Something For Sunday
By: Booker T. Creighton, lll
I was baptized and raised Christian; not deeply rooted, yet God-fearing. Over the years it takes a toll on a person being a victim of social injustice, prejudice and being treated differently because you are a Black American. In our culture, close calls happen more frequently than others with the notion one must think before they react and oh, for the record, we have been conditioned to dust ourselves off and try again.
Several months ago an occurrence happened one early a.m. I felt the Lord awakening me from the pressures of life. It was a tranquil feeling of hypnosis if you will, a part of me felt the Lord was working because I too no longer wanted to carry the burden of pain, hurt, disappointment and betrayal for the next fifty years of my life. Approximately thirty minutes passed and after my meditation and talk with God I said, “Lord, I choose forgiveness, I can’t carry this weight any longer, I’m giving my burdens to you, Lord.”
I instantly felt the Holy Spirit and a weight lifted from me. Progression is the only way and in order to move forward I must cast away and release heavy burdens so new opportunities, miracles and blessings can enter into my life.
But what led to this moment, you ask? It was years witnessing the distinction of unwavering economic and cultural stagnation that still continues to be abandoned for advanced rights within our communities and the prison reform system. When will the paradigm shift commence of Brown and Black people in America turning the cheek and have a sense of pride, as we are to be accountable for our ignorance and poverty. I am not requesting a revolt of any form or fashion but those who hold positions of power must take a stand and be accountable for their actions as well.
What happened in that courtroom during the Amber Guyger trial should not have been allowed. Judge Kemp was representing the government and crossed many boundaries linked to possible coercion and influence. These ideals are blatantly being distributed before our very eyes during monumental cases here in America. It also supports the ideology of the oppressors in this nation having total control of lawmakers’ decisions. We have been trained through religion and dogma to forgive and forget those who continue to wrong us. I am not that type of Christian.
