Violence, as a whole, whether against ourselves - in the form of drugs, alcohol, mutilation, etc. OR against others via guns, knives, fists, or intimidation all stems from a personal sense of self-worth. If we truly have a proper perspective of self, as in self-respect and self-esteem, we also understand the need to respect others. We fight, quarrel and self-destruct because we can’t get what we want and are willing to kill to get what we don’t have. And if we did get it we usually waste it anyway. The violence is only a branch of this root problem. It takes deep soul searching courage to speak out against these troubles, not to be violent, or get involved with drugs, gangs and those who participate in them. We are created beings with lives of purpose not animals without of soul or conscious.
Much of what is perpetrated as urban black these days is no more than a slap in the face to those who died so that we can have the freedom to go to any school, have any job and live in any neighborhood (safely) that we choose. Regardless of whether it was white or black or anything in between.
§ A Famous Martin Luther King Quote says: “Without justice, there can be no peace. He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it.” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stride Towards Freedom)
To often innocent men, women and children are hurt or killed by stray bullets in Chester and other cities around the country. And we are told, don’t snitch. Don’t tell. So those who commit these crimes are still walking around and probably harming others because no one wants to see justice prevail. We have become numb to death and dying.
There is a saying; “That the wicked prosper when the righteous do nothing”. We are willing to build monuments where people have died on our streets but are not willing to build legacies of freedom through righteousness and justice so that our children and children’s children can live in peace.
§ Another Famous Martin Luther King Quote says: “The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” (The Strength To Love – 1963)
Peace is more than a concept, it is a way of thinking that produces a way of life. We have to desire peace. We must be willing not to fall in line with those who want us to shut our mouths, be politically correct, and live fearfully. It takes courage to be dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. Because there are those who would rather create a world of chaos and fear. It is written that; “Perfect love casts out all fear”. If we really love of families and neighbors, let’s be willing to hope and live in a community of disciplined nonconformists. A Piece of the Peace…
Here is a definition of Love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This is what REAL LOVE looks like!
We are all created equal and for black folk to commit these crimes of violence on other black folk is more devastating than what was done during slavery and segregation. We use to protect one another from this kind of mess. Even though our families were being torn apart we did everything we could to keep them together and strong. Now we prey on our own and many families pay the cost for generations to come. We don’t respect and honor our history. Most don’t really know our true history. So to them the future, any person’s future, is non-existent.
Prayerfully, we will get back what we lost. For it wasn’t taken it’s been misplaced. Our pride and self-respect are always and will forever be built around our own character and sense of worth. This comes from the inside and then out. And so does violence. We need to change our way of thinking and have peace in our hearts to make the changes needed.
Let's build each other up and not tear one another down. Are you strong enough? Are you of good courage and character? Do you have the strength to love yourself and others? If you don’t, then get it so that we can work together in peace.
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