Annoying isn’t it! Of course it is, after all we all want to be productive and feel like we’re contributing to some greater good. When we hit one of these obstacles we begin to feel like everything we just poured our heart and soul into was for nothing. We feel a sense of wasted time. We often become frustrated and angry, we may even cry out in desperation especially when it seems that our way has been salt and peppered with these disturbing signs all along our way.

What do we do? Stop, sit and wait, hoping that the road up ahead of us will be cleared of any debris so we can continue on? That’s what some of us do and the waiting turns into months, years or even decades while our dreams and life purpose gathers dust.

On the other hand, we could back track. That is we could back up, retrace our steps and try to discover where we went wrong. Perhaps we misread the map. We question ourselves wondering if we took a wrong turn. We may even wonder if our destination was right to begin with. So, we end up going around and around perhaps even in circles or worse yet finding ourselves right back at the same road block or dead end. We spend our energies on the wrong things and we worry, fret and become worn out.

Still, we could try another direction, perhaps we consider taking the right hand turn or maybe the left side would be better. We consider, which we like best and step out not knowing if this is the right way to get to where we wanted to go but we’re decisive and we’ve made up our mind, after all something is better than nothing or so we think. We may wander around and make a few missteps as we navigate this uncharted way but we keep telling ourselves we’re making progress. In the end, a luck few actually find their way and reach their destinations. However, for most they end up lost in a wilderness, starved for some satisfaction in life. They may even find themselves at another road block or dead end along the way and so they try another method to move past it.

But I ask – is there another alternative? Yes, the answer is to realize that the journey is not yours. What do I mean by that? I mean that what you thought was your dream, your purpose, your goal or your whatever is not yours! It’s someone else’s! “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself:” (Romans 14:7 kjv)

This one phrase in the bible has become quite famous and is quoted all around the world. Although many don’t know where it comes from, most understand that it means that we are connected to something larger than ourselves. For those who don’t know it’s source, they think that we are only connected to others around us and that we must live for the greater good of others. However, for those who realize that it is a saying that originates from God directly, we understand also that while yes we are connected to others we are first and foremost connected directly to God. We were both created by and redeemed by Him. Therefore we are not our own.

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1-Corinthians 6:20 kjv) You see this quote indicates that everything that makes us, well us, is in fact owned by God, both our physical body and our spiritual being.

He owns our body because he created it, gives it breath and life and sustains it’s function. Just try to make yourself grow an inch by yourself or try to exist without the air He’s provided, or better yet try to go on without your heart beating on it’s own. You see God owns your body. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1-Corinthians 6:19 kjv)

God also owns your spirit. Sure it was a wild one and it may have even got away for a while from God because you wanted to be “free”. But your so called “freedom” led you into doing things you thought you would never have done before. It has depraved, starved and destroyed things in your life. It has left you feeling empty, lonely and wanting more, but to come back to God your spirit needs to be purchased because your “freedom” in reality has actually been slavery to sin (just read Romans Chapter 6 for further clarification). “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed (bought back) with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” (1-Peter 1:15-19 kjv)

Therefore, if we are not our own, we are actually God’s when we ask Him to forgive us and to cleanse our hearts, then our journey also stops being ours but now is God’s. In other words we go where He leads, we eat what He feeds, we do what He wants us to do, it’s now all about Him and not about you!

So when we encounter a road block or a dead end in our life we should pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that it isn’t there to annoy us. Rather, it is God’s way of communicating to us that there may be danger up ahead or that we need to rethink our situation. Instead of reacting in our own will we should offer up a prayer and ask God what He wants us to do since it’s His journey anyway. There may be times He has us wait for the obstacle to be removed or the road to be repaired. Other times He may have us make a turn to the right or left but He will guide us and tell us specifically which way to go if we listen closely. “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 kjv) Sometimes God may even have us back up and get things right in our lives before we proceed.

No matter what God’s plan is for our lives, we can rest assured that any road blocks or dead ends are only temporary and that they all serve a purpose in fulfilling that plan. I would encourage you today to re-examine your journey. If you have been living life thinking that it’s all about where you’re going then you may feel frustrated by the obstacles in your way, however if you understand that the journey is not yours anyway then you can trust the one who gives your life purpose and who also sees the map from a higher perspective. Also you can see the road blocks or dead ends not as obstacles but rather loving clues from your heavenly creator and redeemer!

Staff Writer; Rick S.

One may contact this man of God at: RS@ThyBlackMan.com.

It is to be hoped that the reader of this article is sober, and serious, and mature, and willing to face existential truths.

The precipitous decline of humanity through the ages has landed us with a situation that can be frightening, and many are wondering if we are near the brink of extinction.

Let us be honest, neither you nor I can fully evaluate the full depth to which humanity will fall at the end of our sojourn on this earth. We know that at the end, things in general, will be abysmal, earth will become a living hell, and those alive will regret not being long dead.

All of that is clear from the only reliable source of truth that has proven itself through the ages – the Scriptures; especially as recorded in Revelation.

What is less clear is what happens in the interim, the near future, perhaps in the next decade or two. It does not require any special skill of forecasting, or gift of prophecy, to see where we are heading; for the Bible gives us a clear road map to assist us in our determination.

We, as believers, need to be SOBER as forewarned by the Scriptures, “Be SOBER, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

In today’s degenerate world believers need to examine, and if necessary re-learn, some sobering truths.

Sobering Truth 1. These are the last days.

This bold statement, that these are the last days, has always puzzled some people, because we were born hearing this statement, and yet decades later things are going on much as before. Our grandparents heard this very statement, as well as their grandparents before them.

What is certain is that Jesus is coming soon, or so we believe and teach, but how soon is soon nobody can really determine. Jesus warned us not to be caught napping when he said, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Matthew 24:44). Jesus also said, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

Some believers in Paul’s time thought Jesus was returning during their lifetime, some think that these same believers abandoned their work, families and took to the hills awaiting His return. Others were not clear as to when and how Jesus would return. Whatever their state of mind, Paul had to set them right on the matter of Jesus’ Second Advent, and he did so in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.

Some believed that Jesus meant it literally when he said, “Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28).

The truth is that all references to end times, whether in Daniel, the Gospels, the Epistles or Revelation, can be interpreted literally or figuratively, spiritually or naturally. One should not allow specific interpretative approaches to cloud the fact that the period of time between Jesus’ First and Second Advents is factually, theologically and biblically the last days.

