scars of the past to be exposed to the light and the power of forgiveness which enables us to reach out and touch our brothers and sisters without malice. And the truth is...that we must do this for ourselves. Because avoidance dehumanizes and dimishes all of us like it or not.

So, what does the Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther Kings' birthday mean to me? Well, it is a call of personal and communal affirmation. It means that once again the nation remembers its' higher calling. It is a reminder that our deepest connection is a spiritual connection which transcends all the divisions which superficially separate us. It is a stark reminder that we will know that our nation has truly begun to heal when Sunday Morning begins to look like the rest of America does during the week.

* As an additional note, An Event is being planned for June 29th, 2008 called Missions Sunday. This event is aimed at encouraging congregations of different races to visit each other. The goal is to have 1000 churches participate with their members across America .

*These pictures were forwarded to me by fellow Active Rainer Carol Smith from Toledo, Ohio. Thank You Carol. I hope this article portrays the Spirit in which you sent them.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved

I've always been fascinated by the Apostle Peter.  Perhaps, because I find it so easy to relate to his impulsive, talkative nature and his propensity for speaking from his heart. My favorite story about Peter is related in several different gospels. But only the Gospel of Mathew actually tells us about Peter's water walking adventure. The other two gospels only focus  on Jesus walking on the wingtips of the waves.

Here's a brief recap of the tale if you're not familiar.  The disciplines have just finished cleaning up one of those monumental miracle events for which Jesus was famous.  A Dinner created and multiplied from 5 loaves and 2 small fish of has just been served to 5,000 men besides women and children. There's even leftovers! 

Afterwards, Jesus tells the disciples to get in the boat and head towards the other side of the shore of the sea of Galilee while he dismisses the enormous crowd.  As the day darkens into evening, Jesus is alone on the shore and the disciples are still trying to make it to the other side of the lake. They're having major difficulty because of stormy weather related conditions which have produced huge waves. 

Somewhere between 3:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 a.m. in the morning, (the fourth watch of the night in Roman tradition), they are haunted by a  strange phenomenon. Terrified, they observe a figure walking towards them across the tidal waves and they are sure they are being visited by an apparition from the netherworld.  But the voice of Jesus calls out to them to assure them saying, "Take courage! It is I.  Don't be afraid." (Matthew 14:27)

Now, this is what I love about Peter. He's not afraid to challenge the ghost.  He talks back!  In spite of his very real real fears he says..."Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water." While many sermons I've heard over the years focused on the fact that Peter steps out on the water and begins to sink, what has always held a peculiar fascination for me is that Peter didn't allow his Fear to define the parameters of engagement.  He challenges "the ghost" to prove itself.

Peter gets out of the boat and actually dares to do the impossible!  In-spite of huge waves, driving winds...he finds himeself walking on top of large looming waves of water.  But circumstances have their way of bearing down on all of us.  As he begins to look at the predicament in which he has just placed himself by stepping out of the relative safety of a boat and into the deep uncertainty of an unchartered course, he realises he's in deep trouble and rapidly begins to sink.  But not before asking for some divine assistance..."Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30)

And God does!  Reaching out a hand, Jesus catches him and in an instant, the impetuous disciple and his Master are back in the boat.  But not before Jesus chides Peter for his doubting.  I think perhaps he must have truly enjoyed those few moments of watching Peter step outside himself.  Can you imagine that show...two men totally in defiance of the laws of gravity and turning all the rules and laws of nature upside down.  Can't blame Jesus for wanting Peter to do it for just a tad longer...

I can imagine the conversation of the other 11 who remained in the boat.  They're probably too terrified to stop Peter, but probably NO ONE says "That's a great idea Peter, Go For it!" In fact, they're probably wishing Peter would just SHUT UP.  Maybe whatever it is out there will just GO AWAY instead of come towards them.  But, NO...blabber mouth has to speak up and then jump out of the boat in the middle of a storm.  But, they can't help but watch.  To their surprise, Peter's doing it...He's walking on a Lake!

