Reverend "Stax" Jackson

10/05/2015

So I have noticed as of late there seems to be more folks fighting funks and struggling silently through some loads that otherwise may be too large to handle alone. With that; I wanted to share an ear worm that has been plaguing me all morning:

" (And) I know what I have to do now. I gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?" -- Tom Hanks (as Chuck Noland from the film "Cast Away")

I never like to see anyone suffer; alas, I believe in the idea that suffering and life go hand in hand. If we did not suffer; we would not appreciate those things we find great in life. If there was not death; we would not fully appreciate the time we, or those we love, have in this lifetime. If there were not periods of sickness; we would not enjoy those days we feel healthy. If we never experience heartbreak; we can never appreciate the love we learn to obtain through loving ourselves, and then others. If we never experience bouts of financial distress; we never appreciate the satisfaction of earning a legitimate living for ourselves and/or our families.

I suppose the point I am trying to make here is that we all, at times, find ourselves in uncomfortable situations: Breakups of significant others or families being broken up for whichever reason, job loss, addiction, illness. I am not going to blow smoke up anyone's hindquarters and tell you it will be all better soon; as it can very well take time. Alas; in order to maximize that time we have, we must concentrate on the most basic of functions...breathing.

Keep breathing.

The sun will rise tomorrow; and God willing I will wake up tomorrow with a cup of coffee (that tends to go cold too quickly due to rounding up three kids for school/day care) and I will, even if for a second, enjoy that sunrise. As a foster Dad I never know if and when my kids will be reunited with their biological parents. I have no idea what the tide will bring in for that day. All I know is to keep breathing and keep loving.

I suppose, if nothing else is taken away from this incoherent babbling; I simply ask you to remember that there may be some things you may be dealing with that may seem vast; but an extended hand is not a sign of weakness. Remember to breathe, remember to lean on your family and friends, keep smiling and keep breathing. If you read this today rest assured you were thought of and are loved.

Namaste...

Rev. Stax

06/26/2015

As Americans we have been blessed with certain privileges and rights that many otherwise do not have. As a Spiritualist I tend to look upon things differently than some; and God bless our ability to agree to disagree. I have always believed that it is a fundamental right to love and to be loved without judgement. Since my initial ordainment back in 2001, and renewing my credentials in 2012, I have always welcomed all couples who have decided to profess their love and make a lifetime commitment to one another. With today's ruling I once again offer my services to all who are seeking a casual, relaxed ministry service as an alternative to the more traditional route without judgement and with the utmost of respect.

01/04/2015

01/03/2015

I sit here this morning in hopes of not coming off like a broken record, or as someone who has all the answers, or even in some folk's eyes as blasphemous (due to most of my "sermons" being of a non-traditional format and spoken in many places folks would not think of spreading "the good word"). As a defiant child I was taught that sometimes words can be the most healing, as much as the most lethal weaponry one can possess; and that it is always much healthier to express yourself as opposed to being an introvert and using negative coping mechanisms.

For those who may not know; the little one-horse town that I now call home (you know the type that falls under the "Mayberry" and "the sidewalks roll up at 9 PM" stereotypes) suffered a horrific and tragic loss yesterday when an automobile accident claimed the lives of three out of the four children inside. Two of those four children were young men who we have seen grow up from babies and little boys to state football champions on the threshold of beginning their lives as men. One of those young men is still fighting for his life; while the other, as well as the two young ladies they were with have had their time on this Earth end.

One of the many things this "Chicago boy" fell in love with when it came to this small town years ago was how everyone truly looks out for one another. I know most, if not all of you, have heard the saying "it takes a village to raise a child". That's how it is done here. It's almost as we seemed to hit the "pause" button as if we were a video game and have watched the rest of the world pass us by when it comes to those little things. We are there to praise our children when they have done good; and much like the Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby skits; we all knew when our children were up to no good (ha). We raise our children as if we were a village; our neighbors children may as well be our own.

So of course when we see one of our own children's time here on this Earth expire we all hurt, we all feel the pain, and we all have this unspoken longing to aid and assist those who are on the forefront of the pain that has been distributed. My heart goes out to all; but rightfully so my heart goes out even further to the parents of those children. I have never had to bury any of my foster children; and frankly I pray to God I never have to.

With that; there are two sides to everything we encounter in the universe. Yin and yang, good and bad, peanut butter and jelly. In a time of the passing of ones we love; we are left with the pain of knowing that in this physical life we will no longer be able to see, hear, smell, or touch those who have parted. On the flip side of that we know that as long as we keep those who have parted in our hearts and in our memories...we know that they are still with us. It is this ability that helps us mourn, process, and eventually continue to live.

