Sucker Punched!

In our world today we are separated and divided by Black and White. We all have our own stereotype of what it is to be African-American and what it is to be Caucasian. Society has portrayed being African American as a race afllicted with poverty, anger, deceit and ignorance. Whether the accusations are true or false, the news media focuses on people of African descent to keep the weak in mind and spirit believing its true – including African Americans!

I do not own the rights to this photo 

The past is not uncovered to keep you in bondage; but to keep you humble and rely on Jesus! If you read your bible faithfully, you have read the story of God telling Abram that his people will be slaves in Egypt for over 400 years. (Genesis 15:13) After their captivity, they were let go to possess the land promised to them. Although the journey to the Promised Land was eleven days, it took them forty years to arrive. (Deuteronomy 1:1-11) Why? There vision and God's vision did not coincide with each other! God knew they were victorious, but in their mind they saw defeat - and their actions showed it!

Oppression of how black slaves were treated is painful to read about, but with the right heart, spirit, and mindset it can be a stepping stone for the next generation to allow God and His Glory to be beacons of light to direct lost ships to their destiny. You ask what does that look like. It has many faces and paths; but it begins with chipping away the hurt, anger, resentment and hate!

The first step will be to forgive [which is healing] and transform the mess into a message. Such as: You were exposed to gardening from generations past. They possessed the skill from being in bondage, but never used it to their advantage once freed. You decided that you want to utilize your passion and gift to open your own floral shop. You do not have the start up money to purchase the necessary resources and property needed; so you start it out of your home. Over the years, it flourishes and you are able to move from your home into a more efficient place to grow. By the grace of God, it becomes the most widely used floral shop in your city. Now what?

Look for ways to give back and there are many paths, but one idea might go like this:

You freely give classes once a week to educate anyone interested in becoming a florist of the labor, the cost, and the passion needed to plant beautiful gardens and vegetables that could prosper as your business has; whereas, a student may use this opportunity to acquire the skill and open a landscaping company. In addition, you offer through your local church [with your students], to neighborhoods that are lacking in curb appeal free labor and supplies; utilizing student talents and your resources (Marketing your business as well). That’s how you build rewards in Heaven! It also keeps our youth and adults who are stagnant from evil temptations.

Idle hands are the devil’s workshop; idle lips are his mouthpiece.

²⁸ An evil man sows strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

²⁹ Wickedness loves company—and leads others into sin. (Proverbs 16:27-29 TLB)

I didn't say it was going to be easy. You will be criticized, lied on, condemned and others will  be jealous (Persecution). Remember to stay in prayer! What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] (Romans 8:31 AMPC) And don't give up or give in!

²⁵ And then a certain lawyer arose to try (test, tempt) Him, saying, Teacher, what am I to do to inherit everlasting life [that is, to partake of eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?

²⁶ Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it?

²⁷ And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

²⁸ And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].

²⁹ And he, determined to acquit himself of reproach, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

³⁰ Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

³¹ Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

³² A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

³³ But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him],

³⁴ And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

³⁵ And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

³⁶ Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?

³⁷ He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise. (Luke 10:25-37 AMPC)

We can step over the wounded just like the priest and the Levite as if no one is lying there half dead. Every day we see people half dead in their thinking and living that need the right attention. Be like the Good Samaritan and show pity and mercy for your neighbor!

I do not own the rights to this photo 

There are churches on every corner in every city, whether you are located near a neighborhood poverty stricken, or [by human standards] one that is rich. Do not step over anyone as if you did not notice the affliction in them – God is “Love” and if we are true Christians, Jesus is in us and we are in Him; therefore, we have the power He has to transform mountains into plains! We are always at war with Satan, so run quickly to the battlefield with all of God’s armor to “VICTORY”!