Each new day of life is an opportunity for us to learn some new and interesting things. The wise man gleans as much as he can from his life experiences and with his new found knowledge and wisdom is able to chart and navigate his course in life. With all of his learning, he also learns that some obstacles in life can be overcome by using a little common sense.
I humbly believe that there are many good hearten people who are equating love for their brothers and sisters to mean acceptance of lifestyle or behavior. I can love my brothers and sisters (as I am commanded to do), but that does not necessarily mean that I accept their actions and behaviors. They, like myself, have their free agency, and are free to choose their path in life. You will not get any argument from me on that matter. Therefore, I refuse to hate, demean, belittle, degrade, or even condemn any of my brothers and sisters to hell as it were because of their life choices and decisions. I do not claim, nor will I purport to be their judge or jury. Regardless of the path that any of my brothers and sisters choose to follow, I echo the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he said, “I choose to love, because hate is too great a burden to bear.”
I do not pretend to know the heart of another person. I have enough to do to make sure that my heart is in the right place. I do not pretend to understand the life of another person or the choices that he or she makes. I have enough to do to make sure that I keep my life in order, make the right choices, and stay on the right path.
Therefore, I cannot justify trying to clean out the corners in somebody’s house, when there are cobwebs in my own that perhaps need cleaning out. Let us remember that we are all imperfect people in need of a perfect Savior. Let us not fall into the trap of judging other people because we feel that the size of their sin is perhaps greater than our own sin, or because we do not practice certain behaviors, we somehow feel that we are better or superior to others.
Now, there will be some who will argue, “By loving your brothers and sisters regardless of their lifestyle and choices in life, aren’t you really condoning their behaviors and conforming to the world?” The short answer is a resounding NO! Love is compassion. It is not conforming to anything. I can have compassion for someone, help and support him or her as one of my brothers and sisters in any way I can without accepting those things which are contrary to my own personal believes and morals.
I guess what I am saying is that we are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves. The truth of the matter is that all of our neighbors do not live by the same morals, standards, or believes that we do, but that does not give us a poetic license to shun them, hate them, or treat them as societal outcast. Through our love and compassion we are demonstrating how we can be in the world, but not of the world.
We need to stop always focusing on the negative aspects, and start focusing on the good in people. We need to try to build more bridges of hope and understanding, instead of adding mortar and brick to walls of division, contention, and strife.
Dear friends, all the bickering, arguing, and hatred needs to stop!
At 57 years of age I will never comprehend the need for placing labels upon a race of people. In my short lifetime I have been called the infamous “N” word, Colored, Negro, Black, African-American, and a person of color. Along with that I have been called some off-color, hurtful, and shameful names that don’t bear repeating. Why is it that people feel a need to label any person in such a way? Why can’t I just be called an American, or even more importantly, a child of Almighty God? After all, it is not the labels that adequately describe a man, but rather the character of the man is the true test of who he really is.
I will forever be grateful that my parents did not raise me in a black and white world, but a world full of color and diversity. I am glad that they taught me from an early age that no one person is better than another, but we are all different in our own way, and that is what makes each of us uniquely wonderful and special. I will always be thankful that they taught me to never let cultural differences cause a great chasm, but to use those differences as a reason to come together and to learn from one another to help build bridges of love, hope, peace, and understanding. I am grateful that they taught me that I should never judge any man by what I see with my physical eyes, but rather by the content of his character. They taught me that I should try walking a mile in another man’s shoes, and seeing the world through his eyes, and then I might better understand him. I am especially grateful that they taught me that we are all God’s children and that He is no respecter of persons. He loves all of us equally and unconditionally.
Nelson Mandela, Race and the Priesthood, and Other Issues
Introduction and Caveat
On Tuesday, 10 December 2013, I posted some remarks on my Facebook page about the issue of race and the Priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called the “Mormon” Church by the media and others). A substantial amount of conversation was generated as a result of the comments that I had made. My first comments were followed by a letter to a friend on Thursday, 12 December 2013. I have here combined both thoughts on this issue into one.I am sincerely grateful for the many blessings that I am continuously proffered as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, therefore, it is not my intent to offend any brother or sister by the comments that I am about to share. It is, however, my sincere hope and prayer that I am able to convey my thoughts in a clear, concise, and understandable way. These are just a few of my personal thoughts on the issue, and I invite the readers of this treatise to share their thoughts. I also ask for forgiveness, if anything that is said here is offensive to anyone in any way. That is not the intent. These thoughts are humbly offered as food for thought.