I suppose today that aside from wanting to express my utmost condolences to those immediate families involved that I want to remind those surrogate families; those families who as a village raised all of our children to lean even harder on one another that It is okay and rightfully so to be sad, angry, and upset. It is okay to cry, and that there are no issues of machoism, or the revoking of "man cards" for being human and expressing yourself as such.

I ask to please be there for one another. Please do not try to find a solution to ill feelings in illicit ways. There is no magic elixir, no magic pill, no magic herb, or man made poison cooked in a shed that will take the pain away. When it is all said and done; that you tried to forget will still remain.

Also; please try to refrain from the renouncement of your faith. There have been many times in my life where I have wrestled with the contemplation of faith and spirituality. Many times I have asked why is it that God would allow horrible things to happen. I suppose the only answer I can come up with (at least for myself) is that in this universe everyone and everything has a purpose in life; everything from newborn babies to cockroaches...we all have a purpose in the eyes of God. It's not necessarily my job to figure out why that is, or what it's about...I'm just strapped in and enjoying the ride because unfortunately we never know when our ticket has been punched for the last time.

So if you have made it to the end of this; I thank you for allowing me to express myself. I encourage you to do the same; as my shoulders are broad and super absorbent like those paper towels. My heart is vast, and full of love. If a sounding board is needed; please do not refrain from looking me up. I would much rather cry with someone over coffee than see someone suffer from seethe and heartache. Please remember that we are all spokes in a wheel that is mighty (as well as longed for by many "city" folks). Today we hurt; but tomorrow we grow stronger and recover.

May peace and love be with you in today's life journey; as well as the many days to come.

Namaste,

Reverend "Stax" Jackson

05/27/2013

Thank you to those who have sacrificed everything so we may have everything:

Psalm 91 (The unofficial Soldier's Prayer)

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.

04/30/2013

The Reverend Stax Jackson, a division of Staxco, is just one of the services provided. Discounts for multiple service bookings.

04/23/2013

Good morning,

If you are reading this; then be assured that no matter what comes at you today...it's all downhill from here. A friendly reminder that we are never handed more than we can handle.

My wife, who is a social worker, was handed a sticky situation yesterday when she ended up with a blown tire on the interstate while on the job. Frantic for her safe being; as well as her "work", she was informed a tow would have cost $110.00 for the 20 mile tow.

Out of nowhere; a kind gentleman stopped from his busy day and assisted my wife with putting her "donut" on her car so she could make it to safety. My wife was able to see her work obligations met, as well as make it to the repair shop to get new tires on the vehicle. I was an hour away and there was no way the law would've let her sit that long on the interstate without mandating a tow.

We're blue-collared folks who try to live as frugal as we can. With that; we could've complained about the hefty bill to get the new tires, and we could have flown off the handle about the inconvenience of time it took away from us seeing one another (I work early 1st shift and she works more "banker" hours); but no need.

We had the money to cover the tires. Did it hurt to have to shell out that cash? Sure it did; that could've been a nice weekend away or a couple car notes. It didn't matter though; I now know I can rest easier knowing her ability to perform her job is that much more intact.

And the gentleman who changed her tire? That kind man is owed a 2" porterhouse and an ice cold beer where I come from. With that being said; regardless of his choice in beverages, I am forever grateful that he was there when I could not be.

As a red-blooded American male; I feel like I am programed to protect my wife; and when vulnerability is exposed, and I cannot protect, that thing called "pride" gets in the way. Again; I have no qualms admitting I do wrong right along side you (ha).

Long story short this morning; remember that there are good people everywhere. You may not always see them, but in your time of need (one way or the other) answers are administered. They may not always be the answers we hope for; but answers are always administered.

Oh, and again; there is nothing placed in front of us we cannot handle. Imagine life sometimes as Burges Meredith from the "Rocky" films; it conditions you to be able to take on those challenges and become victorious.

Namaste

04/23/2013

I must say I am truly blessed to see all of these new "likes" coming my way. Not bad for a reformed punk trying to spread a little good "karmel" (as 8-year-old my second cousin calls it). Please keep spreading the good word!

04/22/2013

Good morning family and friends,

First off; I want you to please take a second to take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and realize there is still purpose in your life. You just beat out so many others who were called home last evening in their slumber.

I woke up this morning with this...occasional voice in my head that becks and calls like the need to relieve one's self in a restroom during the last few miles trapped in a vehicle. It is very powerful; and on occasion, like the desire to p*e in an inopportune situation, can become annoying (ha). Nonetheless; this voice drove me here to take a few moments to peck away at this keyboard.

