Our Bibles and Guns

written by Gary B. Dotson

Bear with what you may call melodrama, but America is at a crucial crossroads in her history at which the patriots within her borders must determine the path she will take in what seems, currently, to be the twilight of her existence. I warned you about the dramatics.
Right now, America is under assault at every side by godless, Leftist policies, and spineless leadership from the political Right. The leadership of America has grown fat, lazy, and hopelessly addicted to the comfortable standard of living and freedom and liberty purchased by our forebears with their collective lives, combined fortunes, and their priceless, sacred honor. America seems adrift upon the sea of moral and political relativism and she is paying the price. Her enemies are arming to the teeth around the clock and we have not learned one single lesson from the deafening noise of the fall of mighty, powerful Rome.
The end of Rome was inevitable as it was a completely godless political entity. The Roman citizens worldwide were governed by a litany of emperors drunk with absolute power and apathetic senators separated from the average citizen by an immeasurable gulf of riches and status.
Pure and simple, as America moves further and further away from its founding Biblical priciples, it will invariably embrace the same ideologies that thrust China into the bloody violence of blackhearted communism under the regime of Chairman Mao Zedong. Many Americans incorrectly think that "it can't happen here."
Christians and patriots, we must understand that without Christ at the center of all of our actions and thoughts, there's nothing on earth or within us that can restrain us from embracing the god of Humanism. Man will always worship something- anything.
In every oppressive regime, especially in the 20th century, Bibles and guns have been the targets of these regimes for systematic elimination. Already, America has clearly moved into a post-Christian age where Jesus Christ and the Bible are ridiculed with astonishing regularity and nonchalance. The mockers fail to realize that the enduring faith and devotion to Jesus Christ over the years by citizens and statesmen alike have helped make America a marvelously peculiar nation, unlike any that has ever existed. The Bible, more than any other book or idea elevated women to the equality of men and revealed their God-deposited worth. The Bible set forth the foundations for the limitations and responsibilities of government and the duties of a citizenry free from their first breath. Tyrants hate absolute, unalterable Truth because it shows that there is yet a greater Authority above them that shall bring to light their every act into the scouring light of the purity of His righteous judgment.
The Bible must be attacked by them and it will be again, just as in ultra-orthodox Islamo-fascist societies that at least, once tolerated Christianity.
When a people realize that they are created as free men and women with rights that cannot be taken by human government, they will be empowered to defend themselves, not their rights, but their status as free people in God's sight.
Faced with the fact that all- ALL human government becomes corrupt sooner or later, if patriots call themselves Christian and vice versa, it's high time to live righteously and responsibly according to Christ's standard only, but we must deposit as much Bible into our minds as possible to do that before it's too late and we must stand at the ready to defend ourselves from a corrupt government. We defend ourselves not to protect "rights" but as a deterrent to prevent the slaughter of human beings that is sure to come if we falter at all.
The Bible is our invincible, number one weapon that not only gives us the protocol on how to deal with injustice but also the message of the Gospel which is able to disarm all of the wickedness in men's hearts.
The hour is very late and the time draws near wherein we must make a stand to save this nation from extinction.
Get the Word in your heart before the Bibles are confiscated or outlawed as "hate literature."