On 5 December 2013, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement at the passing of Nelson Mandela. At about the same time, the Church released a new study topic on “Race and the Priesthood.” Since then, it seems that the issue of race and the Priesthood restriction which once existed in The Church of Jesus Christ, has become a “HOT” topic of discussion which in some cases has caused the terms “racist” and “racism” to yet again rear their ugly heads.
This author will admit that an unexplainable “wrong” was seemingly committed against a race of people, but the point that too many people are missing is that the Priesthood restriction was more of an African lineage issue than it was a seemingly all-out attack against the African-American race as some are purporting it to be. It was not the Church’s intention then, nor is it the Church’s intention today, to deny anyone the rights, privileges, and full blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So, why did the Priesthood restriction take place? When did it actually begin? There are no definitive answers that have ever been given. With that being the case, who exactly are some Blacks expecting to shoulder the blame, and who are they expecting to answer for the things that occurred? Those whom they are demanding an apology from are not necessarily the ones who pronounced the Priesthood restriction, but they are the ones who are striving to build bridges of understanding and forgiveness.
I liken the behavior of demanding a formal apology from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to a Black who approaches the descendants of a former slave owner and demands that they pay restitution and give a formal apology for the wrongs that he believes were committed against his ancestors. Does that seem just and fair? Does that even make rational sense? In reality, is that not a form of “racism” in action? Why should those descendants be demanded to give an apology for something that occurred many years ago and that they themselves had no part in?
Elijah Abel was ordained an Elder by Joseph Smith, the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The certificate of ordination is dated 3 Mar 1836. In December 1836, Elijah Abel was ordained a Seventy. The Ordination was performed by Zebedee Coltrin according to the ordination certificate.
Another very important point that many people are forgetting is that in spite of the Priesthood restriction, Blacks continued to join The Church of Jesus Christ and were allowed, and did indeed hold, callings in the Church. Also, it should be carefully noted that prior to his martyrdom, Joseph Smith ordained a few Blacks to the Priesthood. It bothers me that some Blacks who have been faithful members for many years, are suddenly joining the ranks of those who are demanding the Church to give them a formal apology. The question that begs an answer is, “After they have received their “apology”, then what?” What is next? If the ones who are demanding the apology would pause to think about what they are doing, would they not have to come to the honest conclusion that their actions could be construed as the actions of racists?
Have there been errors, perhaps even some grave errors, made throughout the Church’s history? Absolutely there have been. Why? Because the leaders are imperfect mortals who are prone to faults and error. This is not news to our Heavenly Father, and it should not come as surprise to any of us.
My personal concern with all of this is that too many people see religion in general as Black and White. However, religion is not a Black and White issue. Those who get tangled up in that chaotic web are missing the entire message of the Gospel. That is what is truly missing in these discussions – the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are too many “Christians” who decry that they have been wronged and focus solely on the supposed wrongs, and seemingly dismiss the teachings of the Savior Himself when He taught that all men will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. Notice that He did not mention anything about race or the color of our skin. I don’t personally feel much love radiating from those who are up in arms over this issue.
Do I think that it was right that Blacks were denied the Priesthood? No, I do not, but at the same time, I do not know all the reasoning behind it. And regardless of what others may be saying, God did allow it to take place. What were His reasons? None of us can answer that question because we cannot begin to know or comprehend the mind of God.
It does, however, sadden me that some of the discussions that are buzzing about are filled with hatred towards another, bitterness, contention, and yes, dare I say, racism. Racism by any other name is still the same. I see too many “Christians” lashing out in anger and trying to find someone, anyone, to blame for their anger. As a result, their displaced anger is turning into hatred, almost to the point that the tone of some of what is being said would lead one to believe that perhaps some of those whose anger is raging have intentions of leaving the Church because of this issue. In my humble opinion, a person who is willing to throw away blessings that he has received because he does not agree with something is insanity at best.