If you need a refill on your coffee; this may be the time to do so...

The world as of late seems to be going cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. The shooting in Seattle last evening, the Bombing in Boston, as well as many of the natural and other man-made disasters we encounter. It can be enough to throw your hands up , give up, and lose your faith in humanity. It's easy to do. I even catch myself becoming disgusted at times. That's when I (or at times the "Mrs. Reverend") will "check myself" to remind one we should "love the sinner, and loathe the sin". I am human; and screw up right along side you. I make ZERO qualms about that. This is why I (and it often can take a minute or two) try to keep an open mind in the grand scheme of things.

One thing I hear often though is: "I'm just one person; what could I do to make things better"? I suppose the question should be: "Can I even begin to imagine the impact I can have on the world with just being one person"?

*Volunteer. I happen to belong to two different fraternal organizations that I give my time to. I may not do much as one person; but as a whole we give our all on a local, state, national, and international level to help our fellow wo/man however we can. I mean; we all ALL blessed with one talent or another. Some have the gift of gab, some are blessed with a great physique and the knowledge to obtain and maintain that great physique. Some of us are blessed with the ability to sing, or to cook, or many other talents. My point being is if we can use those talents to help enlighten the lives of our fellow humans that we could all walk away feeling a bit more enlightened. I mean, knowledge is power.

* Give blood. Regardless of your blood type; someone out there is a match and their life could depend of your blood. I get it, I'm diabetic and horrified of needles (ha), but I would roll my sleeve in a heartbeat if it meant I could save a life. Besides that; most of you could get a free cookie and juice for afterwards. I mean, who doesn't like cookies?

*Listen. There have been many, many dark periods in my life that all I wanted was for someone to simply listen. Try not to judge, or write someone off, or anything of that sort; just listen to what one may have to say. One of the things I also do monthly is give time to a local nursing home; and I love to listen, even for if just a little while, to what someone has to say. Who knows; you may even have made someone's day. Who knows; you may have saved someone's life.

*Pray. Look; it doesn't matter in my eyes if you are as rough, tough, and as macho as Chris Ledoux, or as mellow and as passive as Bob Ross. We all put our pants on one leg at a time, we all bleed the same blood, we all get sick, we all experience happiness, and we all get called home in the end. Liberal, Conservative, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, gay, straight...in the end NONE of this should matter in my eyes for we are all God's children. Whatever name you give your God; in the end we are all God's children. We all are blessed, and at times we all hurt. It is prayer that can show that we care enough for our fellow wo/man that we ask to see an ease to the suffering, to see a rejuvenation in one's spirit, to see that one can overcome their sickness.

In a world where this...consistent connection to one another can prove to be as much a blessing and curse; we have to remember to take a moment and not become absorbed and overwhelmed with the evils of the world. We have 24 hour news channels that seems to replay the same tragic stories over, and over, and over. If this is all one takes in; you can only imagine the outlook you would soon have. All I am asking is to take a moment daily to unplug, defrag, and find a little beauty in the world; whether it be the eyes of your children, a bird singing in the trees, or even a sunset.

If you made it through this I one; have to thank you, and two; have to inform you your coffee is either cold or gone. I hope this sees you in good spirits, as well as ready to take on the morning. Oh; thanks for reading/listening. You made my day

Namaste

03/31/2013

Good morning FB! To my Christian friends; take comfort in the verse from the book of John 14:9:

"Because I live; you will live also."

To all of those who are still kids at heart I leave you with this (just remember WE ARE WHAT WE EAT...step away from the chocolate after the bunny ears are consumed)

http://youtu.be/4vGXWYZpw4I

Tom and Jerry get involved with a Happy Go Lucky Ducky on Easter Morning !

03/22/2013

Spring is (supposed to be) in the air; and with that comes love...and twitterpation. I just wanted to remind everyone that if you have a wedding or ceremony coming up and are looking for someone to officiate your special day that takes a casual, simple approach without getting too stuffy or paying through the nose...look no further.

So without further ado...enjoy the twitterpation

http://youtu.be/a8WuDIcNE-o

My most favorite scene in the whole movie. Wanted to post this for my sister cause she loves this scene. I even do the skit in real life for her. :P

03/05/2013

I just wanted to congratulate my mother, Donna Richardson, on the new chapter of her spiritual journey. At approximately 12:30 AM CDT my mother finally was called home after years of fighting various forms of cancer. She is one of the toughest women I have ever known.

This is not a time for sorrow; but rather a celebration of life.

This was the last picture taken of my wife, my brother, my mother, and I. I will always cherish this memory, as well as the millions of others I possess. Remember it is never too late to let those you love know you indeed still love them