Editor’s Note: This is Part 4 of a four-part series.
True freedom requires a never-ending battle. The threat to freedom masquerades with different identities. We should never forget the real enemy and his power. It is the same enemy that put shackles on our forefathers and the same enemy that creates havoc around the world.
War is now being waged against our communities. Violence, especially gun violence, illegal drugs, gangs and education demand our fortified efforts. And then there is poverty. We should always strive to eliminate poverty.
Longing for vestiges of a forsaken past is amplified when preachers use catchy phrases or teach what they call a holistic message, rather than the true and complete word of God. A few preachers fail to remember that the main focus of this message should be salvation. When preachers and congregations are more inspired to build a structure that will be praised and admired by other men rather than working in the vineyard to glorify God’s kingdom, it becomes obvious that mankind continues to eat from the forbidden tree; or, as Rev. Jeffrey C. Franklin proclaimed in a recent Sunday morning sermon that some preachers are falling short of God’s expectations.
Franklin is pastor of Greater 3-4 Baptist Church located at 911 West 19th Street in Little Rock. As part of his ministry, Pastor Franklin often works with community organizations to help improve the quality of life for citizens. He is respected by his peers and by his congregation. Some preachers are selling out God’s commandments. Fame, popularity and the mighty dollar have taken control of the sights of some religious leaders.
Another area of dismay falls within the ranks of politicians and elected officials. To be elevated and honored with the responsibility to represent others calls for an elevated level of integrity, accountability and ethics. A betrayal of the trust bestowed upon these selected/elected individuals is shameful. African-Americans who use the excuses such as “That’s the way that the white boys do it” or “We are doing what they did to us” should be openly condemned. To react in a way that our oppressors treated us is as much a shame as it was when the oppressors were committing the acts. If we respond in a deranged and immoral way, we are without ethics and do not align with the standards established by our ancestors such as Frederick Douglass, Dr. Ralph Bunche, Justice Thurgood Marshall and Attorney Patricia Roberts Harris.
Where problems exist in our relationships, our homes, our church congregations or our communities, the worst thing we can do is ignore it or look the other way. Our world today is full of people who refuse to acknowledge abuse, injustices or unfair practices. The only way we can begin to correct the flaws and shortcomings in our society is to diligently investigate the causes and then, without fail develop solutions. We should do this with determination, just intentions, and compassion. A commitment to pursue positive and corrective action is long overdue. We should get started toward this effort now—the hour is at hand. Fortunately through grace and mercy, we still have the time.
Contributors: Anne J. Bryant-Atkins; Dale Charles; Curtis Moragne and Julie M. Bryant-McCall
Donations in Memory of Sam Bernard, Jr.
Help get the People’s Tribune in the prisons
Sam Bernard, Jr., brother of Marian Kramer, (a leader of America’s poor) died recently. Sam was free after many years of incarcera-tion, during which time he lived committed to furthering the revolutionary process through education. He loved the People’s Tribune and its sister publication, the Tribuno del Pueblo, and used the papers in his work. To honor his life and work, donations are being made toward distribution of the papers in prisons (and else-where). You can donate through Paypal at http://ti-nyurl.com/donate-to-PT
