An Inspiring Day!

Hey Everybody!  It’s been a long while since I’ve shared on my blog page.  I trust all is well  with you and yours.  Something happened this morning that inspired me to which as the day continued, the inspirations kept coming, and I thought to myself - self, why not tell the people, "What's on my mind!"

Since the last time I was here, there have been some significant changes within the ministry.  September 2016 I was asked to preach, and then participate in the pastoral recruitment process for a local church that I’ve had ties to for many years, yet, me nor this specific church congregation had any idea how close we really were.  The call was a surprise to me on several levels as for one, I didn’t even know that they knew who I was, and for two, I never had any aspirations to become a pastor.  Accepting the calling into the preaching ministry in itself had me in my best running shoes from an early age!

Let me just fast forward and say December of the same year, God saw fit to place me at the Greater New Jerusalem MBC - “GNJ”  (4927 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90062 - (323)299-3322 - GNJMBC.Com) where I have been serving as the Pastor.

I began what I knew would be a busy weekend last night as I celebrated with my home church family, True Friendship MBC in their 67th Church Anniversary.  I was not on to preach; I was there with the GNJ Family as invited guest, as our choir was on to sing two songs and I was to introduce the speaker of the evening.  Well, turns out the house drummer hadn't made it to the service when it began, and I was asked to fill in (until he got there, which never happened.)

I hadn't sat at the drum set in quite a while but it was fun because I got to play alongside the newly appointed Minister of Music at True Friendship who is a great musician.  The M-o-M, Lori Grace is just cool people to me!  Then, I also got to play alongside my longtime friend and brother, Reverend Eric Strickland who was on bass guitar.  Eric and I met over 20 years ago and were on the musician staff at my home church, the Mt. Sinai MBC.  We always grooved well together and it was just fun and exciting to be on the instrument alongside him once again.

Not only did I get to play along with these two great musicians, I also was blessed with the opportunity to play for our GNJ Senior Citizens Mission Choir.  That was pretty cool!  I almost forgot that I was there in a pastoral role and was suppose to be in the pulpit chair.  I had to pull my preaching/pastor brain together so I could adequately introduce the speaker (plus I would be sitting with my pastor and had to be on good behavior. Lol).

After the anniversary service, I had to hurry-back over to GNJ because our young people were waiting on my as it was their Saints Night (Halloween) Party.  I’m grateful for our young people and all of their energy.  Coming from True Friendship as their Youth Minister helped me to have a little bit of experience serving the young people in ministry.

So what was the inspiring thing today?  Our Deaconess Ministry Auxilliary had their monthly meeting this morning and I told the chairperson I would make my way there.  Well, Saturday is finally a day that I can sleep in just a little bit, so as normal, I hit the Snooze button a few extra times and found myself running late.  I took my shower, ironed my clothes and was about to make my way out the door as my wife asked me to do a chore that for one, I really wasn’t excited about doing, plus the fact I had just showered, put on my smell good, my clean tennis shoes, and well, I was clean!

I told my wife, "don’t worry, I’ll do it when I get back."  She gave me the “Yeah right” look.  Knowing I would forget, and that she would end up doing it herself; I decided I better knock it out before I leave.  As I was going to get the rake and shovel (I had to clean up after the dog; did I mention we got a new dog two years ago named Tuck?) - God gently reminded me it was a good thing that I decided to do what my wife asked, and care for my home, first!  I am responsible for ensuring my home is taken care of before I run out to do ministry, especially when there’s no ministry emergency.

So yes, I was running real late to the Deaconess meeting, and while on the way, I decided I would stop by one of the senior deacon's home who had been out sick for the last serval weeks.  When I got to the church, the deacon that called me a few nights ago, apologizing for not having been at church in a few Sundays and that he was struggling with a terrible cold was sitting in his car in the parking lot.  When he awoke this morning, he felt well enough to drive his wife (who is the Deaconess Chairperson to the meeting.

As I was talking to the deacon, tthe ladies were beginning to leave.  So I hurried to speak with the chairperson and while  speaking with her, (here comes the first bout of inspiration) I noticed one of our Youth members was there mopping and sweeping while hard at work, volunteering his time, early on a Saturday morning cleaning the church!  It was obvious he had been there doing it for a while.  I was blessed to see a young person, and a young male at that, volunteering his time to care for God’s House.

Then, while speaking with the Deaconess Chairperson, she began to tell me specific points directly from my sermons over the last three weeks.  She told me she may just sit there in the pews while I preach without making a sound (Y'all know Baptist folk can get a bit loud during church) but she does receive the Word and she has been blessed by the messages.  That in itself was inspiring and blessed me!

These couple of uneventful things helped inspire me to actually get some work done in my office at the church.  What’s the big deal about getting work done in the church office?  For me that never-ever happens!  Today, I even helped clean up quite a bit at the church.

I then made my way to one of the member’s home who had a stroke several weeks ago.  She blasted me in a text message a few weeks ago asking, “WHY HAVEN’T YOU BEEN HERE TO SEE ME YET?”   YIKES!!!!!!!   I knew I had messed up.  But if any of you know my schedule; it is jam packed.  I burn the candle at both ends, but I knew I needed to make my way to see her.  As a matter of fact, there are a few members I need to make my way to see.  As I sat and talked with this member, I found us laughing with gut busting joy and I had such a great time sharing with her.

It felt so good that I made my way to another member’s home who, these two members are married and have been for more than 50 years.  I had to walk almost a mile from my parking space and through a maze of the building to which I discovered it was a building I used to play in as a child with quite a few of my cousins and friends.  Again, just another time of joy and laughter to which the wife was greatly appreciative that I would take time to come and see them.  It's something about making other people smile that inspires me to try to do better as a person.

I decided I would make my way back to the church to see if the men needed a hand as tomorrow is Women’s Day at GNJ and the men are preparing the after service dinner for the ladies and congregation.  After-all, my wife and daughter were at the beauty shop the entire day and evening getting their had done.  

When I arrived, I found some men who illegally park their cars in our church parking lot.  It probably really isn’t that big of a deal when we are not in service or need the parking spaces; so I'll be upfront and tell you, the real issue is, these guys are from the local weed store, I mean “Compassionaste Medicinal Marijuana Store” that is two doors down from the church.  There's always someone leaving their store and then parking and smoking their "funny smelling tweeds" (as one of my elder relatives used to say) in the church's parking lot.  They also dump their trash onto the parking lot while hanging out there.

It didn’t make it any better that these guys were arguing in the church parking lot where they were illegally parked.  Then out of nowhere, a high pressure steam cleaner is introduced to the picture, and these guys start power washing the church parking lot!  Confused as ever, I just had to go and ask, “Why are you cleaning the church parking lot?”   The owner of the shop told me since they park on the lot (without our permission) the least they can do is clean it up for church because, “God told us to do it!”  They brushed, swept, scrubbed, and power washed the parking lot, which would’ve cost the church at least a few hundred bucks if we hired a professional company to come and do it.

Then I was abruptly interrupted by one of the residential neighbors, a Hispanic fella who wanted to know what we were doing about all of the unmentionable-unlawful, immoral, and unethical things that occur in our church parking lot overnight when we are not there, to include the guys from the weed shop, I mean the "Compassionate Medicinal Marijuana Store."  After sharing with him some of the measures we put in place to help deter the activity, we shook hands and a new relationship was garnered.

Then, a lady who works at the braid shop next to the weed shop (sorry, you know what I mean - "Compassionate Medicinal Marijuana Store") walked through the parking lot to the local dairy across the street.  The store employees reportedly treat our young people not so well when they go to spend their money at the store.  The lady came back and said she really wants to come to our church and she would make it her business to be there.  Had I not just happened to come back by the church after being out all day, I wouldn't have seen the guys that frustrate us cleaning up after themselves; I wouldn't have met our neighbor today; and I would've missed the opportunity to minister to the lady walking through the parking lot.

So what’s the big deal about this wonderfully inspiring day?  Nothing, it’s just “What’s on my mind!” That in itself is what made it an inspiring day for me.

Continue in Kingdom Building!

Ryan B. Small 

PS...Please keep my family in your prayers.  My father reached out to me and shared some very challenging news about his health.  Please pray for my big guy.

Also, one of younger cousins is going through some health challenges that are aggravated due to her doctors having conflicting directions on treating her.

And finally, one of my cousins that I spent a many summer together growing up; I learned she passed away, which was devastating news to me as this was unexpected and out of the blue for me.  Although I had not seen her since 2015 when she surprised us in a visit to California; we became extremely close as kids.  

Growing Withered Grass

True Friendship's Youth & Young Adult President, Jaila Brooks and Yours Truly, True Friendship's Youth Minister

Colette was a sweet old lady that didn't take anybody's stuff, but never had to either.  She was the secretary for the head man in charge to whom many tried to have removed from office, even though everybody knew it was Colette who actually ran the show.  The people came to Colette for what they needed, although she didn't have the authority to give, yet she gave more than she had.  I said, 'see ya later' to Colette in January.

Joyce spent a lifetime trying to help children better themselves.  She didn't have a whole lot, but what she had, she invested into young people.  She had plenty of young people of her own, but still supported and encouraged the youngsters with her finances.  $5 for every "A" on your report card.  For those that struggled scholastically, perhaps their $5 came from an "E" in Effort or Cooperation.  I said, 'see ya later' to Joyce eight days later in February.

I didn't know Joycelyn well.  I knew she was one of my best-est friend's (in the whole wide world) sister.  She was a nice lady that appreciated me for comforting her family about a year or so ago.  Besides my buddy, she had two other brothers who were just as cool as my buddy; a wonderful mother who cut her peaches into smaller pieces for her peach cobbler, "So everyone could have some."  As nice as she was, I said, 'see ya later' fourteen days later in March.

Big Don was a real cool dude that I met when I was a youngster hanging out in the bowling alley.  I hadn't seen Don in at least thirty years, but I remembered the guy and how smooth he was, just as if he had walked into the building right now.  Nobody messed with the guy because he was larger than life, but nobody ever had a reason to bother him.  I found out by happenstance that a good friend of mine was his niece who I was honored to serve as the officiating minister at her wedding.  What's really whacky is, I said, 'see ya later' to Big Don just the day before the wedding in April.

Talk about best friends.  My best friend's grandfather, who we all called, "Granddaddy" was by far the coolest dude I knew.  Was still driving wherever he needed to go at 100 years old; pastoring the church he organized and founded; outlived all of his respective wives, while remaining faithful to them all; and simply loved people.  One of my favorite pictures was taken with him while seated with my best friend who is a preacher, my best friend's father who was a pastor and has since gone on to be with the Lord, another great friend of ours who is now a pastor, and the current pastor of the church that Granddaddy organized.  I was honored to share words on behalf of, "Family Friends" of a man that lived 104 years on the day I said, 'see ya later' to Granddady, May 4th.

I never met Linda while she was alive, but I knew my wife, Bridgette's best friend, who I have grown to have a love-can't stand brother-sister relationship.  This chick for some reason can't figure out that she sends text messages to my phone number, EVERY time, thinking that she's texting Bridgette.  So, I decided to stop telling her she has the wrong number, and just answer as if she's talking to her best friend.  After a while, the light bulb comes on, because there's no way that my wife would say some of the things that I do.  One day, I met her mother Linda as she laid peacefully.  Others that knew her well, said the same as I did that day, 'see ya later'.  That day just happened to be the day after I said it to Granddaddy, May 5th.

Now talk about cool.  A man's man Andre was.  He was a French-Canadian guy that played professional hockey and married a beautiful German woman.  They had children to include my best female friend who had my God-daughter by a Mexican dude, who happens to be my other best friend.  The whole multiple best friend thing was weird to me for the longest.  One of my daughters was best friends with my best friend's daughter, but one day I heard her say that another girl was her best friend, and my best friend's daughter called another girl her best friend one day.  So I asked, how can so and so be your best friend, and so and so can be your best friend, when the both of you are best friends?  They both said, you can have more than one best friend!  Well, just a moment ago as I was typing this piece, I realized, they're right.  Andre and his family mean the world to me.  I couldn't imagine my everyday being without them around.  After all, Andre allowed a Mexican guy to be with his American French-Canadian-German- daughter, who was best friends with a Black guy from South-Central LA.  And to top it off, the Baptist Preaching Black guy from the hood said, 'see ya later' to the French-Canadian guy as I officiated his pseudo Catho-Baptist funeral, May 17th.  I probably should mention the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed all the Poutine at the repast!

My Uncle Rudy was always a hit with anybody he came in contact with.  He was one of Detroit's finest (not a cop, just the finest of all of Detroit.)  I will never forget the day I saw him (300 plus pounds) sitting on a bareback horse that couldn't have weighed more than a hundred pounds.  This horse may have been a mule-it was so skinny.  Rudy loved family, and family loved Rudy.  He would be the second uncle of mine that I would say, 'see ya later' to within a year, on May 29th.  

Mom's cousin Matt is often said to be the Marvin Gaye of the family.  That dude was smooth all the way around; the way he dressed, the way he walked, the way he talked, just smooth.  I especially enjoyed it when he got on the dance floor.  It wasn't much more than a two step, but man, he made it look like it was choreographed for the Temptations.  I remember spending summer weekends at his apartment with my cousin Lil David.  We just did stupid kid stuff around the house, which wasn't that big of a deal.  But one day, we did something that we were told very sternly over and over again-not to do.  We got the worst whooping ever, which was nothing more than me getting caught with one swat of the belt that barely touched me!  Even getting hit with a belt by Matt, was one of the coolest things ever.  I was honored to say, 'see ya later' to Matt through my eulogy, which was one of my best preaching moments, June 16th.

My buddy and I would sit at work in the office the entire night reminiscing and telling our favorite comedian's jokes.  Without any prompting, in the stillness of the night, one could start a line from a movie or a stand up routine, and the other would finish it, then both of us would just crack up laughing.  He would tell me of his mom's struggles from a stroke she had one day after the holidays that just turned his life upside down.  We would share our individual upbringings, and although we both grew up just above the total poverty line, there was a lot of love from our mothers that we could easily compare the same stories.  Knowing that the sun was on its way down, it was difficult for me to find the words to comfort and encourage him.  I didn't know how to offer her, but at the same time, I think my buddy already knew that whenever he needed a "Mom's" in the physical sense, my mother would be right there for him.  I was very grateful to moms for coming to my buddy's mother's farewell, as I stood in the pulpit and said, 'see ya later' to Mother Diann Ford on June 24th.

Our Small Family Reunion was in Shreveport/Mansfield, Louisiana this year.  It was a great time of fellowship with the family down in the country.  A part of the reunion was on the property where my mother, and her father were raised.  Down the Road, which is named after my grandfather, George Small Road, is the church where my grandparents were members (New Friendship Baptist Church.)  I had been there at least 20 or 30 times over the years.  The family reunion church service was there, and as I took my seat in the pews, the pastor of the church walked up and asked if I was a preacher.  I told him, yes, to which he asked me to step into his office.  I figured I would get a chance to sit in the pulpit area at best, but when we got into his office, he asked if I would preach the morning message.  Talk about overwhelming humbleness.  Oh my!  It wasn't until just before I preached that the pianist sang the sermonic solo, "Amazing Grace."  (Insert Florida Evans moment here.)  I almost couldn't contain myself as it dawned on me, I was about to preach from the pulpit, just inches away from where my grandfather laid during his funeral.  Then, in 1978, I was just a boy of 8 years old, and never been exposed to a funeral of someone that close to me.  Now fastforward 37 years;  I was already preaching without a manuscript for the first time, in front of my family to which some had never heard me preach before; in front of a pastor that moments earlier didn't even know I was a preacher (which NEVER happens in the Baptist church); and with the weight of pride from the entire Small family on my shoulders.  July 5, I did some of the best preaching of my life.  I've only felt it once or twice, but that day, I felt good, and I mean, real good preaching.  It was nobody but God that did it.  Thank You Jesus! 

Paula was my ecumenical mentor's wife, and one of my best preaching/pastoring friend's mother.  She loved me!  She would smiiiiiiiiile whenever I saw her.  She was one of my best supporters.  She didn't say much, but wouldn't miss the opportunity to give me a warm embrace, grab my face, and kiss my cheek.  For the longest, I ran from preaching, so you know, I never wanted to be the senior pastor of a church.  I believe with a high degree of certainty, had her son (my good friend) not been a preacher, she very well may have insisted I take the job as the pastor of the church she attended.  And yes, she may have been the one person - had she asked me to consider it, I would have.  Shockingly, not even a whole year after Deacon David passed away, I would say, 'see ya later' to Deaconess Paula Bolding on July 8th.

Rickey was one of the greatest hit songwriters and musicians of all time.  I think I was about nine years old when one of the all-time best gospel recordings came out.  Some 35 years later, after I would have traveled across the United States of America with Rickey and our local chapter choir of the GMWA; played instruments together on a recording; having him as a special guest at concerts I hosted, Rickey would autograph that album I held on to since I was a child.  I was excited and honored to have played drums during his memorial concert, as well as being an associate minister at the church where his father serves as the Senior Pastor, and his mother as the First Lady; I stayed behind at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills after everyone left to fellowship at the repast, watching the groundsmen replace and manicure the grass of his grave.  As the men walked away, so did I, saying, 'see ya later' to Rickey Grundy on August 8th.

Warren Johnson was one of the founding members of the Southern California Chaplains' Association, a group of chaplains that serve police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, hospitals, and the military.  I met Warren at the 20th Anniversary of the SCCA, and as the President of the association, I presented Warren with a Lifetime Achievement Award for the group.  It was one of the highlights of my presidency.  His funeral was held at the Salvation Army sanctuary, where I was dressed in Class A Police Uniform with hundreds of others donned in police, fire, and military dress uniform; I said, 'see ya later' to Warren on September 2nd.

Maurice, I really liked that guy.  We didn't spend much time together as he had been sick quite a while, and he moved kind of far away.  But, he was one of the deacons that helped train me when I was going through the process to become an ordained deacon.  I never-ever heard a crossed word from him.  He did a great work for people by running the food-pantry ministry at our church.  He was also the uncle to some of the young ladies that are a part of our youth and young adult ministry.  It was at his burial service that it hit me real hard.  I mean, I was doing ok until this one moment.  I saw his young niece sitting at the graves between her grandfather, and her uncle (who was only 16, the same age as she is, when he passed away.)  The family continued to point out several graves within the immediate area.  Grandmother, grandfather, sister, daughter, uncle.  Then, pointing to the other side of the hill of the cemetery, another grandmother and grandfather were buried.  Then another gut-punch caught me, the mother of one of the young men that attends the church, her grave was pointed out, to which I noticed how young she was when she passed away.

But here it is; the real meat and potatoes of what got me to write this blog.  Although it is not the theme, really it's not (even though all I've written about is people that have passed on), these are just the thoughts that are in my mind.  Well, why are you thinking so much about death?  I'm not.  Stay with me for just another few seconds and I'll state my point of all of this. 

People always ask, "Why do you go to so many funerals?  You couldn't possibly know all of those people.  Are you a freak or something and just like hanging around dead people?"  Not!  Thankfully I'm not as geeked out as I use to be around them.  The young lady that I told you about, sitting between the graves of her grandfather and uncle; she's one of my [Youth and Young Adult] members.   Her mother approached me as we walked to the graveside, and simply said, "Thank you."  I stopped and said, "But, I didn't do anything."  She replied, "You did more than you'll ever know.  You're here."  It was the most sincere and genuine note of gratitude I had ever heard.

Here it is.  The point of all the aforementioned...

It is not about what you say or do that makes the difference to people in difficult times; it is the ministry of your presence that makes the difference.

Thanks for reading what was, "On my mind!"  
Ryan



*So far this year has held the least number of funerals, year to date, that I have attended.  On average over the last three years, I attended 30-32 funerals of people I know.  So far, there have been 14.  I pray there are no others this year. 

Picaso

I have learned that as much as I have been taught about and exposed to a wide range of experiences with people, I know not much.  I have prided myself in knowing how I believe people feel about various situations, only to discover I know not much.  It's simple isn't it?  I'm a reasonable thinking person, to me; most times, to most people.  I am reasonably intelligent.  I have earned degrees in management and leadership to go with my thirty-two years of working with people.  Yet, it is unfortunate I ultimately find that I am pretty far from what I believe to be true about people on any given subject.

I have a genuine care for the advancement of people, and especially those who I am associated with in any given arena.  Whether it be those I attend and fellowship with at church, friends that I have known forever, colleagues, both supervisory and subordinate, parental, extended family, immediate family, suggested family, framily, and all others in between.  I never-ever want to see, experience, or be a part of any negative association with people.  I better drop a note here before I am crucified; I don't want to see, be a part of, or allow any abuse of power toward anyone.  If the last sentence has you wondering about my allegiance to what some consider, "The Thin Blue Line," trust that I will be the first to get into any cops *** from the bottom to the top that would abuse their power or authority at the demise of the worst of the worst criminal.  I'm off track, but I had to make that plain and clear!

One day several years ago, I asked a question that I have since regretted asking.  I often go back to that day, remembering it vividly because of how much I care for and provide care, both spiritual and emotional for people in varying arenas.  I asked, "How do you do it?"  The answer was simply this, "Man, I can turn it on, and then turn it right back off and go about my business!"  Literally, within about ten minutes of praying mightily with a family in an ICU hospital room, over a woman taking her last breath, we were laughing and telling war stories.  The attitudes of one man who was a prominent preacher, the other, just a recently divorced guy with a lot of time on his hands to hang out.  No, I was not the preacher in this particular story.

Years later, I would learn that particular attitude and answer to my question to be associated with either Compassion Fatigue, or just plain ole, "IDGA*!"  The unfortunate thing for me is, IDoGA*, especially when it comes to the people I am responsible for.  Family, friends, superiors, co-workers, subordinates, residents, visitors, criminals, enemies, you name it.

I have a multitude of personal faults that I surely can't hide.  One of those is, "you wear your emotions on your shoulder!"  I must, because today, I was told of how it is painted all over my being when it's not going to be a good day.  I wish I could see my portrait on those days, because I believe that I have stuff under control.  The real jacked up thing about it is, today wasn't the first, second, third, or fortieth time I've been told such.

Two Sundays ago when the choir was singing a song, one of the choir members leaned over to my wife, who is also in the choir and said, "Ryan looked mighty bored when we were singing just now!"  I guess it was real bad because Bridgette sent me a text message during the service about the comment.  I reflected back on the song, which only about three minutes had passed by since they finished singing, and thought, they actually sounded okay.  Then I tried my hardest to remember what I was actually thinking about while they were singing.  "Oh yeah, I just finished preaching at another church about thirty minutes ago."  That would explain my suggested boredom.  Preaching takes everything out of me for at least the next twelve hours or so.  I probably did look like I was interested in laying down in my bed and taking a nap!

My point in taking the long way around by telling that story is, I must do better in my non-verbal communications, especially if I'm going to be a leader.  I only want the best for the people around me.  I guess I better somehow show my best, even when not feeling my best.  I've got to paint a better picture.

It hurts really bad to give so much towards the intended success of the people I serve when it is perceived that there is an ulterior motive.  I was hit with a ton of bricks when told that my good was perceived as meant for evil.  For once, perception is not a reality.

This moment in blog is not intended for you to understand.  It's just, what's on my mind. 

My Lil One drew this picture in the 3rd Grade. 

"Picaso" by, Briahnna Small

A Time of Peace, Blessings, and Togetherness

It's Monday night, and I finally have a moment to reflect on the events of the weekend.  It doesn't usually take me so long for it all to sink in, but this past weekend (and a couple days prior to) had quite a bit going on.  There's always a lot going on in my life socially, professionally, with my family, framily, and friends.

Let me start with by asking that you keep my father in your prayers.  The ole man (not old man...he's pretty hip) had a birthday on September 11.  This past Thursday he went in for surgery to help with a significant health challenge he's dealing with.  My Lil One made a video for him to give him a boost of Get Well encouragement.  I was also blessed to share in the City of Manhattan Beach's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, providing the benediction and acknowledgement to the architect of the city's memorial site, Mr. Patrick Killen who recently passed away.

The 9/11 Memorial program, Small's Star Book for Ministers, and a City of MB Parks and Rec Challenge Coin shared

Saturday, I had the absolute honor and privilege to attend the 6th Annual USV-JSC Prayer Breakfast.  The USV-JSC is a unity of military chaplains from every branch of the armed forces whose primary duty is to serve at military funerals and burials.  I was asked to attend as part of my position as a police chaplain as well as the president of the Southern California Chaplains' Association.  I was asked to give the welcome and provide the prayer for police officers (there were seventeen, one minute prayers.)  I must say, I didn't think it was going to be that big of a deal or event, especially since they asked, ME, of all people to be involved.

Manhattan Beach 9/11 Ceremony - Lt. Small, Police Chief Eve Irvine, Mayor Mark Burton, and Fire Chief Robert Espinosa

When I arrived, there was military garb, insignia, brass, polish, spit-shine, swords, covers, and you name it, all around the place.  Even though I was in my police, Class A uniform, I felt so under-dressed.  I didn't know if I was suppose to salute or curtsy at these men and women!  Purple Hearts, stars, stripes, and all kinds of ribbons and awards were pinned from head to toe.  But the real cool thing was; I was the only police officer there, and as many that I was in awe of, they were just as interested in the uniform that I was wearing.  Complete mutual respect for each other.

US Marine Corps Brigade General Michael J. Aguilar, MBPD Lieutenant Ryan Small, and US Army Colonel Albert Aguilar

Then to top it off, they had me sitting at the dais with a Navy Rear Admiral, a Marine Corps Brigade General, an Army Colonel, and next to a Catholic Priest who asked if I was the Chief of Police (smh!)  Most of you already know what my response to that question was ("I'm about as close to being the chief of police as you are to being Jesus Christ, fella!"...forgive me Lord.)  

Rear Admiral Michael McKinney, US Navy and Lieutenant Ryan Small, MBPD

I rushed back to the office, did some paperwork, and then headed home to prepare for Sunday and to spend some much needed family time.  (Hit the brakes, HERE!)  While driving back to the office, I get a text from my lil bruh, Pastor Louis Monroe, III.  "Hey man, are you preaching tomorrow?"  (Me: "Nope!")  "You are now!  Thanks, going out of town...Bye!"  Thankfully I have a few sermons all ready to go.  Did I fail to mention that it was Youth and Young Adult Sunday at our church, where I am the YYA Minister, and responsible for facilitating the service?

So I got home, grabbed some California Fish Grill with the wife and lil one; watch a little UCLA and USC football (yes, they were separate games), and then of course, had the football games watch me.  Next thing I knew, it was about 3am (smh!!!)

This was my second week in a row preaching at Word of God Baptist Church.  It was real cool to preach there, one because the people are cool, but two, I got a chance for a second week in a row to preach just after Tim "Bishop" Brown ministered in praise and worship.  I've followed Tim's music ministry for a while, and that guy is on fire for God in his presentation.  For those that may not know Tim, he has composed quite a few gospel hits, including, "He's Done Enough" which was made even more popular by Minister Beverly Crawford, and Fantasia.

I preached from a familiar text, Genesis 3, "The Results of a Snaky Conversation."  When Pastor Monroe and I were much younger, hanging out as teenagers, I would drive him to his preaching engagements.  That guy preached this sermon text (and Topic) for at least two years straight!  We always kidded around that if I ever became a preacher, and him a pastor, that I would preach that sermon in his pulpit.  Well, Sunday I made that a true fantasy/nightmare (fantasy because he wanted me to become a preacher; nightmare because I was always running from the cloth!)

Rev. Ryan B. Small and Pastor Louis Monroe, III

About halfway through the sermon, I discovered, I had already been preaching about twenty-five minutes and the people were ready for the climax.  I had to really humble myself because I had not made my big Baptist points yet, but at the same time I really needed to be sensitive to my mission, as well as what God really wanted the people to hear.  So for real and no Baptist fanfare, I cut across the field to get to the purpose of the message.  I think I'm mature enough as a preacher to know when to recognize 'some' things, and that was surely one of those times.  Thankfully I was able to get the context of the message across as I was greeted by many there that indicated they were blessed by the message.

I rushed over to True Friendship, which is only a few miles down the road, in enough time to begin our service.  I failed to mention though, just before I left Word of God, I asked Tim if he would be interested in coming over to do Praise and Worship for us.  And guess what?  He said, yes.  I was so honored that he would even consider us.  He came over, and was awesome!!!  Our church was rockin, and it certainly set the mood for the rest of the day.

My good buddy and best friend, Rev. Mack Mossett was the preacher for this Youth and Young Adult Sunday.  I asked (Rev.) Mack to preach a few months ago for this service and to focus on a "Back to School" message for our young people.  As always, he did an awesome job.

Rev. Lemuel "Mack" Mossett, III

As just about every Sunday, our families (Mack and mine) got together at the Campus by the Sea (that would be Mack's house; our house is the South Campus) for some Sunday-After Church family time, which normally turns out to be a time of non-stop slapstick comedy.  But this time, we were both pretty worn out, so it was a time to tell a few laughs, watch some football, eat a little chicken, and then I bombed out in the chair at the table for a good twenty five minutes (or so lol.)

"Today was a good day!"  Bridge and I got up, walked the Lil One to school and then set out to find a new spot for breakfast.  We usually spend our Mondays together as we both usually have this one day off together.  Instead of going to one of our normal breakfast spots (Roscoe's or Sunrise Cafe) we tried for a second time to eat at this spot next to Cal Bowl (I think it's called M'deas or something like that) but it was closed.  So we saw this spot called Heritage on Carson and Paramount.  It wasn't the atmosphere that we were used to (Long Beach vs. Lakewood...I guess we are fickle like that, lol) but the food was pretty decent, and the music (R & B) was nice.

We came home, got cleaned up, and then finally, went to see, Straight Outta Compton.  We were the ONLY people in the theater until about twenty minutes into the movie.  Then this one guy (obviously) snuck in, but it was cool because he didn't say anything.  Then a few minutes later, a bunch of old cacklin' hens came in and sat a few rows in front of us.  DUDE!!!!  I was kind of upset.  But still, the movie was cool.  Took us both back to our prime time in our youthful life (I was 16-21 then; Bridge was 13-18) so we had a lot in common with the movie and each other.  Bridge actually being from Compton-LA, and me from LA-Crenshaw area made it extra special for us because there were so many things that put us right there in the middle of it all.

Well, I've kept you far longer than anticipated, but thanks for allowing me to share my weekend with you.  It gave me an opportunity to actually see what I missed, and I was there for all of it!

Ryan in an empty theater waiting to see, Straight Outta Compton

Peace and Blessings to you all.  Thanks for stopping by,

Ryan

Galatians 6:9

PS...Did I mention that I had dinner with my favorite NBA basketball team's coach?  Yeah that's me and the one and only, Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers!  The truth of the matter is, we were having dinner, celebrating Mack's birthday, and while listening to some jazz at the Dave Koz Lounge in Beverly Hills, and in walks Doc.  I saw him, panicked and acted like a little bitty girl as I clobbered Bridgette's leg trying to get her to look up.  Then, Doc and I made eye contact and gave the, "What's up bro?" head nod.  You KNOW what happened next...PHOTO OP!  LMBO!!!

Ryan and LA Clippers Head Coach/President of Basketball Operations, Doc Rivers

Blurred Time!

I can't believe it's been over a year since I last posted.  I decided to start writing a little blog because I thought it would help me with my memory of the timing of the things I do.  All of a sudden I can't remember if I did this super special thing two weeks ago, or five months ago.  I'll say something like, "Bridgette, I can't believe it's been two weeks since the blah blah blah!?!"  And she'll reply, "That was at least five or six months ago!"  

Well, I've come to realize that my brain is just fried...period.  I used to be terrible with names, then faces, then names and faces, and I've finally come to the point to where people that I apparently either know or at least have met before will walk up to me and say, "Hey, Ryan.  It's been, what...two or three years since we last saw each other?"  My response usually goes something like this, "HEYYYYYYYY, WOW, yeah, it's been at least that long.  By the way, who are you?" (in a jovial way of course.)  It's not that I don't try or don't care; I guess I just; heck, I don't know what it is!

Several seminars attended; books read; and leadership theories have suggested the whole take care of yourself thing.  For those that are super-busy like me have to find time to take for ourselves.  As a matter of fact, we shouldn't be "finding time" to take for ourselves; we just have to take the time.  The one thing that has painted incredibly true is, things will continue on and progress regardless if you are there (at work) or not, regardless of your level of responsibility.

So, I am doing much better at, "taking" my time to be with family, friends, and alone!  It's pretty obvious that I LOVE being around and supporting my wife and children.  If any of the kids are having an event whether it be basketball for Jr, or Mo with her AOII (hey Mo, you catch that shout out?"), or Briahnna with her church or golfing activities.  We even spend a great amount of time following UCLA Gymnastics with Hallie and her team.  It's pretty cool being a Bruin fan (YES, even though I've got USC credentials on the wall in my office.)

Then, I love my ecumenical vocational duties too, and I do everything I can to not let those opportunities slip by.  Preaching, teaching, music ministry, and all gets me all giddy.  I think this is where this blog will start for real.

Holy Week 2015 celebrations concluded yesterday, Resurrection Day.  Oh my goodness; what a weekend!  Things started on Maundy Thursday when I had a wedding rehearsal; Friday was not only my lil one's birthday, but it was my mother's birthday too, but I couldn't really celebrate the birthdays like I wanted to because that morning I attended a longtime friend of the family's funeral, then rushed home to put the final touches on my sermon, then I had to preach one of the seven last sayings of Jesus Christ during the Good Friday Service; Saturday I officiated my friend's wedding (that was so much stinking fun!) and by the way, give it up for Gwin and Tim Bossier; Saturday, I also dyed Easter Eggs with the lil one for the children at church; Sunday morning we had to be at church at 8:30 for the Youth's Easter presentation, and then I had pulpit duties for the morning Worship service.  On top of all of that, our home is being fumigated in a couple of days, so we had to come home Sunday to prepare for that!  But hey, not before we stopped for some Bludso's BBQ.

So now, let me stop taking a break to write this blog so I can finish preparing the house.  Did I mention we are moving into a hotel for the next four days; it's Spring Break for the lil one; I have to work this week; and then Mom's 70th Birthday Luncheon is Saturday and Briahnna's 9th Birthday Party is Sunday.  I need a break.  Oh yeah, that's what I'm doing; taking a break, I think...kind of.

Here are some pics of the fun I've had this week.  Enjoy!

By the way...Briahnna made a fitness challenge for me and Bridgette (I guess her way of saying we need to exercise.)  She took video of our (well, my) out of shape, winded foolery.  I hope it posts so you can see it.

Oh yeah...Congratulations UCLA Women's Gymnastics on your 2015 NCAA Regional Championship Tournament Victory!

Ryan Jr is set to graduate from RMU in two weeks.  You know where I'll be!!!  :)

Until...
Ryan
Galatians 6:9

Reflections ~ Mixed Nuts

The last few weeks have been a bag of mixed nuts.  The good thing is, the honey glazed cashews seemed to come to the top quite a bit.  It's been a time to reflect and connect with family, both, those by blood and especially those relationships that seem to have just magically became members of my immediate family.  

It dawned on Bridgette and I one day last week as we sat in an unusual setting within our living room when we discovered something different about Briahnna.  Most parents would be glad their seven year old was done with her bath, homework, nightly reading, recreational electronic gaming, and quietly watching television with a half hour to spare before her bedtime.  "What's wrong Coob?"..."Nothing," she responds.  What was it that dawned on us?  We were near empty nesters.  Mary-Monique was doing her thing at San Marcos State, and Ryan Jr was finally back in the Windy City doing his college-athlete thing.  Bri on the other hand was trying to adjust as an only child for the first time in her life. 

My mother and I have had an unusual time lately.  Well, not really; we crack each other up quite frequently.  People (mainly church folk and close family friends) often turn to my mother after I've said something slapstick and try to tell on me, or say something to the affect of, 'where does he get it from?'  People just don't realize that most of the stuff that I do is the direct result of the foolery that we engage in as mother and son.  I'm serious when I say, We crack each other up!  I love her more than any son could possibly love his mother.  When the right time comes, I'll share more about that.  :) 

Keep my friends in your prayers.  In just the last few weeks, I've visited several of my friends' parents in hospitals, as well as attended some of my other friends' parents' funerals.  People wonder how it is that I work all night, but then find time to visit the hospitals and attend funeral services without any sleep.  I'll tell you how, I owe these people.  They mean the world to me!  I will do whatever I can within my power to be there for them.  While I'm on the thought, keep Elder Lemuel Mossett Jr in your prayers.  He is one incredible father, mentor, friend, husband, and preacher.  Also keep his wife, our Nana-Flora; and his son Mack, my best buddy (and his wife Winnie) in your prayers.  Elder has some serious health challenges facing him, but we are thankful that God can do the impossible.

As a matter of fact, keep all of my friends and framily (yes, framily) in your prayers.  I've attended four funerals in the last two weeks, all of close family and friends.  Keep my work family in your prayers too.  Just this past week, two of my guys at work found themselves in the hospital after sustaining injuries from dealing with knuckleheads that would do harm against peacekeepers.

Before I leave you tonight, I told you there were quite a few of the honey glazed cashews that rose to the top.  I was afforded the opportunity to preach at my home church this past Sunday.  I preached from a familiar text, but in somewhat fun, "Stole" the sermon title from my little brother after the last 22 years of laughing about him preaching from, "The Results of a Snaky Conversation" (Genesis 3).  I can't wait to fine-tune that sermon and preach it again!   

As I close this blog, I must tell you that I've been blessed beyond comprehension.  I can't wait to share with you the other half of why I do some of the things that I do.  I'll leave you with...Let's raise our glass in a toast, "To Houston!"                         

Continue in blessing others,
Until...

Oh wait a minute...Thanks to our framily members, the Navertins and our new friends Dave and Susie from Northern Cal.  Dave and Susie are Disney extraordinaires that will be getting married in Cinderella's Castle next May.  We were delighted to join them as their guests for Oktoberfest, Disney Club 33 Style.  People don't have to be nice, but it's real nice and a blessing when people are!    

Ryan B Small ~ What's On My Mind ~: I "Can't" vs. I "Won't" complain!

Ryan B Small ~ What's On My Mind ~: I "Can't" vs. I "Won't" complain!: As stated in my initial blog, I often withhold the Goodness and Mercy of God from my testimony within the social media.  Certainly, I am not...