The Truth Applied

I pray that you had a safe weekend, a safe holiday for those that celebrate the 4th of July, and a safe holy day for those who observe the 4th of July for our independence in the Nation of Islam. We are dealing with what some would call “an uphill battle” because the violence in many major cities has increased, but why? Why? What messages have been sent out by the leaders in our communities? What messages have been sent out by the media all over the country? What messages have been sent out by the teachers all over the country? Why has this behavior and talk been allowed to enter our ears? What is the overall goal of such a message? Did the messages and actions of the above groups help in the increase of violence, or did the messaging of the above groups help in the decrease of violence all over the country?
Our mouths, for the most part, are not prayer books, and we still struggle with obeying God (Allah). The Bible says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16) When a person is talking, we should have our other ear of the word of God (Allah) so we will know who is speaking to us. Please remember Satan has children too!
We need to be honest, first with ourselves, and admit that language is powerful, but the orders, policies, curriculum, the coverage of the media have, in some cases, damaged parental influence. We need to make sure that we teach our children first and correct any misinformation that they may hear or see on television, in school, or their community. All of us are human beings that have faults and shortcomings, but we should stay in our place and not try to play a role that was not assigned to us by God (Allah). What do I mean? The mother and father are the person’s that God (Allah) holds responsible for the rearing of that child. The other groups are in our communities or lives, but they still should be introduced and monitored by our parents. The Bible says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
On Tuesday, June 29th, I attended a meeting held at Pastor Margarete Guys of Stop The Violence Prayer Chain Foundation Building called by Reese Scott, Wilmington Peacekeepers. There were various groups at from churches, mosques, city government, and organizations present trying to put our different ideas on the table but embracing one common goal to stop the violence. Different people shared their suggestions, and we plan to meet again!
I went to Mr.C’s barbershop on Market Street to get some information from people that live in various parts of Wilmington, but see a great need for the violence to stop. I interviewed three people, anonymous 1, anonymous 2, and Tobias(his family and friends call him Toby), to see what they have experienced over the years, what was helpful to them and how should we began to address this crisis with the violence in Wilmington.
When I asked how can we correct this criminal behavior, Toby responded, “Parenting, Parenting, Parenting!” Anonymous 1, “We need more activities for the children and places that they can go to participate in positive things.” Anonymous 2, “I agree with what they said!” We discussed many other things, but space is limited for this article, and I have one more event to raise.
This coming Sunday, July 11th a Stop The Violence Rally is scheduled at Kirkwood Street Park in Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver’s 3rd District from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There are various Community Partners, with the guest speaker being Joe Paul Jr. from LA (according to the flyer). I hope to see you there! This will be a good place and a good time to get some information so you can be a part of the solution. Stay safe and stay informed!