You see, Jesus command is not just to Peter who is marooned on a watery highway, it's to everyone within hearing distance who needs to hear the message.  He is clear and precise..."Don't BE AFRAID, TAKE COURAGE."  Why is this important.  I think it's because he's showing us a powerful lesson.  The water and the waves did NOT have the power to destroy Peter or drown the boat contrary to what they assumed.  Peter's walking on the water had clearly demonstrated that nothing is impossible.  Rather it was their FEAR which was the biggest hindrance to their deliverance.  He instructs them in one passage to "TAKE COURAGE."  Instead of succumbing to the shrill call of FEAR, take the powerful, life restoring grace of COURAGE.

And it works!  Instantly, the wind dies down and they are able to steer the boat safely towards the shore.  There's a powerful message in this ancient story for the stormy conditions which are over shadowing the real estate industry right now.  The winds of adversity and the waves of bad news are swelling with intensity on a daily basis.  Many have already been overcome and succumbed to the the reality of not being able to support themselves and their families. 

But for every boat full of fearful people, there's a Peter.  Look for them during these times. Folks who are not afraid to call it like they see it...not afraid to ride the lions mane if it means it's the last breath they take.  You might have someone like this in your office or hear about their exploits.  Don't waste your breath deriding these brave hearts for being silly and out of tune with reality.  TAKE THEIR COURAGE.  This is their unique gift. 

We've always had these inspirational souls in our midst.  They are disciples disguised in the garb of ordinary affairs.  They are the Abraham Lincolns who said NO to Slavery even at the cost of perhaps irreparably damaging the union.  These brave souls may be bent over men & women like Gandhi or Mother Teresa who challenged the status quo with a bull horn that was much louder than any sounds that emanated from their frail frames.  Or they may be a mother, teacher or mentor who challenged you to move on by leading the way when you'd all but given up.

The point is, A WAY will always be provided to those who choose to TAKE COURAGE rather than hold onto FEAR.  So, if you're struggling with looming waves of uneasiness and despair, you're not alone.  There were 11 others who remained in the boat.  Remember that the miracle working power resides within you.  Peter walked on his own two feet not those belonging to Jesus.  Use what you've got and step out.  Don't allow yourself to be overtaken by the storm...Use What is IN YOU to tame it! 

Versions of this story can be found in the following Gospels:

Matthew 14:13-36, Mark 6:30-56, John 6:15-24 

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Good News!

Rates are going down. Yippee Yeah!  This is Great News For home buyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  According to a January 9, 2007 article by Inman News, the Mortgage Bankers Association, a trade group for lenders indicates that this past week the Jump in applications for loans was a whopping 32%!  This is the highest one week increase for mortgage applications documented within the past 4 years.

The increase in mortgage applications is due to the fact that mortgage rates are now lower than 6%.  The rate on a 15 year note is now averaging 5.21%.  If you've got an adjustable rate mortgage, this is the time to get a fixed rate. It's also smart to review loan documents for your primary residence and home equity lines of credit.

It might be helpful to highlight a Brief Overview of the real estate market in the Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area over the past year.(2007)  The year started with average Listing Prices in the $157,000 range.  Sales Price Averages of 150,000 indicated that most home owners were selling within 95% of the Average Sale Price.  But what is not revealed in these numbers was the Cost in Time for home sellers.  With over 17 months of Inventory, just under 7% of the Available Inventory actually sold.  Successful Sales however averaged 109 days on the market.

The Best Time to have been a Seller in Grand Rapids, MI in 2007was between March ~ August.  Inventory levels for all listed properties dropped to 12 ~ 13 months and the Average Sales Prices were between $155,000 ~ $165,000.  Of course some areas were much higher and some lower, but this was the net effect.  In addition, close to 10% of Homes Listed were going into Escrow for Closing.

At years end, inventory levels rose dramatically.  By December, we had 19 months of Inventory in stock and the Average Sale Price has now fallen to $133,000.  So, What does this mean if you are a Buyer?  Well, NOW is a good time to see what's available for Sale when you consider the decrease in Interest Rates and the high number of homes available.  Don't waste this opportunity.  Take advantage of these Numbers to go shopping and Invest in you dreams.