None of us can turn back the hands of time and make things the way that we wish they would have been. We cannot eradicate from the annals of history the injustices of slavery, the inhumane actions that occurred during the Civil Rights movement, or even the Priesthood restriction. Those events occurred. There is no way to deny that, but WE can either choose to pitch our tents in the lands of the past and play in the mud of what we believe to be transgressions against us, or we can take up our tent stakes and move forward to lands of hope, brighter tomorrows, and forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the key. By now demanding an apology after all these years, have those who are demanding said apology truly forgiven those whom they believed trespassed against them? I believe that so long as people harbor malice and content in their hearts towards another; so long as they continue to “demand” apologies; so long as they refuse to forgive, they only hurt themselves by stifling their own spiritual progression.
As a 57-year-old Black man who has been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 10 March 1998 when I was baptized in Reykjavík, Iceland, I have enjoyed the blessings of serving in several leadership positions. I have also been respected for my service in those positions, and there are people who look to me as a person who is not afraid to teach and preach the gospel as it should be taught and preached, or to discuss issues in a loving, caring way as the Savior Himself would do. There are other Black leaders in the Church who have also been proffered such blessings.
Even if a “formal apology” from The Church of Jesus Christ is given to Blacks, this author believes that it will still not be enough for some. Even if more Blacks are assigned to speak in General Conference, it will still not be enough for some. Even if more Black members were to be added to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, it will still not be enough for some. Where does the vicious cycle end? If a person looks long and hard enough, he can find “fault” and a reason to “blame” for anything. If, however, a person wants to partake of the blessings of the Gospel and the joy and the peace that it brings, he can find that as well. The main focus needs to be on the things that matter most, and the higher ground needs to be sought in this and all other matters.
This author also believes that there are too many “Christians” who are looking for a “perfect” Church – a church where no fault is ever found. Name any Church out there, and if a person looks long and hard enough he will be able to find issues that he disagrees with. Another problem perhaps is that there are too many people who are entangled in a power struggle. They want to be the ones in charge of everything. It is like the women who argued over wearing pants to Church; then they argued over being able to give the opening and closing prayers; then they argued over not being ordained to the Priesthood or even allowed to attend the Priesthood Session (which by the way, can now be viewed online as it is taking place). Give this careful consideration: Pants, Prayer, Priesthood – – – -> POWER. This author believes that the proverbial handwriting is on the wall.
It is understandable what people are saying and where they are coming from, but a lot of hearts are in the wrong place. Too many “Christians” are wanting to return to the days of the Roman Colosseum and throw those whom they are in disagreement with to the lions. However, throwing them to the lions is not enough, they want to stand by and applaud and cheer as the lions devour them. What a glorious day it will be when we can all sit down at the welcome table together, bury our weapons of hatred and racism towards each other, and vow to war against each other no more.
As a 57-year-old Black man who has faced many struggles in his life, and who has been blessed to overcome those struggles, and to enjoy the blessings of the Lord, I choose to emulate the love of my Savior, and to live at peace with all humanity. I choose to put my trust and confidence in Him. I choose to rely on the arms of Jehovah. For my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ precious blood and His righteousness. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
I am satisfied to know that whatever the reasoning behind the Priesthood restriction, the Lord knows all about it and allowed it for reasons known only to Him. I will not sit and speculate as others have done and are now doing as to the reasons. At the end of the day, does it really matter what the reasons were? I choose as a 57-year-old Black man, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 15+ years, to be thankful for the full blessings of the Gospel that I am proffered, to include the blessings of being a Priesthood holder. I do not have the time, nor will I take the time to play the “blame” game. Instead, I choose to be thankful and to enjoy the blessings thereof.
What Other Readers Have Said
Brian Skinner – “Very good post.”
Natalie Bagwell Taylor – “Thank you Keith! Margaret Young said something similar this weekend about forced apologies. I feel so strongly that I must teach my children to move forward and help create the Zion that we long for!”
John L DeLand – Mr. Brown is a noted author and spokesman for our Lord Jesus Christ. He studied for the ministry with the Baptist Church.
Andrea J. Rasmussen – “You have a beautiful way of expressing the thoughts of your heart. Thank you for sharing that. I am a white mother of an African American daughter. I intend to print your thoughts and share them with her!”
Melissa Reed Escobar – “I agree….”