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American Fuhrer

Recently, I was watching a program on the History Channel called The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, and obviously from the title, one can surmise the content of the program. The scenes that I saw were absolutely shocking as new analyses of the depths of Nazi cruelty were made by astute historians. I thought that I had a pretty concise summation of that darkest of periods of world history but I'm forced to admit my error. I learned new facts about not only the slaughter of millions of Jews, but the compliance of the German people in those atrocities.
This is not about the apathy of the German citizenry, or even about the wickedness of the National Socialist regime. This is more about the failure of the people of the United States to learn the most important lesson to be learned about the rise to power of the Third Reich.
Germany was dealt a humiliating and totally debilitating defeat in World War I and consequently, Germany's infrastructure was decimated. I want to just briefly but reasonably speculate on the state of the common German citizen. Currently in America, we're experiencing the worst economic trial since the Great Depression in the late 1920's through the start of America's entry into World War II. Even with part-time work, unemployment insurance and government assistance with subsidized housing and food stamps, times are difficult for millions of Americans- we haven't had a war fought on Anerican soil since the Civil War of the mid-1800's. Imagine Germany then, with the currency completely devalued, natural resources depleted or unable to be accessed, tens of millions of young German men, who had been the backbone of a robust work force dead or physically handicapped but in both cases, unable to work.
Imagine having arguably the most advanced society on planet earth, a center for higher learning, industry, and technological innovation, and a very high standard of living replete with almost every amenity imaginable. My point in stressing Germany's high standard of living is to point out how as human beings we become attached, expectant of our comfortability. This is true all over the world. (Look at the violent civil unrest in Greece right now, or in France over asterity measures.)
The German people went from plenty to nothing. From banks, full of Goldmarks and Papiermarks, grocery stores exploding with food to living off of rodents, even garbage. Imagine proud fathers, who wanted no handouts, who actually wanted to work to provide for their families as they always had, to the torture of having to watch wife and children starving and in want. Imagine dutiful mothers who desired nothing more than their family's well-being, foregoing food and comforts for children or aging parents.
Then suddenly, a man, strong-willed and brandishing the most powerful, irresistible oratorical skills one had ever seen before by anyone- a war hero as well- appears on the scene. He clearly and effectively lays out a plan to propel the nation back into its "superpower" status and that no longer would anyone be in need for anything whatsoever.
A people with empty stomachs will agree to almost anything. Anything.
Germany gave Adolph Hitler their everything in exchange for their lives back. The cost-? Close to fifty million men, women and children dead, billions of dollars in property damage and the Final Solution.
America is at a critical point in her history. The population continues to become more and more apathetic, increasingly less engaged in the political process, and almost totally engrossed in materialism and hedonism. We have fallen in love with our comforts and we expect- we expect- our stomachs to be full.
We are perfectly set up for some terrible disaster, whether natural or man-induced, to empty our bellies, deprive us of our cellular phone gods and other shiny pacifiers to force us to our knees for some American fuhrer to promise us our comforts in return for our very freedom. Americans have believed that "it can't happen here" but it can and will if we do not learn this harsh but crystal clear lesson from history.

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Tiffany Defeats Cancer

Cancer has, over the years, come to illicit the most agonizing of emotions even from those of us regarded as the strongest as well as those regarded as the mildest. "The Big C", "The Invisible Monster" are just a couple of titles given to this devastatingly harsh disease that has for centuries meant a certainty of death for those that diagnosed with this scourge. Recently in human history, most specifically in the late 20th century, scientific research and ingenuity have helped to make effective counteroffensives against a condition that has and is still taking the lives of millions on planet earth at this very moment. Yes, cancer, in nearly every one of its forms, kills almost certainly. Death may approach at the lazy, yet unceasing pace of a worm or like lightning when tigers hunt prey.
The blow to mind and spirit is almost always extreme, leaving the host in a state of disarray, disbelief, and with feelings of despair.
Yet, the best of us are able, after grappling with torrential storms of emotion, to not only look the beast in its heartless, blackhearted eyes, but to stand, and not rise to merely live the rest of life in mediocrity but with a mind and heart fixed on glorious victory wherein standing tall is the first volley of the war.
I know a woman with whom I share the same blood, the same name, many of the same memories, who right now is standing tall and free, openly brandishing the weapons that has forced the beast to hurriedly retreat. Tiffany L. Dotson is armed with an array of weapons that the beast had not considered the potency thereof and has paid a high price for its foolish miscalculation.
Even the most astute of scientists have failed to harness the tiniest of a fraction of the limitless power of the tools of her warfare. I shouldn't be surprised, for how could their formal, logical reasoning mathematically quantify the energy contained in her smile, more brilliant than one thousand suns, that is the outward indicator of an indomitable courage and joy? The beast had no answer to the onslaught of the laughter of a girl named Gabrielle full of innocence and happiness and it was crushed by a spirit free from this world's corruption. To spur her on, she has, in unending supply, the love of a family who walks her path with her and willing to shoulder any load for her. Ah, but she is strong- Tiffany has proven mightier than the monster and she stands today proud and as vibrant as ever.
Her family thanks the almighty God, Who in infinite wisdom bade her walk this bitter and simultaneously sweet path, Who alone knows the end thereof and we submit to His will and pray His grace, mercy, and continued strength in Jesus' Name.
Through chemotherapy and the subsequent ailments, under heavy crosses of emotional weight Tiffany presses on living life to the full, knowing all too well that her life is not her own but "owned" in part by her delicate flower that shares her face and soul- Gabrielle. I can do nothing but admire such dignity and courage and would like to think that her example would be followed by me should the beast attack me as well...
The Dotson Family loves immeasurably, Tiffany L. Dotson, and we rejoice that cancer has been unable to conquer you.