The onus is on us then to be ready, live as if Jesus will appear any moment, and waste no time on pettiness, harbour no grudges, let love fill our hearts and souls and live at peace with God and our neighbour. In such a spirit we can say, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)

Sobering Truth 2. Humanity will progressively get worse

There are many things that will improve with time because our knowledge, and hence our technology, will enable us to do more and do them better. Who can doubt the real, laudable benefits that have accrued to us because of the improvements in medical science, science generally and technology?

But improvements in man’s ability to understand and manipulate his environment do not necessarily translate into a better, more humane, more moral, more livable society.

About 6,000 years ago humanity was generally quite poor but equal, apart from highway robbers and the odd tyrant. Today you have billionaires co-existing with starving people, billionaires and millionaires who throw in the garbage what could feed thousands for weeks if not years, and they are subsidised in their exorbitant lifestyles by tax breaks and loopholes by corrupt, fawning governments. Today’s inequality is staggering.

In Moses’ time (about 1600 BC) laws were made to prohibit and, where found root out and punish, the evil practice of homosexuality. In 1075 BC the Assyrians passed similar laws with respect to the military. Across the civilised world sodomy laws were made and enforced with vigour, Europe first sodomy laws were made around the late antiquity. Even a young country like the United States had sodomy laws that in 1963 according to Wikipedia “…the penalties for sodomy in the various states varied from imprisonment for two to ten years and/or a fine of US$2,000.”

Today some countries are falling over themselves to legalise sodomy, they seem to have lost their sense of what is clean and unclean, and gay marriages are a trendy response to the immoral confusion.

Believers should prepare for things to get worse. Whatever the degenerate hordes may say now, let there be no doubt that their agenda of moral recklessness is only just beginning. They will push for and, with dirty money behind them, get incest legalised, then pedophilia made respectable, and then they will say, “so why can’t I marry my dog, or horse or pig” or whatever.

At some point, this world would have degenerated to the same place the world was at, just before the Great Flood.

Sobering Truth 3. Few will be saved

It would be foolish for anyone to assign numbers in respect to those who will be saved, i.e. find salvation through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 20 million might seem a lot but that number is a handful (.003%) of the world’s population. Even 60 million is just 1% of the current world’s population, and 1% of anything is pretty minor.

We know that few will be saved because we have the evidence of our own eyes, the trends recorded in history, and above all the reliable word of God that tells us this; “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)

Even in the churches there are many who will fall away from the faith, turn their itching ears to false doctrines (we are witnessing this phenomena now) and deny the very God whom they have served, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Sobering Truth 4. Preaching will become increasingly ineffective

This truth should not be misunderstood, whenever the gospel is preached God will reach out and call his own. Some people refer to this as irresistible calling but in truth God knows those who will accept him and the Holy Spirit will always do his job effectively.

Preaching is meant to be twofold; it certainly calls people to repentance, builds them up and encourages them but it also warns people.

As time goes by and as fewer people are saved, more and more preaching will just be the word being preached as a witness and warning so that degenerates are without excuse. Preachers have to be faithful to their mandate regardless of visible results, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Sobering Truth 5. Some you know and love will go to hell

Talking about hell is, for some people, the hardest reality of all. It gets even harder when the staggering truth, that some of our love ones and friends will suffer everlasting torment, is fully taken on board.

God gives every human being a chance to choose his destiny. The Golden Text of the Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Believers need to remember that Hell is not God’s choice for humans, for He is “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9), but if humans exert their freewill to say no to God’s offer of salvation then believers everywhere must respect that choice.

Truth is often like that, not glorious and exciting at times; often sober and demanding, sometimes discomfiting, sometimes touching a chord that you do not want touched (remember what Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “go and sell all you have and give to the poor and come and follow me – Luke 18:22-23)

Believers must not be like that rich young ruler who turned away in pique and sadness but on the contrary show determination as advised, “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Anyone who takes an interest in spiritual matters will note that they are some significant differences between a follower of Jesus Christ and a disciple of Jesus Christ, and although on the surface they both look alike, nevertheless it should be understood that a disciple is a follower but every follower is not a disciple; and the Bible clearly highlights this distinction.

At the most basic level a follower may simply be someone who may be an admirer, someone who gives support for your individuality and style, someone who associates with you because to do so brings benefits.

Jesus had many followers like that.

On one occasion more than five thousand followers followed him, and after he preached and taught them about the Kingdom he took five barley loaves and two small fish and fed them all, and the leftovers filled twelve baskets. Free food in abundance is a mighty good reason to follow, especially in times when food was scarce but Jesus recognised their motive: “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” (John 6:26)

They were followers of Jesus who went along for the “joy ride” of assembly, food, good stories and seeing miracles but they had no interest in going beyond that. Jesus knew that and tested their fickleness and insincerity as like when he said this, “…Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” (John 6:53) After this some followers responded negatively, “From that time many of his disciples [followers] went back, and walked no more with him.” (John 6:66)

For any preacher today to go to a village or a town unannounced and stand on a soap box and draw a thousand listeners would be amazing. This is what Jesus did repeatedly and drew thousands; the mention of his name did that and everywhere he went the masses followed him.

But Jesus was not deluded by such throngs for he knew that many of those followers would be the same people who, in a few short years, would be bellowing for his execution, “Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.” (Mark 15:14)

Many people, even today, follow Jesus Christ and Christianity for the wrong reasons:

Some follow to make money and live a lavish lifestyle; among them are false teachers and false prophets, the peddlers of prosperity theology, the bogus Christian websites and all those who see spiritual things as moneymaking ventures. To them all, the accursed spirit of Simony prevails.

Some follow to take advantage of vulnerable souls, just like wolves congregating to devour sheep; abusive priests, evil pastors and the like whom Paul warned against, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:29) and it’s these followers that the church needs to guard against and to be eternally vigilant.

Some follow to grab opportunities to satisfy their carnal lust and to snare the foolish and unsuspecting, of whom they are many scattered across Christendom; appropriately described by Paul to Timothy, “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.” (2 Timothy 3:6)

All of these can be accurately described as followers but their attitude and stance and commitment fall far short of genuine discipleship.