Caralyn D. Mcauley – “I think this comment, especially the last paragraph is one of the best witnesses I have ever heard. This issue was the first to be thrown at me when I joined the Church. When I was told it was from God…I pushed away all the flack and accepted it the same as I accepted the description of the Lamanites…I could not go forward spiritually IF I CHARGED GOD FOOLISHLY. The blacks I met in the Church were like this dear man…with testimony of the God who loves us and governs all things. If we want to find a reason to hate or fight and quarrel…we will surely find it…if we want Light and Truth we will surely find that. Forgiveness is a huge key that unlocks the Heavens….leave it on the Lord’s doorstep.”
Rayma L. Parcher – “Thank you so much for your comment…I agree”
Niya St-Hill – “I respect your perspective, but this is how I feel on the matter. First of all, since you mentioned slave masters…let’s not forget that they used the same Bible to justify slavery, and their gross mistreatment of our ancestors. Even with the abolishment of slavery, black people never really had the full rights and privileges of white people. I think that they deserved more than just an apology, since they basically built America, 40 acres and mule was a more than fair request, but they didn’t get that either. There is no “bandwagon” brother, all an apology says is that they care, it shows empathy. Spencer W. Kimball in his 60 minutes interview, when asked about the history of the church towards black people replied very nonchalantly, “look, it’s behind us.” I felt very disappointed with that answer because that was his opportunity to address the situation with a response that showed he actually did support the black members of the church worldwide. Brigham Young used very foul, and offensive language when he spoke about black people. He insulted our physical features, and insinuated a down right disgust…for his fellow brethren in the “true church of Jesus Christ”. If it was simply a matter of, “hey, we are just following order here”….those words would never have brewed in his heart to spew out with such bitterness. Despite all of this, black membership in the church has been growing strong. Some feel like you, and others have their own feelings about it. Whether they were wrong or right we will all find out, just as the wheat and the tares shall grow together.
Fabrício Conceição – Dear brother Brown. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am also a black man, a priesthood holder and I agree with you in many points. About the ban of black men as priesthood holders, we have to consider that the Gospel has had and still has restrictions and we do not understand fully why. In the time of Christ and of the first apostles, the preaching of the Gospel was restrict only to the people of Israel. Such a restriction was banned by Paul. Black men have been prohibited to be ordained to the Priesthood and women, as far as I know, have never been ordained as priesthood holders. Nevertheless, I think that an official apology from the Church for its attitude towards black people would be adequate and welcome, though I think the Church does not have any obligation of doing so, for I see it as a past and overcame subject.
I’m grateful for having a testimony of the restored Gospel and for being a priesthood holder. It’s time to enjoy the blessings we have through the Gospel.
Brad Parkinson – I have really been thinking about the apology discussion. Having a biracial family has caused me to be very careful about these thoughts. Brother Keith I hope that my son will face such challenges as you have. I am very grateful that you have shared your thoughts. I can tell that you have felt inspired to share this with all of us. I believe that you have been inspired. I thank you again.
David Grant (CEO, More Good Foundation) – Great post, Keith! In a way you remind me of many of the Saints that entered the valley in 1847. I believe it was by the next year there was a huge celebration during the 4th of July on Main Street where they honored America, the land that allowed them to be harassed, beaten, expelled, murdered and robbed when they should have been protected. Somehow, in ways that I cannot fully appreciate, they shared a longer view of things. Maybe it was their certain belief in revelation given in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. I would someday like to review the speeches given around that time.
I had one other thought. It is sad that today there are more slaves than there ever have been in the history of the world, and that only counts physical slavery. It seems like the energy and thought time spent seeking an apology would be more efficaciously spent putting a dent in human trade through activism. If you really hate slavery oppression and bigotry, there is more to do going forward than there is to do going back.
Can’t wait for you to come visit again.
Take care!
Gary Hartman – Keith, your messages are so clear and benevolent to all of us and I am so glad you proffer your writings to so many. I think this message coming from a Black man who has grown up with the prejudice and hatred that many of us White people never see or hear about lends credibility to true issue. Namely we are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Father and we need to start acting like it. Martin Luther King had a dream for all of us, not just a few. I believe Nelson Mandela had the same dream of equality as witnessed by the astounding life he led.
