(ThyBlackMan.com) The phrase ‘I hope it was worth it’ is one that most Black men and people in general have encountered at least once in their lives. As you read this article, somewhere in the United States of America, a Black man has just heard that imposing phrase, “I hope it was worth it.” Why have Black men become accustomed to hearing the words ‘I hope it was worth it’? Some would argue that this is attributable to our actions or the absence thereof. No one, and sometimes even things like the Bible or the Quran, can evoke the same weight or feeling of scorn behind the phrase ‘I hope it was worth it’ as a Black woman or girl can when she says it to a Black man. No matter how stoic, reserved, or strong a Black man may be, when we hears the phrase ‘I hope it was worth it” from a Black woman or a Black girl, if he is a man with a conscience and if he has a heart of flesh and not stone, he instantly becomes weak in the knees, and the foundation he had to stand on instantly begins to crumble.
I do not hold any resentment towards our Black Queens, who occasionally must remind us that our actions or inactions evidently reveal that, as Black men, we sometimes lose our way, prompting them to comment, ‘I hope it was worth it.’ I am asserting that Black women should serve as the moral compass for Black men. The response is negative because every individual alive bears a cross that they must accept and carry, as stated in “Luke 9:23.” I wish I could assert that I have never been on the receiving end of a comment from a Black woman saying to me, ‘I hope it was worth it.’ Nevertheless, I must admit that I have experienced this on various occasions for different reasons. As we observe the rise and fall of figures such as Shannon Sharpe, Sean Combs, Robert Kelly, Bill Cosby, Dr. Umar Johnson, Mel Tucker, Brother Polight, Kanye West, Kwame Kilpatrick, Apostle David Taylor, Bishop Marvin Winans, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Sherrone Moore and ourselves as Black men, we must begin to question whether it is ever worth it. What’s your it? Is it fame, fortune, power, women, respect, having your ego stroked, or is it the need to be right? Now you must ask yourself whether it is worth it. I know by now you are asking, “Worth what?” Is it worth it for you to separate yourself from God? Is it worth losing a good name and reputation? Is it worth your career? Is it worth losing your family? Is it worth losing a bond of closeness that may never be replicated? Is it worth the damage and harm it will cause to the community? Is it worth harming the body of Christ? And is it worth your soul, which is priceless?
To respond to the question of whether it is worth it, it is essential for Black men and all individuals to acknowledge their inherent worth. In 2001, R&B award-winning artist Alicia Keys reminded some and informed others of a woman’s worth. To all my Black brothers and people in general, we must recognize and remember that we are created in the image of God, as stated in “Genesis 1:27”. We are all blessed to know that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, as stated in “Psalm 139:14.” Our value as Black men should never be reduced to merely our sexual prowess, our capacity to acquire and sustain wealth or possessions, or our titles and credentials, which do not determine our true worth. We possess a significance that transcends the superficial attributes many try to use to judge and define us. We must never forget that our worth and contributions to the world should not be reduced to a single metric, as maintaining the correct perspective is essential.
To all my Black brothers, do not attach yourself to things that are fragile and can change overnight. Remember, your worth to the world is outlined and defined by God before you are born. After God looked at everything he created, he said it was good (Genesis 1:31). Every day, wake up with the knowledge that in the eyes of God, your Creator, your worth is affirmed when you act in accordance with His will and way. You have contributed to advancements in civil rights, cultural accomplishments, and significant political milestones. Black men, your value is demonstrated through your activism, your presence, inventions, literature, governance, and your role within the religious community, all of which have played a pivotal role in shaping American society and the global community.
As Black men, we stand on the shoulders of the ancestors who came before us because Malcom X, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Fredrick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, Garrett Morgan, George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Louis Armstrong, Thurgood Marshall, Booker T. Washington, Fred Hampton, W.E.B. Du Bois, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Toussaint Louverture and hosts of others that also includes me and you know that somethings are worth it. The next time the world tries to remind you of all the failures and perceived degenerate behaviors of Black men, which leads them to say to you, “I hope it was worth it.” Respond by stating that some things are worth it. Your family is worth it, your name is worth it, your peace is worth it, your community is worth it, and your relationship with God is worth it. I understand you are repeatedly asking yourself the same question, ‘What is it worth, Jamie? Fighting for.’ As you continue to move forward, persist in breaking barriers, reshaping societies, and maintaining your presence within your homes and community.
Staff Writer; Jamie Seals
May also connect with this brother on Twitter; mychocolatemind.
Also drop an email at; JSeals@ThyBlackMan.com.