*information regarding average home prices and inventory levels was obtained from the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors Sales & Inventory History.  The information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

To Read Other Articles in the Smart Buyers Series Click below...

home buyers: Michigan Buyers...When the Government Gives Free Money to Buy a House...Go Get IT!

home buyers: How To Avoid Paying Too Much for Your Next Home!

home buyers: How to Avoid Buying a Real Estate Lemon.

home buyers: Limitations Are Simply A Matter of How You See Things!

foreclosures: So, You Want A Great Deal on A Foreclosure...10 Power Tips for Success!

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

The call came into our office as a referral. A former client was recommending us to assist her good friend who needed to purchase a home quickly! Now, who doesn't relish that kind of call? I contacted the individual who confirmed that she was indeed ready to buy a home right NOW. However, there were a few issues.

She indicated that she was loosing her home although she didn't own it. She could sense my surprise over the phone and answered my question before I could verbalize it, "You're wondering how I can loose a home I don't even own right?" "Yes," I said, "Please, Explain."

She proceeded to explain that several years ago, they had made an agreement to rent with an option to purchase a great home. The family had enjoyed living there for several years, but recently began to get suspicious notifications. Initially, they didn't understand what was going on. Finally, their landlord called and told them the truth. He was behind on his payments and taxes. He was being foreclosed and had lost the house!

Her family had approximately 30 days to get out. The process had proceeded through the Sherrifs Sale. Talk about shock! And Awe...that anyone could be so crassly insensitive to the plight of a family with school aged children.

But unfortunately, this is actually becoming more common that you might imagine as a result of the Foreclosure Crisis. Many investors who purchased homes to flip them at the height of the real estate market are now over-extended.

In related developments, landlords often took out home equity loans on rental properties which had adjustable rate mortgages. When the rates adjusted...some were unable to keep up with the payments or sell the home. It's one of the unexpected consequences of the Foreclosure debacle that is now wrecking havoc in throughout the rental market in a manner that was unanticipated.

This issue was recently addressed on the Today Show by real estate guru, Barbara Corcoran. (You can watch the short video by clicking this link.) In a revealing interview Cochran talks about how many renters are being caught in the crisis by renting homes which the landlord can no longer afford.

Cochran offers some helpful tips. She advises renters to do the following to avoid the situation altogether OR to figure out if the home you are currently renting is up for grabs by the bank. Here are some of her suggestions:

1. Look at the Records...

• Check the County Clerk's office to see if a Foreclosure Filing has been made on your home. (Some additional advise: If someone comes to knock on your door and tells you that a filing has been made...DOUBLE CHECK with the county. I've heard of situations in which Scam artists have tried to rob people by telling them this lie.)

2. Negotiate With the Lender!

• You might find this surprising as technically the renter does not own the home. However, this is a situation which creates an issue for the bank too. Not only do they have to deal with a delinquent home owner, they have to be concerned about getting their property back and respecting the rights of the renter. Consequently, being proactive as a renter can be mutually beneficial for you and the bank.
• In exchange for an orderly and speedy transfer of the property, renters may be able to negotiate concessions. There's even a name for these deals. It's Called Cash For Keys! In exchange for Leaving the Property, banks may be willing to give money to the renter to leave the property which can be helpful in paying for moving costs or finding another place to stay. Renters may also be able to negotiate more time to stay in the property while the bank works out final foreclosure or re-sale details.

3. Talk to a Lawyer!

• If you can afford to do so, this may be something which might be appropriate to consider. Although, it is unlikely that any funds will be forth coming from a landlord who is broke, a lawyer may be able to wrangle some helpful concessions from the bank.

We are living in extraordinary times. Sometimes, opportunity knocks in a strange way. You may want to re-consider looking at your home purchasing options once again. Interests rates remain low and the housing inventory is great. If you'd like to talk about owning your own home, please contact us at info@auduhomes.com to explore how you can become a home owner and never pay rent again!

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved