Urban Thought Collective

About Me:

Najuma Smith is a preacher, world traveler, writer, and proud parent. She currently serves as the full-time Sr. Pastor of St. James AME Church in Los Angeles. Unapologetically saved and full of purpose, she enjoys sharing words of encouragement with anyone who will listen, bringing a fresh look at life in light of the Word of God. Her collection of motivations and observations are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. Visit her at www.myspace.com/revjuju.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:10,11
Most Christmas celebrants have no idea that when Jesus was born the people of his d [...]

Psalm 68:8 God sets the desolate (solitary or lonely) in a homeland (family)

I have seen a lot of disturbing things in the news as it relates to clear racial bias on television, but most disturbing this week was the 3-day Confirmation hearing of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, where for 72 hours…Senators, primarily white male Republicans wasted valuable time and energy rehashing over the same four words of Judge Sonia Sotomayor that were spoken to a collegiate group in 2001 about the added value “a wise latina woman” could make within the justice system in our country.

Naked I came into this world, Naked I will return to it. (Job 1:21)

The African Proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child” is true. Unfortunately the harsh reality of the State of the Village is that in so many communities, like the one where I live, South Los Angeles; a key element to the village is missing…Dad!

1 Peter 3:11 “He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”

You will know them by what they produce. People don’t pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles, do they? (Matthew 7:16)

Deuteronomy 8:18 “..For it is He who give you power to get wealth..”
A few days ago, I ran into a girl friend of mine at the hair salon. I was waiting on my husband while he received a fresh cut, she was delivering cookies to the barbershop/salon, which is now one of her many client stops during the week.

On Oprah recently I was intrigued by the impact comedian and entertainer Steve Harvey is having on women all across the country with his first book and now bestseller “Think Like a Man, Act Like a Lady!”

1 Peter 5:8 “Your enemy prowls around like a roaring link looking for someone to devour.”