Faith Can Save Black America

Stay Woke

When you are rooted in Christ you become spiritually aware of the things around you. When you ask God for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding you'll be able to discern naturally what aligns with his word without second guessing. This is a visual representation of what it means to be "spiritually woke." When a person has passed childhood, all the things that cultivated them through those years are now put to the test in the real world. Their awareness on what they may say, places they would go, and how they would act are all determined by how strong their faith initially was. In America, if you look at the currency it says "In God We Trust", but if you compare that to the state of our country, you'd see it's contrary to what we portray.

Faith is no longer taught in public schools, but as soon as something tragic happens we allude to "thoughts and prayers" and honestly nothing is wrong with that, but we must realize that if we are consistent in praying, many of these tragedies may have not occurred. The pledge says "With liberty and justice for all" but yet African American lives are at risk everyday they leave their homes. If we're going to have these positive slogans, the least we can do is live by them. It's all talk in America, but action is long overdue. This generation will not sit back any longer and submit to unjust treatment by people and "authorities."

You can travel to almost any state in America and you will see a "Martin Luther King Jr. Street" and we still can't collectively fulfill his vision for this country. A couple months pass by in progression and then we find ourselves right back to square one. Look around you, there is no secret to what is happening in America. This generation is realizing that the very statues, buildings, and cities all carry a negative connotation behind the intent of what's suppose to be just names. African Americans have to have a lucrative career to gain respect, but when we are off duty or not in uniform we're just another black person. It should not be this way because before you establish status, careers, wealth, or anything that may be commendable to society, you have life and every life should be treated equally well.

We can continue to name or symbolize things to make it seem as if we are coming together as a nation, but if we don't collectively change internally, the acts of symbolism are in vain. You can go to the nation's capital or other parts of the state and see murals depicting "Black Lives Matter" but until the civilians of this country truly believe that each and everyone of our lives should not only matter but be treated with the upmost respect and decency that a good person deserves, then the many illustrations around the country will just be forms of art. And to be clear for anyone that shouts "All lives matter" in response to those that say "Black lives matter", I want you to know that we wholeheartedly believe all lives matter, but you must realize not all lives are being oppressed, treated poorly, taken advantage of, and living in daily crisis! We are emphasizing the lives that are in danger by injustice and those lives has been black lives for too long in this country.

Luke 15:4-7 (NIV) says "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." This specific example portrays exactly what is happening in our country when discussing race and inequality. To anyone that is not black in America, you are the ninety-nine, given this analogy. You have nothing to worry about that is nearly equivalent to your life being taken away unjustly. I am in no way dismissing the hardships you have faced or may come across, but I assure you that the color of your skin has never determined a life or death circumstance in regards to the way it has for African Americans.

As for African Americans, we are the one sheep that needs to be embraced, uplifted, recognized, sought for because not until then we won't establish unity within our own country. Yes, the murals are great, but lets make our intentions greater. That's why when you see other races joined together in peaceful protest alongside African Americans you should applaud that because they are fighting for something that will hopefully result in the betterment of black people in America and in that, they find true satisfaction. The ninety-nine never said "What about me?", they were wise enough to know that their lives were already saved, in that case spiritually. In addition, they were even more so passionate to help the one that was lost.

No matter the color of our skin, we all need a savior. There are problems everywhere, not just in America. There are obstacles we are all facing, personally and collectively. But until we surrender them over to the one that created us and has the answers, we will forever relive these cycles. Psalms 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken." These should be reassuring words to our souls that whatever we may face in life, if our ways align with the standards of God, we should not have to worry because he will support us. So we all can eventually, be the the ninety-nine going after the one that may be lost in the spirit and needs help along the way.

That's why we were all put together on this earth, to love and uplift others. Society paints a picture that it's all about division and the pursuit of one's own success or a certain group of people may deserve these set of things while others should only be allowed or entitled to other things. We have black churches and white churches, predominately white institutions and historically black colleges and universities, white neighborhoods and black neighborhoods. We're living in modern day Jim Crow, that was deemed separate but equal. When are we going to collectively realize that these are all foundational issues that we may discuss day-to-day but doesn't resolve the bigger picture? We can continually dig up all the unjustifiable things that the basis of this country was built on. But wouldn't be easier if everyone were to turn from their ways of self and all the things they believed to be right and humble themselves before God for divine wisdom?

There are people fighting for statues to be removed from universities and national monuments, they want businesses to open back up, they want to go back to work and send the kids to school, they want haircuts, they don't want to social distance, and they don't want to wear mask for the well-being of others. While on the other hand we're praying to live to see another day; This is America. The hashtags #Justicefor... is used nearly every week. You turn on the television and never hear any good news, just the same problems over and over again. It makes you wonder, will it ever end?

In the midst of a pandemic we're also fighting racial injustice. Politicians don't have the answers, the media reports what they have been told, civilians are indecisive on what to do, everyone is just guessing as the days go on. You can follow the stats all you want, but it won't change the fact that there is still a problem. Yes, it's sad that people are losing their lives at an alarming rate, but we can't dwell on what has happened, but with every strength we have, we must move forward and ensure that our souls are right with God. In a time like this, I encourage you all to know God for yourselves, if you have not already. It's great to have faith-filled leaders that will help you grow in Christ, but in addition to that, having a personal relationship with God is far more greater than any lessons taught by mankind.

No matter how old we are, we are all on different phases of life. That goes for almost everything, not just our walk with Christ. In these different phases, we're progressing and evolving into the man or woman that God has called us to become. So for new believers, be encouraged. This is a life long journey of learning and growing. It's something we all go through from the moment we agree with God's purpose for our lives. The more you find joy in continuously serving him, he will have favor over your life. You will naturally adapt a Christ-like personality that will represent his love and grace on earth as it is in heaven.

This generation uses the phrase "Stay woke", but do you ever sit back and wonder if the person that is telling you to "Stay woke" is as woke as they make themselves seem? In this chapter, when I mention the phrase, I'm referring to spiritual awareness. Meaning the ability of discernment that God can bless us with when we get deeper in his presence. You don't have to consult with a believer to get a word from God, you can get clarification and understanding when you sincerely ask God in prayer. Believers are here to help you on your journey in Christ, but it's solely your responsibility to build a stronger connection with the source, God. We can walk around proudly and believe we are wiser among others, but to be wise is to be humble and acknowledge that we truly don't know everything, so stay woke in the willingness to learn and grow in the fear and admiration of the Lord. True spiritual awareness comes from God and without him we are far from "woke."