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The Brutal Execution of Hip-Hop

Obviously, everything that follows this sentence could most certainly be taken as mere opinion, however viewed as extreme hyperbole or accurate analysis. I've frequently discussed the topic of Hip-Hop culture and music with my wife, as we've reflected our own smiles at each other while reciting lyrics to the songs that without question helped to shape our respective personas. What Black thirty-something could ever forget "I Got It Made," "Eric B. For President," or "Sucker M.C.s?" (which was the first Hip-Hop song that I ever heard.) And when I say that I was shaped, in part, by Hip-Hop, I consider a song by Main Source, "A Friendly Game of Baseball" which happens to be the reason why I only wear black socks, even to this day. By the way, how many of us are still waiting for the Large Professor album?
From Hip-Hop's birth in the late 1970's over its evolution to what its become today, it would be a terrible understatement to say that it's changed enormously. I know that there are and will always be differences in the genres of music and distinct sounds people prefer but it's my assertion that Hip-Hop has changed for the worse. It's gone from the lofty, pristine heights it has shared with other uniquely beautiful genres of music and descended into the filthy sewer of gutteral forms of expression and communication. This is based first and foremost on Hip-Hop's fervent long-lasting love affair with misogyny, followed by its tearing down of strong, upstanding Black men.
Hip-Hop as a culture has showcased the many complex facets of the Black (& Latino) community. Through Hip-Hop, we've shown a world that has long ignored us how we've overcome poverty and consequnces of centuries of oppression through celebrating the cohesiveness of our neighborhoods, uniqueness, and talents and gifts. Chuck D. once referred to Hip-Hop as the Black CNN. Hip-Hop has, since its inception been the "grapevine" of an impoverished, neglected people in which the truth was told.
I remember a time when Slick Rick urged young people to respect your mother and to go to school. Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions urged the Hip-Hop community to know its history and be the positive threats to a society designed to keep it locked out of the American dream. We showed the world that we knew how to party, dance, talk love, current affairs and politics- and we loved Hip-Hop because through Hip-Hop we were able to transcend the ordinary, the mundane. Hip-Hop was a vibrant, energetic living thing.
"Of course we gotta pay rent, so money connects" and when Hip-Hop became a bonafide cash cow, that's when her blood-sucking enemies lined up against her to drain her of every drop of creative energy her fathers infused in her at her birth. I would trace the beginning of her death to the moment where her positivity met her profitability. Pure and simple, sex and violence sells records. The record companies knew this and capitalized on that and aggressively pushed artists who "dumbed down" the culture and music to the point now wherein Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, and Soulja Boy are the exemplars of real Hip-Hop music.
I could go on for an eternity remarking on the degradation of this once-great artform and as long as Hip-Hop continues its degradation and exploitation of women it will never be great again. I would not want this to become a conspiracy theory for it is the Hip-Hop community that allowed the abduction and murder of its artform.
WE allowed our women to be commonly referred to as "bitches" and "hoes," "jumpoffs" and "bustdowns." We allowed a music and culture that enabled us to triumphantly transcend above the constraints of an ordinarily deplorable and distasteful reality (generally speaking) to enslave us all over again, to bind us all over again. Hip-Hop has showcased, for quite a while now, the drug-dealing, sexually promiscuous, booty-shorts-wearing, sagging-pants worst of us, and buffonish rappers, powerful CEOs, and record company presidents have profited beyond their wildest imaginations.
Hip-Hop was assassinated with cold, heartless precision. She now doesn't resemble in any way her original beauty. I consider the ignorance of a present generation that has no idea of what Hip-Hop can be or what it once was and it having the poor choices of Waka Flocka, 50 Cent, and Young Jeezy for its listening enjoyment. Hip-Hop once was the best of us. No longer, as profanity-ridden lyrics, drug-induced stupors, and men and women without morals, restraint, or regard for the community have overrun a once-great culture. I have no pleasure in laying flowers on her tombstone.

