(ThyBlackMan.com) “What does it profit a Black man to gain the world but lose his soul?” Everyone within any religious sphere has come to terms with this group of words, and all its enigmatic cypher, but what in fact would it convey in modern reality?
Today’s world is so hyper focused on success, and the Black conscious collective is no different. Where there is money…there is both power and respect. One needs not but to take a few quick glances into trending social topics to acquaint themselves with the rise of Black men awakening to assume a proper place as Kings in this society.
Wealth and self sufficient living looks great on us, and it is a truly splendid representation of power, Black power that’s is. However, after you conquer the world in that respective order, then Love is the final piece of jewel in the crown of the King. Unfortunately, I believe here is where the most danger lies…in choosing a Queen. 
Let’s revisit the phraseology mentioned above with a new twist. “What does it profit a Black man to attain wealth, only to lose it all to an unfit, or unworthy bride?” There…I think I made that pretty clear and I’m sure potentially started a few small fires, but the point has been made (Well…maybe, not quite). I could site the divorce rate to reiterate the need for deep thought and careful consideration when deciding who may leave with half.
True, we all need love and companionship, but a selfish woman can bring a King to ruin. Let’s explore what the painfully obvious looks like up close, through the lens of the character attributes of a King (okay, let’s go). Nearly all men could agree that a King has a strong desire for at least three things:
(1) To conquer and rule,
(2) To be challenged and rewarded,
and finally
(3) To capture the heart of a Queen (who will bare his successors). Maybe that short list is a little too narrow for the circumstances that involve all the jagged realities of life, but fitting for the purpose of this topic of discussion nonetheless.
Where do we go wrong? How can we have such great strength and be wounded by such a choice? Surely the need to conquer and rule, the desire to be challenged and rewarded is standard in the warehouse of a man’s heart? Wait just a minute, I thought we were talking about losing the soul? So, how does a Black man lose control of that powerful battery which powers the eternal beast? Before I answer, let’s divide the questions.
Where do we go wrong?
(1) To conquer and rule is what establishes our kingdom, hence we are Kings, right? Wrong…we are born Kings Black man! To conquer and rule is one of our functions but it alone does not affirm or establish our kingdom, because the Black man’s war and kingdom initially are both established on the same plane of existence, which is the incubating mind. A man who can construct from an idea against all opposing forces, to produce his reality has evidenced the heart of a king.
Now, let’s apply this to our pursuit of women by inviting ego (and he so loves a good pursuit). First of all, a true King is in control of himself, his mind, and his activities should effect the current paradigm. In other words, we should lead rather than be led.
However, Kings are also hunters, and a hunter who loves the sport goes after the greatest challenge, presuming that victory will be his greatest reward. Being pulled by the desire to conquer (unbalanced and unchecked) could drive us right Into the arms of a woman without rules, values or virtue. Sometimes it’s just simply a woman who can’t help but argue and be combative. See how the conqueror now craves the rebellious soul, but the hunter doesn’t always come home with the prize. Every now and then, a few scratches, a couple missed shots later and the hunter comes home empty handed for all his preparation. It should be as valuable to Black men to be sure that our prize is worthy of not only our preparation, but the hunt itself and finally the honor of being brought home to be fitted with a feast.
Okay, maybe that wasn’t the best string of metaphors but perhaps we have space to explore one more, “How can we have such great strength and be wounded by such a choice?” In a few words, we allow our desires to outweigh our need. What more natural than our desire to
(2) be challenged and rewarded? The first desire (to conquer and rule) detailed how yearning for a test and show of dominance could lead to a terrible choice in mate. The need to be challenged and rewarded shares a similar motive but requires the willful participation of another in realizing the reward. If not careful, here we set ourselves up for defeat. Again, let’s apply this to our pursuit of the woman who shall become Queen.
There has been a myth floating around depicting us largely as men who are afraid of the advancement of Black women. I find it to be proportionately untrue. A king seeks an equal, but to neglect your own personal development in search of a challenge, found in a diligent Black woman may also be a grave mistake. Inequity leads to a clear upset of leadership structure and frustration. In situations like these competitive energy takes the forefront, and an attitude of superiority has the opportunity to creep in. Again, the heart is in the drivers chair, but this time we should be more concerned with the position of the woman’s heart.
Our pride should never trump our need to support and collaborate with each other. This is a foundation for building a kingdom ruled by Black man and woman (King and Queen), but a selfish heart secretly desires the thrown alone. Ambition is not a litmus for determining ones personal worth and can never reveal a potential Queens ability to be a teammate or suitable partner. Remember, our strength is an attractive asset but some women desire also to conquer, challenge, and rule you (keeping all reward). Be careful, be wise Black man.
Finally, How does a Black man lose his soul? This question brings us to a King’s final desire:
(3) To capture the heart of a Queen (who will bare his successors). Fellas, let’s just face it, most of us this entire time have been looking for just that. To capture the heart of a Queen and practice. In honesty, ultimately every King eventually desires a deeper connection with someone to pass of his DNA and continue his legacy. So, what’s the sin in that? Often, well too often…we procreate without a forethought or observation of the character, etc. of the women we so readily plant seed in. Nothing can turn the heart of a man, or King like a child of his loins. To choose an unfit woman for such an important purpose auctions the heart which drives the soul, rendering power to a woman our poor decision has not given the time nor courtesy to know(in any way other than superficial intimacy). Some of us even continue falling into our mistake and follow through to marry.
What is the price of a Black man’s soul? Unfortunately, it’s whatever willful ignorance we bow our hearts to, but the cost could be far greater. Peace Blackman!
Staff Writer; J. Zacharite Davis-Brent
