Book Review, by Ms. Latina Renee
I am very excited to read the "Before You Join" chapter of Bishop T. D. Jakes' Before You Do: Making Great Decisions That You Wont Regret book. I'm sure the teachings will justify the solitaire game I play in this chapter of my own life as I continue to read...
This chapter talks about joining a church, a group, or a neighborhood. It mentions how affiliations appear to be open to all but are not. This implies that cliques are always present and some members are singled out. It happened in the Bible days when Jesus spoke about how the Pharisees built tombs for the Prophets and how Jerusalem killed them.
I watched an episode of Paris Hiltons My BFF and noticed how constestant Cory was made an outcast as the other contestants teamed up against her. It was just a show of how she didn't fit in with the group and my heart went out for her. Paris too knew what it was to be in such a situation and showed Cory favor.
The Bishop goes on to explain why he try to stay away from politics, political parties, and endorsing politicians. His writings is very consistent to what he stated in this video about his presidential pick.
Before I Join: "What's In It for Me?" Yes, I always ask this question, not caring how everyone thinks its wrong. I encourage you to do the same. Most people criticize that fact that I'm asking, instead of answering the question. All along I'm very aware that the answer is "nothing". The negative critique is just a way to cover their own selfishness. This "Before You Join" chapter touches this topic on page 91 in the Feeding Time section.
These are just some of the things to consider before you join. When you know who you are, you can be comfortable with not joining just as well.
Chaper |
Title |
Page |
| intro | Before You Decide | 1 |
| one | Before You Take the First Step | 13 |
| two | Before You Blame - Accept Responsibility | 31 |
| three | Before You Leave Junk in Your Trunk - Clean Up | 47 |
| four | Before You Lead - Decide on Your Team | 63 |
| five | Before You Join | 83 |
| six | Before You Decide to Love | 95 |
| seven | Before You Place Your Love Order | 109 |
| eight | Before You Commit - Research | 121 |
| nine | Before You Commit - Development | 135 |
| ten | Before You Get Engaged | 145 |
| eleven | Before You Marry | 163 |
| twelve | Before You Decide to Take a Risk for Marriage | 179 |
| thirteen | Before You Buy A House | 191 |
| fourteen | Before You Have Children | 205 |
| fifthteen | Before You Divorce | 221 |
| sixteen | Before You Settle for Less | 239 |
| seventeen | Before You Fight | 251 |
| eighteen | Before You Take Flight | 271 |
| nineteen | Before You Gamble | 285 |
| conclusion | Now You've Done It | 295 |