The only reason to look to the past is to be sure we do not make the same mistakes. Hatred begets hatred, it always has and always will. We need to look to the future and make those dreams become reality. It did my heart good to see the outpouring of sympathy from the entire world for Nelson Mandela. Integration does not start in the streets, or the schools, or the workplace; it starts in the heart. If we truly get our hearts in the right place then issues disappear. We have to start somewhere, if not here, then where? If not now, then when?
By the way, my family came from Germany in 1750. They were a wealthy family in Germany and through a series of misfortunate circumstances they lost all their possessions in travel to this country. So when they landed in Philadelphia they could not pay the passage fee and were forced to indenture all their children except for the baby, which was my great-great grandfather. The family never saw each other again. Through intensive genealogy research I have never been able to reconnect the family. A sad story but I look to it to strengthen me not to find fault of blame.
I dropped out of Face Book because someone kept trying to hack my account. But I did want to respond and voice hope for our future (TOGETHER).
We are all children of Almighty God uniquely and wonderfully made in His image. We are all special and beautiful in His sight and in our own way. God has meted to each of us, regardless of the color of our skin, a certain measure of faith, talent, and abilities. We cannot continue to discredit any race of people for the things that they have been able to do, but rather we need to rally behind them as brothers and sisters, and help to strengthen and encourage them to press on to higher aspirations.
The color of a man’s skin has never, does not now, nor will it ever, make the man. No man is better than or superior to another because of the color of his skin, and so, no man should ever have to feel that he has to live his life in bondage and servitude to another.
No man is a lone island in the middle of a vast oasis, but the reality is that we are all intrinsically connected in that there are some things that I can help you with and teach you if you would allow me, and there are things that you can help me with and teach me if I would allow you. I am not necessarily more intelligent than you, nor are you necessarily more intelligent than me. We are simply different and view the world from different perspectives.
I will forever be grateful that my parents did not raise me in a black and white world, but a world full of color and diversity. I am glad that they taught me from an early age that no one person is better than another, but we are all different in our own way, and that is what makes each of us uniquely wonderful and special.
I will always be thankful that they taught me to never let cultural disparities cause a great chasm, but to use those differences as a foundational reason for uniting together to learn from one another to help build bridges of love, hope, peace, and understanding.
I am grateful that they taught me that I should never judge any man by what I see with my physical eyes, but rather by the true nature of his character. They taught me that I should try walking a mile in another man’s shoes, and see the world through his eyes, and then I might better understand him.
I am especially grateful that they taught me that we are all God’s children and that He is no respecter of persons. He loves all of us equally and unconditionally.
It is those life lessons that have molded and shaped me into the man who I am today. And it for these moral standards of living that I will forever stand. Whether people like me, love me, or hate me is strictly their choice, but I am who I am by the love, grace, and mercy of Almighty God and I will never apologize to any man for that.
Instead of always arguing and disputing over the things that seemingly make us different, we need to tear down those walls of division and begin to build bridges of unity based on our commonalities. If we are to stay warm from the coldness of the world, we must come together and reason together, realizing that we can all share the same blanket of love, for we are all children of God.
At the young age of 56 years, I have come to the realization that no matter how hard I try to love and live at peace with my fellowmen, there will always be someone, somewhere who refuses to reciprocate my acts of kindness towards humanity.
I am not so naive to believe that everyone that I cross paths with on this pilgrim journey will want to befriend me. There will be those whom I will be able to name as true friends. There will be those who will befriend me just because it is in their nature to be polite and cordial, but the reality is that we may never be considered “true friends.” And, there are those who will dislike me, or dare I say, hate me – just because. Their dislike or hatred of me does not have to be a racial or prejudicial issue, or because they do not like the way I look, talk, act, or dress. But rather, they have determined in their finite minds that they will refuse to like me or accept me for who I am – simply because – no reason or explanation ever offered on their part.
However, it doesn’t really matter. I can accept that because I realize that people are who they are, and regardless of how a person chooses to treat me, I am forever reminded that the Savior taught that I am to love all men – Black or White, rich or poor, bond or free – and even those who reject me and spitefully use me.
I learned a long time ago that you cannot fight the fires of hatred by continuing to fuel the fire by adding more logs of hatred. Instead, we have to learn to continually douse the fire with the healing waters of brotherly kindness, love, understanding, and compassion. If we are resolved to put out the fires of hatred around us, then one day even the tiny glowing embers will soon smolder.
I have also learned to accept the sweet taste of kind words and accolades, as well as the bitter dregs of negativism and disdainful and disparaging remarks from those who do not like the idea that I will not play into their hand and be their puppet on a string, or play their game by becoming a literal pawn on their proverbial chess board.
By the grace of Almighty God, I am who I am, and I make this formal declaration that I will not today, will not tomorrow, or any other day as long as God continues to allow me to draw breath, bow down and become subservient and apologize to any man for who I am, what I believe in, or what I stand for. To be loved or hated is a part of mastering this life, and I pray that I am ready to handle both.
Two years ago, on Monday, 29 July 2013, I shared some parting thoughts about the tragic death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. I would like to revisit the comments that I made because I believe that there are some points that bear repeating in light of the headlines that we read in our local newspapers and see and hear on our local news telecast.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.” We may never know the ins and outs of the real events that occurred on that solemn night when a 17-year-old young man lost his life in an argument – whether justified or not. Again, we simply do not know all the facts, and therefore, we cannot sit as judge and jury on the case.
As a 30-year honorably retired United States Navy Veteran, the idea that the death of this young man occurred under the guise of self-defense is a hard pill to swallow, especially considering the fact that Trayvon was not armed. Where is the fairness in such a fight as that – an armed man up against an unarmed man? What are the odds of someone winning a fight in such an instance? It is not rocket science. At all cost, knowing that Trayvon was not armed, Zimmerman could have wounded him and waited for the police to get there. Instead, in my humble opinion, he took matters into his own hands, appearing as some type of hero, and his act of heroism claimed the life of another human being. God sees us as people, not as Black, White, Asian, African, Latino, Native American, etc., and so in the grand scheme of things, the loss of a human life is tragic in every sense of the word.
Let us put aside the color of the skin of each involved. This could have been two White men, two Black men, or whatever. This could have ended with Martin killing Zimmerman. Would the jury have decided any differently? None of us can answer that question definitively. Sadly, in the United States of America, at this desolate hour, justice is often defined according to where the crime took place, and where the trial is held. There are injustices throughout the system, not only against African-Americans, though such cases are often highlighted more than others, but in all other races and nationalities as well. Again, in the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.” The unmerited suffering brought about as a result of prejudice, racism, bigotry, and hatred, is not only felt by the few, but the foul stench of such infiltrates and permeates the lives of many.
We cannot continue to hate our brothers and sisters for all the injustices that we feel they have committed towards us. For a war has never been ended by continuing to bombard the shores of the enemy. At some point, one side or the other raises the white flag of surrender, a cease-fire order is then decreed, and an armistice agreed upon.
In the same way, I remember that the Savior Himself taught us to love our enemies – bless and pray for those who use us, mistreat us, and hold us in derision. We cannot continue to fight hatred with more hatred, as it equates to pouring gasoline on an already raging inferno. Instead, we need to, and we must, come together and reason together and peacefully resolve our differences.
Call me a dreamer, but I dream of the day when ALL of God’s children will be able to sit at the welcome table together, break bread together, and join hands across the table together, and resolve to bury their weapons of war and vow to study war no more. Oh, what a blessed and much welcomed day that will be.
Through my writing abilities I am blessed to make acquaintances with people of different faiths, beliefs, and cultures from many parts of the world to include such places as Germany, Russia, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Ghana West Africa, to name but a few. Many of those new-found friends have often taken the time to express their gratitude for my willingness to share the things that I write, and for openly expressing my thoughts and feelings on different topics. Though their kind words and accolades are wonderful to read and hear, along with their sweetness also comes the bitterness of others.
I am a firm believer and have often said that anyone who thinks that they will journey through this life and everyone will befriend them and like them are only deceiving themselves. There are people who will genuinely like you. There are some people who will always be cordial and friendly towards you regardless if they like you or not. Then, there are people who do not need a particular reason not to like you, but they just do. And so, as we journey through this life we must learn to accept the bitter along with the sweet.