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The Death of Black Power

I'm so sorry to deliver this distressing and disappointing news, but Black Power is dead, and it didn't die gloriously on the field of battle and noble struggle, but within warm homes amid the blue glow of HDTV's and flickering cell phone lights. Yes, Black Power is good and dead, and affluence killed it. Now before the Black community and kind-hearted liberals leap up, with arms raised, flailing about, let me just take a moment to clarify what I mean. Conducting a simple comparison and contrasting of the Black community of today and the one during the Civil Rights era (and before) one must agree that even under the leather boots of oppression and socio-political injustice the Black community was a cohesive, tightly-knit organism that seemed to have one mind, one heart. Of course I speak in generalities. The power of the Black community of yesteryear emanated from the family- the complete, often extended family, with a strong-willed male at its head. That husband and father was driven by the expectation that the ensuing generation would be better off than his own, made possible through his own sacrifice of labor and self-denial, lessons learned from parents who more than likely died under the sweltering, bloodthirsty evil of the South. That husband's wife was like a wolf guarding her home, always giving more than she believed she had available, loving ever more than she thought she could to bring to life her dreams of a better life for her offspring. So many times she had to accept demeaning work, and long hours of it- but the brightness of the future spurred her on, and she never let go of her integrity or her family. By both, education was held in high esteem and was an absolute requirement to be pursued in excellence by the children. Great material wealth was rare. Richness of family, pride, and tradition appeared omnipresent. Jim Crow just had to fall before such a people; the Civil Rights Act had to come, it was inevitable. Color barriers had to fall.
Now, consider the Black community of today. We now live in homes that our grandparents would only have imagined in their dreams, and these massive houses have parked in front sleek, stylish vehicles worth more than the houses of our parents. Within, silence battles the constant stream of information from lavishly priced television sets, and our cupboards overflow with bounty. There is, however a humiliating, shameful contradiction to the aforementioned prosperity evident in the deplorable, sub-standard living conditions exemplified by government subsidized housing, in the slums, and ghettoes ruled by death, drug-addiction, and hopelessness. What is shameful is not that these neighborhoods exist, but what is shameful is that we allow them to exist. And in that, we have the cause for the death of Black Power. Self-absorbed affluence strangled the life from black, clenched fists once held high and an entire movement fell apart, never to rise again. Perhaps.
Yes, as long as we swam upstream in the white-foamed rapids of the Struggle, our resolve was unshakable, undaunted and formidable, but as soon as we made it to the glistening still waters of opportunity, we lost our focus. When we lost our focus, our connection to each other was lost and we found it acceptable to coexist with the ghettoes, as long as we had our non-ghetto piece of the American pie. Weak-minded males did more to destroy Black Power than anything that segregation or Bull Connor could ever have done, as when the fires of conflict waned, these scum found fulfillment beyond the fences of their own homes (incentivized in some cases, by the way).
Perhaps Black Power died because of its failure to adapt to new conflicts to a new Struggle, not with police dogs and water hoses, but against Jerry Springer, misogynistic Hip-Hop music, Jesse Jackson-like demagogues, and horrible education. Maybe Black Power died because we wanted it to, because we were tired of fighting and just wanted to enjoy being Americans and the fruit of our labor, as our forebears desired over the decades, even the centuries.
By the way, Black Power is not best exemplified by tightly fitting ebon gloves, leather jackets, and berets, no, but by families headed by men willing not just to die for those in his care but to live for them; by women dedicated to a higher form of integrity and duty, seriously attending their duty as first teachers to their children. Black Power is not allowing ghettoes to exist or to pollute our children's minds with a lifestyle that is not worthy of a people who have come from a proud, indomitable stock.
So is this a plea to resurrect Black Power? No, at least not as we once knew it. Rather, let us breathe new life into the Black Family for in it is the strength of the Black community and the antidote of the "ghetto state of mind." Fathers are needed who are disciplined enough to be husbands first as are mothers who view themselves too precious to circumvent marriage. The new Struggle is for the minds and souls of our children, and for quality education. The Family must be the weapon of choice or Black Power will forever be dead.

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Christian Pesecution is Coming

