Fruit of the Vine
Are we ignorant to the type of fruit Jesus wants us to produce in our lives? Can we strive for what we do not know? What type of fruit do you bare? Fruit of the Spirit is not automatically a part of our beings. Our souls (mind, will and emotions) succumb more to vices than virtues. Our spirits were changed when we accepted Christ as our savior but our flesh has more self-centered characteristics. For this reason, people are vulnerable to Satan’s plot for destruction.
In my childhood, my mother expressed much anger, therefore I believed I also needed to be angry. Social anger, is justifiable anger. However, unresolved anger internalized becomes sadness, depression and hopelessness. We must put our anger to work, to correct social injustice. My mother was a participant in demonstrations to fight for social justice with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
My anger nonetheless, turned into sadness. As a teen, I wanted to join the Black Panther’s Movement. After visiting the local chapter, I realized that this quest was unreasonable, especially at my tender age. I held deep admiration for Angela Davis and Huey P. Newton; their strength to sacrifice and fight our battle appeared unprecedented. As like others, Malcom X and the Nation of Islam’s, “By any means necessary.” Dr. King’s non-violent approach were admirably effective. However, by design, a system divided will fall.
When the only exposures people have are poverty and negativity in this world, hope is absent. Alcoholism and drug abuse are forms of self-medication that are widely used in our culture to anesthetize the pain of hopelessness. Often culture is targeted with alcohol advertisement and marijuana shops to place people in a comatose state. Who will empower our children? Our children are the future and are destined for greatness. They were created for manitude, but need role models to plant seeds for growth.
It angers and even saddens me when I observe Christians express sentiments other than empathy. Do they understand a lack of empathy feeds social injustice? This injustice is overwhelmingly problematic and overextended into the 21st century. We have concerns about children facing early death due to hate crimes and cultural stereotyping. In addition, much of the hate we often feel translates into violence toward each other.
Violence is learned behavior; intended to separate families, communities, and even some cultures from our nation. Satan has always used people to accomplish his tasks. “He comes to steal, kill and destroy.” In contrast, to this life thief, Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. John 10:10 (MEV)
In slavery, the only ancestral hope for survival was faith. Faith gave strength to persevere through every challenge of enslavement. Faith gave strength to assume roles of leadership. Satan continues to seek enslavement of our minds and bodies today.
Ephesians 6:12 (MEV) 12 For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil and in the heavenly places.” The black church historically has been a model of faith and a proponent against racial and social injustice.
The church, has been a good option to unify efforts for justice. In addition, our vote is our voice. For this fundamental reason, our ancestors sacrificed life and limb that we may obtain this inalienable right. But change is slow; it often feels like one step forward and two steps backward. In 2021, some states have enacted more than 20 laws to make voting more difficult for Americans. Voter suppression efforts range from the seemingly un-obstructive, like strict voter ID laws and elimination of early voting rights. We must maintain our voice. www.brennancenter.org What type of fruit will you bare?
January 1, 1863 the Emancipation Proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves shall be free. Juneteenth, June 19, 1865, commemorates African American freedom, emphasizing education and achievement. Juneteenth, originated in Galveston, Texas. Residents were informed of the proclamation by the Executive office of the United States, which proclaimed all African Americans free from slavery. To learn more about Juneteenth, you may search Juneteenth.com or phone 504 242 2691.
Some would argue that after almost 300 years, freedom is still not reality. We know that social injustice remains in America. Have you ever been to Ellis Island? I hadn’t, until 2012 when visiting perspective colleges with my daughter. I was saddened and overwhelmed by the hate. I was blind sided. I had to abruptly leave the museum. The only history of Ellis Island of which I was aware, was a port of entry for immigrants through New York, to the United States. While this is true, the hate and bigotry the people endured was obscene.
The Enemy wants to kill, steal and destroy. Satan wants to destroy unity of family and nation. For this reason violence and hate exists today. The previous administration wants to be reelected to Presidential office to make “American Great Again”; I would argue to perpetuate hate. It is the responsibility of the American people to make America a nation of greatness; a nation of unity and love.
August 5, 1993, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed and commissioned as the first female Supreme Court Justice; the court of final arbitration of the law. Her career hallmarks a quest for justice for all women. 2008 marks the first president of color elected to the highest office of America, reelected in 2012. 2020, the first female Vice President of color and today, 2022 we celebrate the first female of color confirmed to the Supreme Court. Yes, we must celebrate, but NOT ever turn a deaf ear or blind eye to our responsibilities, spiritually or civilly. The quest for justice must never cease. Akin to Spiritualty, it is a daily walk. What type of fruit will you bare?