In my humble experiences, I have found that it is often the sour taste of bitterness, that if received in the proper way – without an attitude of malice, or retaliation – can be turned into something sweet tasting and delectable. I will admit that it is not always easy to be patient with people who never have anything constructive to say, but always manage to barrage me with negative, cynical, and sarcastic comments. Nevertheless, I am reminded of the words of such people as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a French philosopher who once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
Even in days not so long ago, I have received some very bold and brash comments from people about the fact that I am Black and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For the record, though race should not be an issue, the negative feedback has come from both Blacks and Whites. Such comments have included: “N***** you are crazy! Why don’t you go hang yourself before the Mormons do it for you,” “You are a member of the wrong religion. That is a White man’s religion. Why are you associated with it?,” and “Why don’t you just kill yourself and be done with it.” Some people would immediately want to lash out against the persons that made such comments, for as Jean-Jacques Rousseau also said, “Remorse sleeps during prosperity but awakes bitter consciousness during adversity.” Victor Hugo, a French author, probably described bitter remarks best when he said, “Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause.”
We are taught in scripture to “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not” (Romans 12:14). When I read or hear such comments I am reminded of the words of the Savior to His disciples when He told them in John 15:18-21:
If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.
The Savior also taught His disciples, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22). In His sermon on the mount He taught:
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Luke 6: 26-28).
Not only have I received negative comments because of my religious beliefs, but there are also those who feel that I am “over the top” in stating my points of view and what I know to be truth. As someone has wisely said, “The Truth is heavy, therefore few care to carry it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer, pictorial artist, biologist, theoretical physicist, polymath, and considered the supreme genius of modern German literature, once said:
Truth has to be repeated constantly, because error also is being preached all the time, and not just by a few, but by the multitude. In the press and encyclopedias, in schools and universities, everywhere error holds sway, feeling happy and comfortable in the knowledge of having majority on its side.
Regardless of what the naysayer has to say, I still believe that to know what the truth is and to deny it for the sake of pleasing the masses, or for fear of being rejected or being considered an outcast, is like denying food to one who is hungry, or a drink of water to one who is thirsty, even though you are able to give a morsel of bread to kill their hunger, or a cool drink of water to quench their thirst.
Regardless of the reprisals, I must continue to stand up for what I know to be the truth – whether in written word or through the words that I speak. The words may be as many as those contained in a discourse or dissertation, or as few as a brief statement of truth. It does not matter, for as Chief Joseph: of the Wal-lam-wat-kain (Wallowa) band of Nez Perce Indians once said, “It does not require many words to speak the truth.”
Truth is truth, whether one person believes it, ten thousand people believe it, or no one believes it. It is still truth. I take great comfort in the words of our Savior when He said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). I am also reminded of the words recorded in 1 John 3:19-22:
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
I cannot allow myself to be swayed because of a few bitter tasting morsels that are mixed in with the sweet. I must remember that there is opposition in all things. Both the sweet and the bitter are a necessary part of the whole. If life were always sweet, I would never learn how to react to the bitter for there would be no need to do so. But, because I have tasted of the bitter as well, I can choose to turn it into something sweet by continuing to be obedient to the Lord’s will for my life and “keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22).
In honor and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – 15 January 1929 to 4 April 1968
Midnight is considered to be the darkest hour of the night. It is that moment in time when the previous day slips quietly into the annals of history, and the pages of the volume are turned as the sun begins to rise and a new day dawns. With the dawning of a new day comes new hopes and aspirations in conjunction with new challenges to face, and new obstacles to overcome.
For some, midnight can also be considered a time of utter desolation and solitude in their lives. To them the world appears to be in a chaotic state of flux. It appears that the hands of time are forever standing still and it is forever midnight on many levels. Because of this, their vision is obscured, and they are unable to see the new day dawning just over the horizon. It is midnight.
For far too long many people have traveled down the rough and dusty highways of life with their heads hanging down, and their hearts heavy with the doubts and fears of there being any hope in the world.
For far too long some have listened intently to the voices of all the naysayers and ne’er-do-wells of the world who have not only tried, but in many cases have succeeded in thoroughly convincing them that they are just a bunch of worthless nobodies, going nowhere. They have convinced some that what might have once been is the way that things will always be. And so, feeling all alone, rejected, depressed, and defeated, some have chosen to live a life of seclusion and to slowly drown in a sea of deafening silence. It is midnight.
The hour has now come my friends when we must arise from the ashes of life, lift up our heads, and raise our voices to let the bearers of negativism know that they are nothing more than perpetual liars. Now is the hour to serve them notice that although they may think or believe that they represent the greater voice, they are indeed the minority whisper. Now is the hour to let them know that what might have once been, no longer has to be, nor will it be.
We need to pull ourselves up by the proverbial bootstraps and with clarion voices lift the rafters as we proclaim in jubilation, “Henceforth and no further!” Now is the time to rise up and send a very distinct, simple, and clear message to those who would otherwise try to keep us down and kick us around that we are not just a bunch of nobodies, going nowhere – we are children of Almighty God, and we are somebody going somewhere.
We are not in this world to live in servitude to any man, or to bow down to any man as if he were our king. It is time, and indeed the hour has come, when we need to lift our voices together, like the three Hebrew children who were thrown into the fiery furnace, and unashamed and unequivocally declare that we have but one True Master – one True Lord – one True King – and it is He and He alone whom we will bow down to and worship and none other.
Yes, my friends, it may seem to be midnight, but take heart and be of good courage, a new day is just in sight.
Hello and welcome! Come join me by the fire for my weekly fireside chat. During the course of these brief fireside discussions, I will share some of my random thoughts about varied subjects of interest. Many of these chats will contain knowledge that I have obtained from the many lessons that I have learned on my journey in life. I invite you to share your comments, in a civil tone – both negative and positive. Thanks for joining me. It is great to have you here!
It saddens me that in the year 2015 there are still people who live in a world that in their mind will forever be partisan – that is, there is a proverbial wall that is erected. On one side of that wall lives their own race whom they believe in all their finite wisdom is the superior race and should always be in control. On the other side of that wall lives all of those whom they believe are inferior and subservient. Sadly, and yes, there are some even in my family line, who detest the very thought of people of various races living in harmony with one another and having any type of relationship. It does not matter if that relationship is a casual friendship, a business partnership, or, dare I be so bold to even mention, a marital relationship.
Yes, there was a time in our history when that way of thinking was prevalent and often dictated a person’s “place” in society. However, over time, there have been many people of all different races and nationalities who have fought to dispel partisanship by working side by side to build bridges of hope and unity for the human race. These visionary builders realized that one particular race of people is not superior to another, and in their mind’s eye they could see the day when all people would come to the knowledge and understanding that no one person or group of persons is better than, or superior to another, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or station in life.
No, we are not better than or superior to one another, but we are uniquely different, for that is the way that the Master designed us. We should not allow those differences to incessantly drive a wedge between us, but rather, those differences should become the adhesive that binds us as brothers and sisters who are able to stand together, and reason together on common ground, and to sit down together at the welcome table of brotherhood in the bonds of love and understanding. It is those differences that should cause us to want to tear down the wall, and not continually want to add more bricks and mortar to fortify it, for we must realize that we are all in this together, and we need one another. As the old adage states, “Together we stand. Divided we fall!”
When will we as a “race” of people – the human race, finally realize that it is time that we stop accentuating the differences that tend to build up walls that separate us, and start focusing on our commonalities that can help build bridges of love, peace, and understanding? The truth of the matter is that we are all children of the same Heavenly Father, and in my humble estimation, that makes us all members of the same family – we are all brothers and sisters. Therefore, we are all in this together – all wrapped in the same garment of destiny, so why don’t we come together, and reason together, and live in harmony as one instead of incessantly trying to be islands unto ourselves?
If people did not spend so much time hating, they would be able to see the true beauty in the world, and come to a fuller understanding that there are perhaps more commonalities among us then there are differences between us. Some are so wrapped up in their own little world of “Me, Myself, and I” that they are not able to see that they are not the lone tree in the forest, but rather they are surrounded by many other trees of different types, shapes, sizes, and colors. Each is different and unique in its own way, but each makes the forest a whole. A man who is drowning may be fortunate enough to save himself, but often times he needs a life-preserver that only someone else can offer him. There are some things that we may be able to do on our own, but there is so much more that can be done if we would only learn to work together. None of us are better than another. We are uniquely different, and that is what makes each of us special in our own way. So, let’s stop all the hating, and start accepting one another for who we are.
Of Common Sense 