As I read the attached article, my mind immediately filled with contemplations about Germany, circa 1933, and invariably, I couldn't avoid dwelling on the brutal handling of the Jewish population of that country. As a sidebar, one should be astonished at such inhumane treatment in a nation considered by some historians as the most advanced on earth at that time. In any event, the Jews were made to be political scapegoats by millions of Germans frustrated and dissatisfied with the arrangements made concerning her neutralization and disarmament as a result of her defeat in World War I by the nations who defeated her. Europe and the rest of the world were wary of a militarized, economically strong Germany and rightly so as an unbiased examination of European history will show Germany at the heart of many conflicts on that continent.
The strong national pride and drive to excel seethed like a hungry beast in the hearts of the German people, and ultimately, all it took was for just one man to emerge with enough charisma and bravado to facilitate one of the most murderous, bloody periods in human history. Of course, despotic figures like Adolph Hitler thrive when the followers are galvanized within a climate based on the premise of the threat of attack by a common enemy. Adolph Hitler, we know now, had a very detailed, strategically arranged plan to first eliminate his foes, among which were Jewish Germans. Citing the Jewish Germans as the main reasons for the country's defeat in WWI united the people behind himself in a "righteous" cause with the ultimate goal of restoring Germany to the top among the nations of Europe. What German wouldn't want to live in a powerful, prosperous nation? According to Hitler, the existence of the Jews prevented this marvelous event from happening. The persecution was in full swing.
Without an entire history lesson, the persecution of the Jews began with registration and monitoring. Of course, as it became more and more "en vogue" to marginalize them, the persecution grew more intense. Jews were eventually prevented from holding certain jobs, living in certain communities, even celebrating their time-honored traditions publicly. Besides, when an entire people has to take the blame for something, it has too often been the Jews.
At the heart of this post rests the assertion that persecutions always, always start "small" and slowly, almost imperceptibly. I liken it to the lobster in the lukewarm water of the pot slowly being boiled. The lobster is totally unaware of his fate because the temperature of the water rises far too slowly for it to detect and he is dead before he can fully grasp what has happened. The same is true in civilized societies.
The article is from a situation in Great Britain where similar time-honored values are under attack and not permitted in the public arena. The couple, who have cared for other children, now are marginalized because of a new law that mandates "fair treatment" of people's sexual preferences. Never mind that the same Judeo-Christian values that helped the couple raise other children now productive members of society are now viewed as intolerant and hateful. My point is that this is how pogroms begin- under-the-radar, unnoticed amid the socio-political noise of our busy, hectic lives.
Today, Christians will not be permitted to adopt homosexual children or will be ordered to violate their beliefs for the "greater good" set by the State. Tomorrow, Christians will be imprisoned for owning the Holy Bible which condemns homosexuality as abominable in the sight of God. The day after that, Christains will be blamed for the collapse of society because of its corruption by Biblical values. Extreme you say? I disagree. Even Jim Jones, despotic demagogue who convinced over 900 of his followers to poison themselves believed that those who fail to learn from history will be doomed to repeat it. Christian persecution is not coming, it's already here.
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Bishop Arthur M. Brazier: Greatest Man Who Ever Lived?

Consider the names Superman, Batman, and Iron Man and take note of the first commonality between these characters. There could obviously be a myriad of conclusions that could be drawn concerning their similarities, but chief among every commonality could possibly be that they are imaginary characters we might call "super heroes." Each one, respectively, are strong, indomitable, and brilliant, but are these things only in comic books and across silver theatric screens. In the hearts and minds of child and adult alike, the deeds of these valiant heroes dazzle and excite and even more inspire some to ascend above what they are, yet, these characters are forever beyond the reach of they that follow their adventures. Even when actors, with captivatingly convincing performances personify the very essence of these heroes, reality, like a mercilessly frigid gust swoops in reminding those fans that the "super heroes" are, alas, not real at all. They are in the end just intangible ideas and are of no consequence.
Julius Caesar. Emperor Charlemagne. Napoleon. These names inspire others to bring great dreams to fruition and in others, these names are but reminders of the damning pride of men and the blind folly of they that followed them without reason. Each of these men once held sway over hundreds of thousands, even millions of people and controlled with unquestioned authority (for a time) innumerable acres upon the face of the earth. These mighty men, with stern words and fiery eyes, commanded some of the most feared armies in all of human history and were heads of empires that absolutely and with brutal efficiency ground their rivals and enemies to powder. While these potentates by some are viewed as perfect examples of the pinnacle of human ambition and brilliance, just as many mark them as timeless examples of the depths of the depravity of the human heart. As companion to all their power and, at times spendor, was death- even the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of human beings. Americans in particular, should be thanking God daily for being spared the rule of despotic statesmen as these. Julius Caesar ruled Rome, Charlemagne over the "Holy" Roman Empire, and Napoleon crowned himself emperor over a French empire he wanted to rule the planet, yet one thing more have they in common; they are all dead men. Their impact on humankind has been harsh and terrible and their brand of greatness should be shunned.
I consider another man now. A man who most certainly can be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. Martin Luther King, George Washington, Malcom X, Abraham Lincoln, Ghandi, a man who also had/has possessed tremendous influence over tens of thousands, possibly more. The man I speak of did not through subtlety, guile, or malice ascend to the height of his power and influence nor upon the works or backs of others. The man I speak of is Arthur Monroe Brazier, commonly and respectfully addressed as the Honorable Bishop Arthur M. Brazier (1921-2010), Pastor Emeritus of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois.
It is my assertion that real greatness is measured not in "shaking up the world" or remaking the world in one's image, but in the impact one makes in individuals, how one affects the thinking of men, women, even children. So often, they that are regarded as great stand aloof from the rest of us. Consider celebrities, star atheletes of today. Many of them maintain a "buffer zone" between themselves and they that provide them their plush lifestyles. Not so with Bishop Brazier. His greatness was in his accessibility to those that he served- and he seemed to never, ever forget that he was a servant, a servant to his Savior Jesus Christ and to his congregation who hung on his every word. All of his knowledge, all of his rich, bitter, joyous, painful experiences he deposited into his children and his church. He withheld nothing from them as some do, as to maintain their "buffer zone."
Bishop Brazier was a man of unflinching courage and flawless dignity, unafraid to reveal his flaws but was filled with too much integrity to be undone by them. The Bishop was a military man, serving his country with honor during World War II in a segregated army, marched with Dr. King through the streets of the most racially charged, segregated, and hostile city in the nation at the height of the Civil Rights struggle, stared down the Blackstone Rangers of Woodlawn, and had the courage to part ways with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World- and with dignity and faith in his God looked the beast of cancer squarely in its hideous eye and fought it to his death. He won, however, by his life.
Obviously, I could go on. I could continue and truly not even do his memory justice as I'm sure I have not so far. But his mark has been indelibly made onto the hearts of so many people because he gave himself to people based on their need, based on the command to do so from the Book he cherished. His greatness, no doubt will be remarked by magazines, history books, and journals, but will best be displayed in the lives of men and women who will walk in the example he set. Sounds simple? Well, it is. Gloriously simple. This man split lives wide open, he changed minds, not with armies, empires, fear and terror, or impossible feats of physical strength but with his devotion to his Lord, love for people, and love of Truth. His mark shall continue to be felt well into the future. Greatest man who ever lived? If you asked Bishop Brazier that, I surmise he would simply say, "No, I'm not the greatest, not even close. But I know who is, and his name is Jesus Christ. If you only knew where He brought me from and what He brought me through..."