Jesus Christ knew that he would attract a lot of followers, this Son of God who were performing miracles and doing things never seen before was not interested in having followers, as before described, but in fashioning disciples, people who would transition from the crowds of followers looking for quick fixes and temporal benefits to believers and dedicated supporters of God and his provision for humanity as found in Jesus Christ himself.

Here is how Jesus described how this transition would take place.

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Observe closely how Jesus detailed the steps to true discipleship:

First the appeal was universal: Some people delude themselves that only some people can be saved, those whom God has chosen from before the world was created and no other, but Jesus taught differently for his call was to “any man”, meaning whosoever will (John 3:16) whether he be old or young, rich or poor, black or white, learned or unlearned, man or woman, Jew or Gentile, anyone that has a yearning and a desire can become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Next Jesus said, “Let him deny himself”: Self is the biggest stumbling block and the most difficult to be removed on the way to true discipleship and so Jesus started with that. It has been said that, “A man’s self is to him the prime cause of most of his miseries” and in all honesty this truism is borne out by the facts.

A rich young man who wanted to follow Jesus came to him and Jesus said to him, “Go, sell that thou hast, and give it to the poor,” (Matthew 19:21) and the very thought of it gave this young man so much grief, that the Bible says, “he went away sorrowful”. He chose rather to part with his hope of heaven, than deny himself of his earthly wealth. This is equally true of those who hear the word that is able to save their souls, they admit the truthfulness of what they hear, they are even convicted by the word as did King Agrippa in Acts 26:28; yet they remain dead in trespasses and sins, dammed and unsaved because they will not deny themselves of their sinful pleasures even though they know that in resisting God’s call they sentence their souls to eternal punishment.

Very few believers practice this self-denial as taught in the Bible, for it is nothing less than a full-hearted commitment to doing God’s will in every circumstance, it is wholly pleasing God rather than self, it is always “not my will but thine be done” and seeking to comply whatever the cost until it becomes the only principle by which we live.

Then Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily”: Notice the specificity here that gives the lie to what so many believers understand by “cross”. The cross here is not old age, the ups and downs of godly living, sickness and pain and the routine disappointments of life for these are all common to all people of faith. Are these things not burdensome? Sure, but they are not to be confused with your cross.

The Prophet Jonah hated preaching to obnoxious and resentful people (as do most preachers) but preaching salvation to his most repugnant, savage enemy, the rampaging Ninevites that slaughtered Israelis by the thousands and ripped them to pieces for naked fun was for Jonah more than hateful, it was deliriously painful and abhorrent and Jonah would rather die than preach to these dogs (Matthew 15:26). Preaching to the Ninevites was Jonah’s cross that he was required to bear if he was to be true to God. After eventually preaching to the Ninevites Jonah found a comfortable perch to watch God wipe them off the face of the earth. Poor Jonah.

Every believer has a cross to bear, something you will never choose for yourself, something that is not fashionable or pleasant or that will bring you earthly honour or glory or generate esteem in your eyes or the eyes of the world, but that which God wants you to shoulder for his sake, for his honour and for his glory. It might be a call to poverty (like nuns and monks), it might be to do some work that you consider beneath you, it might be to do that which offends your family or friends or brings scorn from your professional colleagues, it might be to work in certain locations or any number of things. Any of these appointed for you is your cross and you are to submit knowing it is God’s will, for his glory and your eventual elevation and pleasure because passing through the fire may be painful but, like gold, it purifies and enhances.

Finally Jesus said, “and follow me”: This is the most pertinent fact in all Christendom for believers are not about following a creed, or some persuasive philosophy or even some well thought-out doctrine but it is all about following Jesus Christ and ALL that he represents. It was for compelling reasons that the disciples in ancient Antioch in Syria were called Christians; because they so closely followed Jesus Christ that they looked like him.

Daily following Jesus requires total commitment for the long run, it is not to bear the cross for a day or two and then laying it aside to do our own thing, it is not setting it aside to take a rest when we feel weary, it is not finding some excuse to abandon cross bearing because of some disagreeable circumstances attached to it; it is taking our cross gladly for the sake of Christ and the gospel, it is sacrificing self with all its concomitant ambitions and goals and dreams and completely surrendering to God’s will as did Caleb and Joshua, “…for they have wholly followed the LORD.” (Numbers 32:12) or like the magnificent Apostle Paul who remarked, “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” (Philippians 3:7)

This is what constitutes more than just following, this is nothing less than a full growth of the seed once planted in good soil now maturing, in full bloom and growing ever more so day by day and bringing forth fruits worthy of repentance, this is the commitment where self is now dead and the glory of God is the only guiding principle and doing his will the all-consuming passion of the soul and the body and the spirit.

This is more than just following; this is true discipleship.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Everybody wants happiness and yet few find it.

The plain truth is that happiness, when properly understood, is the only state of life that allows a human being to be at peace with himself and his environment.

When you are happy you think all is well and there is a deep feeling of contentment.

Many people desperately want to live happily and to die the same. But, alas, so many end up in deep misery, with lots of regrets and tons of bitterness.

This should not be so, and more importantly, God did not intend for us to be unhappy.

Adam and Eve were quite happy. They bestrode the grounds of their habitation without a care in the world. Everything pleasant came to them naturally. They had no fears, no anxieties, no worries of any kind. They enjoyed an Edenic beauty, and pleasing lifestyle, that following generations could only dream of and imagine.

Yet unhappiness seems to engulf humanity like the atmosphere engulfs the earth. There seems to be no escape, no hiding place, no sanctuary from its ugly embrace.

Some people get to the state of such deep unhappiness and abject misery that they murder themselves, terminate their own life to escape the pestilential gloom. In common parlance they commit suicide to end it all.

Yet from all that you hear, observe and from your own experience it should be absolutely clear that happiness is not just imaginary. Old people think the young are happy, the young think the old is happy; the poor think the rich is happy and the rich think how happy it is to be without the burden of wealth. Everyone thinks everybody else is happy.

Lots of married people think they gave up happiness when they got married; and lots of single people decry their unhappiness and desperately want to get married so that they can be happy.

So where lies the truth?

Happiness is not like being a householder, it cannot materialise in similar fashion. If you want to be a householder, and be classified as such, then you look around and buy a home, or buy land and build a house, and presto, you are a householder.

Happiness is never like that.

There is a fleeting happiness that comes from events. Some people get happiness when they attend parties, or have drinks with friends, or go dancing or such other entertaining, festive activities. But this kind of transitory happiness lasts for the duration of the activity, then the norm ensues until some such activity is undertaken again.

This kind of spasmodic happiness can sometimes highlight, and bring to the surface, the deep-seated and overwhelming discontent consuming an individual.

It is this very same discontent that causes some individuals at parties to drink themselves into a state of stupor. It is as if the very drinking that makes them happy drives them into a state of forgetfulness so that they can be at peace with themself.

But God never intended for humans to be unhappy.

God made humans to be happy, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and that initial intent, though now lost for greater humanity nevertheless remains a desire of all individuals.

Thers is not a single individual, anywhere on earth, who prefers to be miserable rather than be happy; and everyone seeks to be happy and free from distress.

The very sad thing about humans, their perverted nature dominating, is that genuine happiness can be achieved but not the way commonly pursued.

Since God knows us best, then it is logical and reasonable that He knows best how to dispel our unhappiness and restore some of the Edenic happiness that Adam and Eve possessed.

True happiness is a byproduct of godliness; it starts with God, rests on his assurances and is related to pleasing Him and bringing ourselves in compliance with his will.

The Bible tells us a lot about happiness – in many instances the word “blessed” is used and means the same thing – and everywhere it references Almighty God.

“There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22) Where there is no personal , spiritual peace there is no happiness.

“…and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.” (Proverbs 16:20) Where there is no trust in God then lasting happiness is elusive. To trust in God is to have a relationship with him through Jesus Christ. This is the beginning of true happiness.

Believers, who are committed to Jesus Christ and serve him faithfully and true, have this deep happiness, some people call it joy, that does not pass away under suffering and persecution, under so much that is regrettable and pitiful in the world.

It is true that we are deeply concerned with the troubles of the world, and oft we groan at humanity’s cruelty and lack of care. But we remain committed and happily endure everything for the sake of Jesus Christ: “Behold, we count them happy which endure” (James 5:11)

The reason so many people are looking for true happiness and never finding it is because they are not seeking it where it is found.

True happiness is serving God, glorifying God and pleasing Him by doing His will not just some times but constantly and fully and cheerfully.

David was alluding to this when he wrote, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

This is the way to true happiness; as so many saints of old have found. This is the way the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11: 4-32 were able to do mighty things for God even though they endured great suffering and trials.

The happiness found in God is not fleeting, tentative and unsure but awesome, deep and very reassuring. It is based on a relationship with Christ in God and will stand the test of time. Just like love it, “…Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7)

This is true happiness as God intended it for all of us, and if you don’t have it then blame no one but yourself.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Not casually Catholic. My mother was the kind of Catholic who went to Mass every day. Faith was not something she talked about; it was something she did. In our aqua-blue kitchen, she had the lyrics, in white paint, “Holy Mary, dressed in blue, teach me how to pray.” She prayed without ceasing, and her prayers were deep and strong.

I went to a Jesuit college, Boston College, where faith was woven into the intellectual life—questions of justice, responsibility, and what it means to live a life of purpose. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was always present.

So when I hear people arguing about the pope as if religion were a political sport, I find myself out of step with the conversation, because that’s not the faith I knew.

The noise is everywhere. Commentary about Pope Francis—what he said, what he meant, who agrees, who doesn’t—fills panels and social media feeds, turning belief into a series of takes. It is loud and, for the most part, unhelpful.

We have developed a habit of treating religious figures like political ones, as if they occupy the same space. They don’t. Political leaders govern behavior, while religious leaders, at their best, try to speak to conscience. But we have grown so accustomed to spectacle that even conscience has to compete for airtime.

The numbers tell us something is changing. Church attendance in the United States has been declining for years, and fewer people claim formal affiliation. Yet nearly nine in ten Americans say they believe in God or some higher power. Many are no longer sitting in pews, but belief persists. We measure what is easiest to count—attendance, affiliation, participation—but not what is harder to see: practice, discipline, belief.

Faith, as I understood it growing up, was never about being seen.

My mother did not go to Mass every day so someone could check her attendance. She went because that was how she ordered her life—discipline, gratitude, and a quiet insistence that there was something larger than whatever the day might bring.

My own relationship with Catholicism has been more complicated. I don’t come to this conversation as a defender of the Catholic Church; I come as someone shaped by it, challenged by it, angered by it, and still, in some ways, holding onto it.

As soon as I learned about the Church’s historical role in sanctioning enslavement, I was repulsed—and I made my opinion known, quite vocally: skipping Mass, arguing with priests, and sometimes embarrassing my mother. Sexual abuse in the Church repulses me. The betrayal of trust, and the lengths taken to conceal it, stand in painful contradiction to the values the institution professes. The codified inferior role of women has never sat easily with me either.

It is undeniably an imperfect church, but its imperfections do not diminish its relevance.

Years ago, I wrote about the patriarchy embedded in the Church, and one of my small, symbolic protests has been ending prayers with “amen, a-woman, and ase’.” Inequality does not disappear simply because we believe in our Creator. A mentor once asked whether I could point to any institution entirely free of racism or sexism. I could not.

When I hear that we are created in the image and likeness of God, I find myself looking for a stained-glass window with a pecan-colored woman with gray dreadlocks. I haven’t seen one yet.

And still, the quiet, practiced kind of faith does not lend itself to commentary, nor does it disappear simply because fewer people are sitting in church. There are still people who pray before the day begins, give thanks before they ask, and show up for others not because it is convenient, but because it is right.

It is also worth noticing the signals we choose to see. Pope Francis has chosen to live in modest quarters rather than the traditional papal apartments, a small but visible gesture in an institution known for grandeur. In a world accustomed to power on display, that kind of restraint stands out not because it is dramatic, but because it is not.

My grandmother used to say that some people come to God with their hands out and their mouths open. It was her way of reminding us that faith is not only about asking, but about recognizing, giving thanks, and showing up with something other than need.

We don’t talk much about that kind of faith anymore. It doesn’t fit neatly into our arguments or produce a headline, but it may be closer to what faith actually is.

If nearly all of us believe in something beyond ourselves, then the question is not whether faith is disappearing, but whether we have misunderstood where it lives. It may not be in the noise we amplify or the arguments we keep having, but in the quiet, daily practices that go largely unseen.

Written by Julianne Malveaux

Official website; https://www.juliannemalveaux.com

In addition to both of them serving in the U.S. Senate, Rubio and Vance say they are guided by their Catholic faith. The common denominator running through them is political expediency. Political expediency, in this case, is the central force driving the behavior and actions of two leaders who at times compromise moral and political principles in exchange for immediate power, ambition and influence.

Both Rubio and Vance made the decision that it was in their political best interests and advantage to move away from being harsh critics of Donald Trump to becoming staunch allies in order to remain in Trump’s good graces.  In a 2016 interview while promoting his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” Vance called himself “a Never Trump guy” and said of the soon-to-be-president, “I never liked him.” He told NPR the same year, “I can’t stomach Trump.” He wrote an op-ed for The New York Times titled: “Mr. Trump Is Unfit for Our Nation’s Highest Office.” Today, JD Vance is Trump’s vice president.

On the other hand, during the 2016 campaign for the Republican nomination, Rubio called Trump a “con artist” and “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency.” Now, Rubio is the current Secretary of State in the Trump Administration.

While Evangelist Franklin Graham was never a U.S. Senator having the goal of becoming president, he shows how powerful religious leaders do not have to be politicians to be driven by ethical compromise and political expediency.  Graham serves as President and CEO of the organization, Samaritan’s Purse. According to its website, Samaritan’s Purse has met the needs of poor, sick and suffering people by providing food, medical care and other assistance in more than 170 countries. The expressed mission of Samaritan’s Purse is to follow the example of Christ by helping those in need and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel.

Franklin Graham, the son of the famed evangelist Billy Graham, has always been one of Trump’s most loyal religious allies and defenders. He frequently provides public support by mobilizing evangelical voters during both of Trump’s presidential campaigns. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) last month, Graham urged MAGA world to end their infighting and rally around the president and the GOP at the next midterm elections. Therefore, should we be surprised when Graham took to social media to defend Trump’s controversial post depicting himself as a Christ-like figure?

“Franklin Graham of all people, who is frequently at the WH (White House) and with Trump should be leading Trump to be a Christian, NOT telling other Christians that Trump did nothing wrong when he committed blasphemy,” wrote former Trump ally Marjorie Taylor Greene. The former congresswoman was right to expose Franklin Graham. He is not the president’s spiritual leader and advisor in the true sense, but rather a political “kingmaker”. When Christian leaders act as “kingmakers”, they leverage their spiritual authority to mobilize voting blocs, endorse candidates, fulfill cultural goals and shape national policy.

Donald Trump would not be occupying the White House a second time without the support from certain Christian leaders fulfilling their role as political kingmakers. The “kingmaker” will address political topics like abortion and religious liberty by framing them as spiritual battles that require voting for specific candidates. The political realty sees evangelicals getting everything they want despite having a president whose actions contradict Christian moral values.

Franklin Graham is in a unique situation when it comes to fighting poverty. Persistent poverty is a form of social oppression. When dealing with the poor, there is a two-track approach: charity and justice. Charity deals with the symptoms by providing direct services such as food, clothing, medicine and shelter. On the other hand, justice is directed at the root causes behind poverty. It deals with confronting the systemic barriers by promoting social changes in institutions and government laws and policies. Poverty persists because entrenched policies and systemic barriers lock people in, and only legislative action can dismantle those root causes.

Why do Christian leaders like Franklin Graham fight for religious liberty and not fight for economic justice and liberty for the poor through effective legislative engagement? Graham excels at charity, but abstains from the political work required to change the underlying systems of poverty despite having direct access and influence with those in high levels of government.

Graham’s organization addresses the immediate needs by providing food and medicine, yet it leaves the machinery of poverty intact. Continuing to treat the symptoms without confronting root causes such as the ever-widening pay gap between the rich and the poor only entrenches social oppression. A Christian leader cannot simultaneously be a “kingmaker” within a certain power structure and be a genuine advocate for justice that requires the dismantling of the very same power structure.

When Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks out against the one percent, it is a path that confronts the Donald Trumps and Elon Musks of the world. It is a path that Franklin Graham and others are unwilling to take. This selective compassion – addressing charity but ignoring justice – is disingenuous in the same manner of being pro-life on abortion and not on gun control.

Trump will eventually go away in time. Therefore, our focus should first be on the new wave of Trump wannabes who will do anything for political expediency, and secondly on the “kingmakers” who would gladly put them in power.

Written by David W. Marshall

Official website; https://davidwmarshallauthor.com/

One may purchase his book, which is titled; God Bless Our Divided America: Unity, Politics and History from a Biblical Perspective.

All well and good if the circumstances require such an approach, and in general there is much to commend such an attitude; if looking back, going back, or harping for what is behind is detrimental to the achievement of our goals.

This negativity is perhaps what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

However praiseworthy it is to look ahead and press forward, it is nonetheless true that looking back at where you came from, at the challenges you faced and overcame, at the assistance you were afforded in your hour of need, and the people who were instrumental in delivering your hard-earned success, is at times a useful and necessary exercise.

It was essential, time and again, for God to remind his children to remember the past so that they could better evaluate the present, make the necessary adjustments, look forward in hope, and prepare for a better future:

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

“Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.” (1 Chronicles 16:12-15)

“Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant. And I will establish my covenant with thee; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 16:61-62)

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (Revelation 2:5)

Hitherto hath the Lord helped us is an affirmation of vital help given at a crucial time, but it was also a looking back, by Samuel, at where God had taken them from as they battled the warlike Philistines.

In their evaluation, as they reflected on the vagaries of prolonged fighting, after all they had previously fought against fierce enemies including the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, they were now faced with perhaps the most deadly enemy of all; the rampaging Philistines. A people who scared Israel enormously, because among their population were giants.

Samuel had seen the depravity of Israel as the people turned their backs on God, and he instructed them to repent and put away their false gods. Here was his call: “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 7:3)

The people repented, put away their false gods and turned to God, and Samuel instructed them to meet at Mizpeh, so that he could pray for deliverance from the Philistines. The people gathered as Mizpeh, and when the Philistines heard the news they approached the Israelites and was ready to do battle.

But God had a surprise for the Philistines.

“And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar. .” (1 Samuel 7:10-11)

Remember that Israel had fought the Philistines twice in this same place, and were twice soundly beaten, and the ark taken, and now they had at last achieved a staggering victory. So Samuel took a stone, and set it as a monument of the victory obtained by the help of God, and this he placed between Mizpeh and Shen and called it Ebenezer.

Every believer in Christ can joyfully consent to the sentiments shared by Israel as Samuel declared those memorable words, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us…” (1 Samuel 7:12)

Every believer in Christ has come through tough battles, be they physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, and can look back, and if not exactly enamoured with the battles, at least can savour the sweet victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Every believer in Christ has testimony of God’s unfailing grace that has brought them through, even when others were doubtful of their success, and can join with Paul in saying, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Every believer in Christ can look back at the seared landscape, know they have been there, battled in the vicious cauldron of humanity, took knocks and falls, and the many attacks of the enemy, and still emerged trusting God; both now and for the future.

There is absolutely nothing to compare with the knowledge and confidence now that God has brought you through it all. You have been tested and tried, and your confidence in God is undiminished, and you know that he will give you more victories in the future.

This is what, in essence, Samuel was alluding to when he said “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

All believers in Christ can now empathise with those undergoing struggle, not because we are perfect, or have already attained, we are far from, but because we have been throughly tested, and have survived, and are witnesses to God’s gracious keeping.

All believers in Christ can speak of the highs and lows of discipleship from the standpoint of personal experience, and is able, not just to offer pray and understanding, but where necessary stand shoulder to shoulder with other believers in Christ and, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Romans 12:15)

Every believer in Christ can, because God has hitherto been gracious, say like the Apostle Paul, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) not for any other reason but that you have transitioned to full maturity in Christ through your many tribulations.

Every believer in Christ can be a role model for other Christians, especially the youth, because you have succeeded so far, “…but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

All believers in Christ can look back in awe at what God has brought them through, stand firm and strong in God’s grace that enfold and keeps us, and without a shadow or hint of a doubt know assuredly that, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

So let’s not be discouraged, or get frustrated and dismayed by the prevailing circumstances, no matter how daunting things look. Our God has brought us here, he has guided us thus far with awesome foresight and care; and will take us all the way home. And remember that no one can pluck you out of God’s hand, and that is the ultimate guarantee for all believers.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

God created this world, put us here to live and set the standards that he wishes us to live by and observe. It is reasonable, therefore, that if we digress from his standards that He seeks to bring us back to the path of righteousness.

God, if He wanted to, could apply his laws without mercy; every wicked deed punished to the limit, and he would still be reasonable.

The Sovereign God cannot but be just and reasonable, for his very nature speaks to such, and his will that “none should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) means that He will move heaven and earth to clear a path so that He can offer each fallen soul his salvation.

Obstacles are strewn all across people’s path, but God is not asleep, and will do whatever it takes to reach us.

Here are five more reasons God intervenes, and takes the first steps in the redemptive process.

1. Our absolute love of darkness and fear of light. This is like an alcoholic, brutalized and scarred by alcohol, yet clinging to the accursed drink as if his life depends on it. This is one of life’s quirky ironies in that the very thing preventing us from attaining true enlightenment, we regard as the core of our existence. We know the reason for this because the Bible tells us this, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The plain truth is that we have so cultivated and adopted darkness and all its evil associations that we regard light as the enemy to be feared, and to be resisted by all means at our disposal. It is, to some extent, like some subterranean worms that have lived so long in the bowels of the earth, in the deep darkness, that they have lost entirely the faculty of sight.

2. The silence of The Holy Scriptures. The Bible tells us many things, and everything that is necessary for salvation, but it does not tell us everything we want to know. This is like a dear friend showing us around his house for the first time and choosing not to show us a certain room. Even if we knew of the existence of that room we would be wise to respect his wish not to show us that room at this time. With God, we should be even more respectful, for the Bible says this, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29) There are lots of things God has not revealed to us and it is pure presumptuousness and prideful arrogance to demand that he does so. To defy God’s silence on these matters some have even ventured to speculate, and some have gone even further, and teach their conjectures as if they are Bible doctrine.

3. Our partial knowledge of The Holy Scriptures. This is like being faced with an intricate jigsaw puzzle and having pieces missing, or trying to decipher an ancient manuscript and great swathes of the text are missing; lacunae as it is known. It is a very brave or very foolish person who would affirm that he has a perfect knowledge of the Bible. Even the Apostle Paul, who spent time with all the apostles and saw Jesus personally, said this, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (1 Corinthians 13:9-10) The truth is, that at times we are not seeing what God is showing us, much less understanding the text, and in humility we plead like David, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18)

4. Our primitive state of science and technology. It is very easy to be puffed up with our contemporary cutting-edge science and state-of-the-art technology, but should the world exists for, let us say, another six thousand years they would then look back at our science and technology and see them as pathetic and terribly laughable. God knows, and time will surely declare, that this generation that thinks it know it all is undergoing a dearth of true knowledge of historic proportion. If we were remotely as knowledgeable as we ought, we would be making routine intergalactic journeys by thought propulsion, mapping the flight paths of supernatural entities, performing remote internal surgery by brain waves, taking a ride to the edge of the universe and watching and reporting live on its expansion, and such like, and the list goes on. And all of this would not even be called “advanced” in God’s eyes.

5. The creation and cultivation of the faith phobia. This is in large measure the result of atheist hostility and the pseudo-intellectuals wannabe who seek notoriety by attacking the community of faith, and publishing self serving books and articles. These people demonize and ostracize the very medium we need to access spiritual enlightenment. Many of our scholars and in academia and the professions now think it’s “hip” and fraternal to heap derision on those who still have faith in the Almighty, and some see this attitude as helpful for advancing their careers. Alas, what it does is exclude them from receiving deep revelations of the Almighty; and the concomitant graces one normally gets so freely and abundantly.

God could, in good conscience, set harsh conditions for us to be reconciled to him, because it was us that went astray, we were the guilty ones, and like the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, God could justifiably leave us to come to our senses, and make our way to him.

That would run the risk of all of us being lost, because unaided, we cannot make it to Almighty  God, because the god of this world has blinded our eyes.

Instead, God came to us, will continue in mercy to come to us, and puts us on the spot in words like these, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

We are reminded how God takes the initiative, how he comes seeking us, so that we can have no excuses if we end up before him in the White Throne Judgment.

In Luke chapter 15, we are given three fine examples of God seeking the lost in three instances typical of the times. In the last one, we hear of the prodigal son mentioned above, but in the first we hear of the lost sheep and the second of the lost coin.

In the parable of the lost sheep, Luke 15: 3-7, we see a sheep, leaving the safety of the fold and going astray. The Bible makes it clear that we are all like sheep, going our own way, heedless of the dangers and getting hopelessly tangled up; and easy prey for any passing predator. Sheep are the most heedless animals, with a poor sense of direction and virtually no defense. The shepherd leaves the flock and go searching for that lost sheep until he finds it. Such is God’s initiative towards us. We are destined to be found by God, and the path towards him is clearly visible. The rest is up to us.

The parable of the lost coin, Luke 15: 8-10, is an emblem of a sinner apart from God, lost in the iniquities of the world, and unable to emerge unaided. The longer a coin is lost, the more difficult it is to be found, because as time goes by it accumulates more and more dust, it loses it’s luster, it may get worn by wear and tear, and lose its value.

God is gracious, and takes the first steps in finding us, because he knows how entangled we are by the inadequacies of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of the heart. But God does not overrule our free will, he will not save us against our wishes, he has given us the power of choice, hence the responsibility is on us to, “choose you this day whom ye will serve” as put to the Israelites in Joshua 24:15.

God will always take the first steps, but the first steps do not constitute the whole process, neither do they save you. God is not far from any of us, the only thing left to be done, the one thing that matters most –  we need to reach out and embrace God through Jesus Christ.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.

Cultivating resilient faith requires intentional engagement with Scripture, prayer, and a supportive community of believers who encourage spiritual growth and accountability. Through consistent reflection on biblical teachings and the practice of faith in everyday situations, individuals can develop the spiritual maturity needed to face adversity with confidence and hope. This process strengthens both personal conviction and the ability to trust in God’s guidance during uncertain times.

Cultivating resilient faith is not merely about surviving trials; it is about thriving spiritually, growing in grace, wisdom, and character, and learning to integrate Scripture into everyday challenges. This foundation empowers believers to approach difficulties with discernment, hope, and steadfast trust in God, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth and deeper spiritual understanding.

Understanding Resilient Faith

Resilient faith is more than simply enduring difficulties; it is the ability to actively grow stronger through them. It involves a conscious choice to trust in God’s plan and remain faithful, even when outcomes are unclear or discouraging. At its core, resilient faith is rooted in the awareness of God’s sovereignty, truth, and grace. Believers who cultivate resilient faith do not rely on their own strength but acknowledge that God is their ultimate sustainer. This perspective transforms hardships into opportunities for discipleship and spiritual learning. For instance, when a believer faces a personal loss or setback, resilient faith allows them to respond with prayer, hope, and reliance on Scripture rather than despair. Over time, this builds a deep, abiding trust in God that shapes character and equips one for greater challenges in life.

Building a Strong Foundation

A resilient faith must rest upon a firm foundation of scriptural knowledge and understanding. Regular engagement with the Bible reinforces trust in God’s promises and helps believers discern His guidance in every situation. Immersing oneself in Scripture allows individuals to internalize God’s truths, which in turn strengthens their response to trials. This foundation is not passive; it requires intentional study, reflection, and application. Parents, mentors, and church leaders can foster discipleship by guiding younger believers in Scripture, helping them understand how biblical principles apply to real-life situations. Practical exercises such as memorizing verses, journaling reflections, and discussing Scripture in community settings cultivate both resilience and spiritual wisdom. A strong biblical foundation ensures that faith is not shaken by uncertainty or difficulty but continues to grow and flourish.

Developing a Consistent Prayer Life

Prayer is a vital component of resilient faith. It is the lifeline through which believers communicate with God, seek guidance, and express their concerns. A consistent prayer life deepens intimacy with God and offers clarity during challenging times. Beyond asking for help, prayer fosters humility, patience, and trust in God’s timing. Developing this discipline also reinforces spiritual learning, as prayer encourages reflection on Scripture and the application of biblical truths. Families can incorporate prayer routines, such as morning devotionals or mealtime prayers, to model spiritual resilience for children. Additionally, private prayer can become a sanctuary of peace, where believers learn to rely on God, receive comfort, and discern His will. Over time, a vibrant prayer life becomes a practical demonstration of resilient faith, strengthening both personal and communal spiritual growth.

Engaging in Community Support

Faith is rarely meant to be practiced in isolation. Engaging in a supportive faith-based community provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities for discipleship. Sharing struggles, celebrating victories, and learning from one another’s experiences strengthens resilience. Communities such as church groups, Bible study gatherings, or mentorship circles foster spiritual learning, allowing members to grow collectively in faith. For example, discussing how God’s promises apply to everyday challenges provides practical wisdom and reinforces personal faith. Additionally, serving others within the community cultivates humility, compassion, and perseverance. By participating actively in fellowship, believers witness God’s grace at work in diverse lives, building both confidence and a sense of belonging. A strong spiritual community equips individuals to endure trials with greater strength and reinforces lifelong habits of learning and discipleship.

Learning from Adversity

Adversity is often the greatest teacher in the life of a believer. Facing difficulties provides opportunities to grow in perseverance, wisdom, and character. When believers approach challenges with a faith-centered perspective, they learn to rely more fully on God and apply Scripture to practical situations. Trials refine faith, foster humility, and deepen reliance on divine guidance. For example, a period of personal or professional struggle can teach patience, reliance on God, and empathy toward others experiencing similar trials. By viewing adversity as a learning opportunity, believers develop resilience not only for themselves but also as mentors who can guide others in spiritual growth. Teaching children and younger believers to navigate setbacks with prayer, reflection, and practical application of biblical principles strengthens discipleship across generations. Adversity, when approached with faith, becomes a powerful tool for cultivating a mature, steadfast spiritual life.

Trusting in God’s Plan

Trusting in God’s plan is the cornerstone of resilient faith. Even when His purposes are not immediately clear, believers can rest in the assurance that God is sovereign and that His intentions are ultimately for good. This trust brings peace amidst uncertainty, allowing believers to act with confidence and grace. Spiritual resilience grows when individuals repeatedly practice surrender, faith, and patience, recognizing that God’s wisdom surpasses human understanding.

Believers can cultivate this resilience through regular prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in supportive faith communities that encourage spiritual growth. These practices strengthen one’s understanding of God’s promises and provide encouragement during difficult seasons. As individuals consistently apply biblical principles in their daily lives, they become better equipped to navigate challenges with wisdom, hope, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Conclusion

Developing resilient faith is a lifelong journey that involves building a strong scriptural foundation, maintaining a consistent prayer life, engaging in community support, learning from adversity, and trusting in God’s plan. By cultivating these practices, believers navigate life’s challenges with confidence, grace, and an enduring heart for discipleship and learning. Applying these principles in daily life through study, prayer, mentorship, and community involvement ensures that faith not only endures but thrives. A resilient faith shapes character, guides decision-making, and equips believers to positively impact others, creating a legacy of spiritual strength and wisdom for generations to come.

Staff Writer; Carl Brown

Ancient societies regarded women as liabilities, and from birth the male and female were regarded as opposite entities in the affections of the community. When a male was born, the community celebrated, that was the occasion for partying, dancing and feasting sometimes went on for days, the parents were lauded, and the merriment lifted the spirits of everyone, and emboldened the warriors. When a female was born, it was met with a roaring silence, glum faces of disappointment were everywhere, and the parents were met with an attitude of, “sorry about that, better luck next time.”

In one sense this was understandable. Men were the protectors of the community, they were the warriors, they were the ones to hunt in the jungles, gather fruits and berries for their family and the community, at night the man guarded his family and often had to engage in battles to protect them, and it was he who had to find shelter for his family, and look after their welfare. In patriarchal societies, the role of women was restricted mostly to being mothers and domestics.

When Jesus was born, he was born into a patriarchal society, with all the norms and customs of patriarchy that were in existence for thousands of years. Jesus, therefore, had to operate within that man-dominated structure, yet he did not allow the customs and traditions to limit his outreach, and treatment, of women; as demonstrated in the gospels, time and time again.

Jesus showed the world, that whatever social or political system prevails in society, the norms of the kingdom of heaven must take priority.

Jesus demonstrated his transformative approach:

1. With the woman caught in the act of adultery. The woman was guilty as charged, and Jesus knew it, and her accusers knew it. This fact was established by the witnesses, because she was literally caught in the act. The Bible says, “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.” (Deuteronomy 17:6). The penalty for adultery was death by stoning (Leviticus 20:10)

What the accusers did wrong, was to let the man go free. They were, in truth, shutting their eyes to the iniquity of the man, while relishing the misery and coming death of the woman. This was misogyny at its worst, and Jesus was about to teach those accusers a bold lesson in justice. As you know, Jesus ended up by shaming her accusers and telling the woman, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

2. With his dealing with the woman at the well. There were some things that were traditionally abhorrent to Jews, and the woman at the well represented two such. First, she was a Samaritan, and the Samaritans were less than dogs in the esteem of the Jews. (This goes back to the 10 Northern Tribes that were captured by the Assyrians, enslaved and intermarried with foreigners, and so regarded by Jews as unclean.) Second, this woman was probably of dubious reputation, and as such was ostracised even by the Samaritans (that is probably why she went to the well alone, rather than is customary with other women).

Jesus started by opening a conversation with the woman, something that no Jew would even dream of doing, and secondly, he actually asked her for a drink of water. This mystified the woman completely. Jesus, as we know went on to convert the woman, and many Samaritans from her village.

3. With his dealing with the widow of Nain and her dead son. Jesus did not raise many people from the dead, three such are recorded in the Bible, and the only male, besides Lazarus, was the widow of Nain’s only son. Here, Jesus showed his complete understanding of the patriarchal society, and where his sympathies really lay. This was twice Jesus ressurrected people to alleviate the deep sadness of bereaved mothers, and once for a bereaved father. The other time he raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43), and he did so on behalf of Lazarus’ two sisters, Mary and Martha.

So, how are we to interpret what Jesus said to Martha as he sat in her house.

Remember that Jesus visited the house as was recorded here:

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

As we reflect on this scripture, here recorded by Luke, many interpretations are possible, but I want to look at it from the perspective of Mary’s attitude, as it related to the patriarchal society.

Many women are lauded as heroes because they are credited as doing something mighty, or noble, or super-human, and thereby earn our admiration. In this case, Mary displayed a quiet, dignified, rejection of a cumbersome and discreditable patriarchal system, and she did it with Jesus’ approval.

How so?

First, Mary refused to occupy the kitchen. This was an almost domestic insurrection, since the custom was that when a group visited, the women were to engage themselves in preparing victuals and serving the guests. In her way, Mary was having none of that.

Second, Mary was asserting her right to be somebody. Given that women were virtual non-entities, this was a powerful statement. Remember how women were regarded. When Jesus fed the 5,000 from the two fish and five barley loaves, the women were not counted, the Bible just said, “And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.” (Matthew 14:21). Even in the Jerusalem Temple, the women were confined to the women’s court, and no women could enter the Court of Israel that was reserved for men only.

Third, Mary affirmed that she wanted to hear, and question Jesus, if necessary. In the patriarchal system, what Mary was doing was akin to guerilla warfare, this simply was not done. When Jewish men discussed serious matters, women were to withdraw and let the men get on with it, and when it was a public gathering, women could neither speak, nor ask questions. This practice even entered the church, and who can forget what Paul said:

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

Mary, by her quiet demeanour, and dignified presence, sent a signal that day, that she was not to be sidelined in any future engagements as far as discipleship was concerned.

And Jesus endorsed that when he said to Martha, “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

Mary went on to become of the most faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. It was this Mary that used the expensive, aromatic ointment and anointed Jesus as he dined (John 12:3). It was this Mary that was standing there with the others at the cross when Jesus was crucified. There she was again in company with others observing the wrapping of Jesus’ body in a burial shroud. And there she was yet again at Jesus’ resurrection, among the first on that Sunday morning.

Yes, when Mary took a stand in defiance of the patriarchal system, who knew that it would lead her to become a principal disciple of Jesus Christ? And if, as some believe, that this Mary, and Mary Magdalene, is one and the same, then by taking a principled stand, she surely got it right; a good name in this life which is rather to be chosen, and everlasting glory in the life to come.

Staff Writer; Henderson W.

You can contact this Christian brother at: HWard@ThyBlackMan.com.