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The Christian and the Wickedness of Political Silence

Corruption in the United States of America is omnipresent. Karl Marx once said that "there's a spectre hanging over Europe, the spectre of Communism." What Mr. Marx should have said was that the spectre of corruption was hanging over not only Europe, but over every society on earth and has infested nearly every, single human institution in the history of mankind. One might not agree with the above statements, but what facts could one possibly produce that would even come close to refuting that assertion? This writer need say only one thing: watch and read the news.
Corruption is literally the spoiling of a person, place, system, or idea. It is the transformation of something or someone that is useful or beneficial into that which is unprofitable. The late, great Bishop Arthur M. Brazier warned Christians in particular to avoid being what he called "unproductive." In keeping with the aforementioned admonition that one need only take note of daily news reports, what has been this writer's response to regular digestion of the goings-on of today? Rage at times, nauseated disgust even. But as of late and over the years, marked emotional responses have become terribly apathetic. This writer has, like millions of others in the United States, become quite accustomed to the normality of treachery and dishonesty in the affairs of politics and government. How did a nation that once possessed the most informed and politically conscious populace on earth become so disconnected from a solemn duty to hold public servants accountable for their service to their constituents? The citizenry simply accepted that corruption was just "the price of doing business," that's how. Now, Americans are more concerned with finding the candidate with the fewest flaws. In many ways that's only sensible, but more and more of public officials' flaws have, like poisonous, cancerous cells become outright scandals. No one should be accepting of a candidates participation in scandals. We, as heirs of the greatest, most special political entity in history owe ourselves and our posterity much better than mediocrity.
Christians especially are called to be two things in a rapidly disintegrating society: salt and light. Those who would call themselves Saints of the Most High are commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ to preserve this decadent society; called to hold back its corruption, not go along with it or approve of it through silence. Salt was an apropo metaphor as, obviously, in the days of Christ there were no methods of refrigeration. Salt was used as a preservative to keeps meats fresh for weeks in heat that could be pleasant to downright oppressive. Not only did packing meat with salt inhibit decay, it served as a barrier against pests. Salt was so important a commodity that it was used as currency. Salt also adds flavor to our meals; so much more, Christians should be the "flavor" of society, bringing to life the real pleasures of life to be enjoyed in sanctity and purity. Needless to say, salt also irritates; it stings festering wounds as it simultaneously destroys bacteria. Yes, there's a reason why "pouring salt on a wound" is particularly malicious.
What can I possibly say more about the conspicuous meanings on being light in both the metaphorical and literal darkness of a rapidly eroding society. Light exposes those deeds thought safely done under the cover of darkness and that automatically implies away from eyes of those empowered to administer justice and rebuke. Christians must be that light, exposing those sinister activities, making ashamed those who would dare to perpetrate such evil upon us all.
It's well known and validated by history that those who would do us harm or enslave us, need far more than device or resource to rise as cruel masters over us. It's our silence and failure to simply stand, tall, and strong in opposition to all that we know to be just and true that they need more than all.
How easy it is to equate that silence to a citizen's failure to vote, to just report to the polls and make one's voice heard via ballot. It is the Christian's sacred duty to cast an informed ballot and subsequently hold those elected responsible for the solemn vow they take on behalf of an increasingly frustrated populace.
Those of other religions and athiests as well, do you not also reap benefits, immediate and delayed, when you also are astute, engaged members of a politically informed, astute citizenry? Obviously, the answer is yes.
My fellow citizen, corruption lurks about, seeking whom it may engulf, whose soul- the most noble, the most palatable for its appetite are of course, most lusted after. Corruption must be resisted with the most stout of dispositions and with Marine-like vigilance, fought to the death with every righteous, upright weapon at one's disposal. The battle against political corruption is a hard fight, only because it resides in every one of our hearts. In the heart of the Christian, it lay subdued, chained by Jesus Christ Himself (so long as that one remains submitted to his Lord) yet, in some, corruption seethes with power and anticipation, heaving like some monstrous beast, ready to roar forward at the proper opportunity. Yes, there are noble non-Christians who serve in government who are well-meaning, intent, determined even, to do the people's business and whenever those servants are found properly excercising their power given by the consent of the governed, we do well to commend and reward them. Conversely, those found unworthy, must- they must- be exposed and defeated regardless of the color they brandish or whether there's a D or an R after their name.
Silence for the Christian is a matter of power. Silence transfers power from we, who wish an honestly run government, to the corrupt, who seek to secure power for themselves and they who cling to the shadows of the curtains of the political stage. Jesus Christ is the Lord of a true Christian, and a very worthy example for the non-Christian in that He courageously and without shame spoke "truth to power" in the purest sense of that term. His words were so accurate, his railing so appropriately dead-on, He was ultimately killed because, mainly, of His threatening to completely overturn the very delicate political balance of the region. He was so full of Truth, nobility, knowledge, that His people, by force attempted to install Him as King of Israel and follow Him in battle against the evil, mighty empire of the Romans.
We do well by voting. We do greater by keeping a watchful eye on our elected officials as the affairs of government today are a matter of one keeping one's very soul clean in the filth of voracious striving for power and influence. Let us not be like the "good" Germans witnessing the young political career of Adolph Hitler who, by their silence, approved of the arrest and cruel treatment of Jews and Gypsies. He was not opposed soon enough. The corruption of his heart was not checked by a stalwart citizenry and the evil thereof plunged the entire planet earth into the throes of the bloodiest war in human history. Let us be on our post!

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The Light of Terrell Sykes

I would not consider this a simple blog post, nor just a simple citizen's opinion about an important social topic or issue. No, rather consider this a vicious, stalwart, angry retaliation against an extremely pervasive state of mind and system of economics that has, like cancerous cysts fed on the Black community especially within the last 30 years.
Many have undertaken to analyze the dark depths of the issue of Black-on-Black crime and the engine of illegal drugs that powers much of it and while it does require seriously addressing, this is not the time. This is a time to just remember a young Black man who, within days of this post, succumbed to the treachery of the aforementioned ills. Terrell Sykes is that man that I speak of, and I say "is" because he still lives; he is alive within the hearts of multiple dozens that he touched.
Concerning Terrell, time, nor space would permit me to expound on his impact on so many. Speaking for myself, I knew him in paradoxical parameters. He was possibly the funniest man I have ever known yet at the same time one of the most serious-minded. And I want no one to be misunderstood by what I mean by "funniest"- he was certainly not some absent-minded fool who, through the telling of jokes made people laugh. Quite the contrary. His personality was the source of his humor in that he could make those around him laugh without any words. He was very bright, very loose, and as a result, he made everyone around him at ease and as a result laughter followed. He just made people feel good.
Terrell and I were from the same neighborhood and I had the pleasure to know him for many years after he befriended a young lady whom I had regarded as a younger sister of sorts. At first, I didn't know what to think- as men, we're quite protective and territorial about our women, but that eventually faded as I came to understand, respect, like him, and ultimately love as a dear friend.
Among many of my regrets in life is the fact that I didn't get the opportunity to enrich our friendship and truly convey the intensity of my desire that he select another method of making money other than the one he chose. I didn't want that necessarily for his safety, though that was certainly a concern but his activities in the neighborhood were just so far beneath his limitless potential and his obvious gifts. I used to tell him that he should have been in politics because if you knew him you would agree with me that he had what we call "the gift of gab." He had charisma that was sparkling and he was extremely charming. He could talk you out your winter coat in the middle of a Chicago winter in January. His heart was so big though, he would give you his instead if you needed it.
The choices that he made were his and I don't judge him. But I recognize that his series of choices as those that eventually caught up with him. Others may disagree, and that's fine. My opinion is my own. Economic conditions were a factor, and in many ways Terrell is like dozens of other young men I know who saw certain activities as the only option for survival- not to get rich- but to just survive and while I can't ever condone some of those choices, I know why he chose them. How could I condemn him? He wouldn't condone some of my own choices.
I just wish Terrell was still here. Still above the ground to charm a city in desperate need of a big-hearted Black man smarter than most of the people he knew. That's right. Terrell was most times the "smartest person in the room" but he never put others down or hung it over anyone's head; and now that I think about that, and what makes this exceptionally tragic, is that he probably never realized how smart he was and that failure to see that lead him to an inglorious end. We could absolutely use his witty charisma right now as a magnet for hundreds of young Black men and boys to be drawn to, up and out of the muck and mire of their socio-economic condition toward a great future of positive, powerful impact on a society in many ways designed to destroy Black males.
Terrell's life has ended, but his light remains, bright and incapable of being ignored. Light cannot be annihilated, only extinguished for a time. Terrell's light burns brilliantly in the lives and hearts of those he uniquely touched, first and foremost in his children. Those who loved him are charged to take his light out of our comfort zones and prevent other young Black men from coming to such a demise by helping them discover their own gifts and potential. Let us ferociously defend our children, especially our sons and raise them to be powerful but positive threats to the present social order that crushes Black males. If we love him, we must!

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Dad and His Highness

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Smile of Byron T. Brazier

Alcoholics and poor people with lives ruined by the evils of drugs are sometimes blessed with what has come to be known as a "moment of clarity" wherein rock-bottom is hit with furious force and there's no worse fate than their then-present state. Within this powerfully transformative moment in time, a change in the soul occurs, and a profound change in desire happens and the individual finally once again begins to want better than what their reality has decayed into. The "moment of clarity" allows the alcoholic or addict to see that which had been hidden, that which he/she had become blind to.
This evening I had quite a similar moment as in the realm of spiritual matters I saw a phenomenon that had been before by me unseen. A great- and I do mean great- spiritual leader today passed away today leaving behind broken hearts and a multitude of tears but in his stead stood an astute man of power behind the same sacred desk that he spoke from for many, many years. The man I speak of is Bishop Arthur M. Brazier and the man who stood in his place to carry on the work of their God is Dr. Byron T. Brazier, pastor of the Apostolic Church of God in Chicago, Illinois.
Tonight was a praise and prayer service to celebrate and honor the life and service of Bishop Brazier who is almost universally recognized as a giant in the Christian faith and in recent American history as a champion for civil rights. However, he was not remembered for his many challenging and thought-provoking religious and intellectual treatises or social activism but, by the thousands of members of the church he served as pastor, he was and is remembered for being one of the most accessible, humble, upright examples of how a devotee of Jesus Christ should think, believe, act, and serve. He is loved for being a father rather than a prophet; a kind mentor more than a great pioneer of one of the burgeoning denominations of Christianity; a humble leader in touch with his own flaws followed by men full of their own imperfections.
As his son started to address the packed sanctuary, fighting emotions threatening to crack and shatter his usually steady, mellow voice, I saw on his face, heavy with melancholy duty a smile that shone brighter than every light in the sacred room that gorged on a steady diet of electric voltage. Cliches here, diminish Dr. Brazier's uncanny serenity but even now, it's becoming increasingly difficult to accurately describe his unshakable serenity and while tears did ultimately find themselves racing each other down his cheeks, his peace was uncompromised, for its foundation was unmoved. I saw the purest, most powerful smile on the pastor's face that was the evidence of his being enabled to bear crosses of grief and responsibility unimaginable by most.
That smile, beaming a warm light over the heads of everyone sitting before me struck me to the core of my very soul and like a miserable addict, my "moment of clarity" came upon me and I knew I absolutely had to have what he had: the peace to face death, such loss, such responsibility and to not even bat an eye. Such peace is the result of a battle-tested, refined faith in God proven over the years. Now, my every thought, word, and action will be aimed at seizing that smile- or rather, the rich depth of the relationship with the One who is the source of that smile. My "moment of clarity" has placed me on a path that hopefully will allow me to face death and emerge as it's victorious conquerer. The pale horseman shall see my peace and say in ineptitude, "Ah, I've seen this before in the eyes of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier."

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