The afternoon of July 18, 2021 was normal and typical for the season of summer. Sitting inside a Ford SUV, I was accompanied by my mother and two younger siblings. As we all exit the SUV my childhood church stands in front of us. Walking through the doors of Oneness Rehoboth Apostolic Church for the first time in seven years brought back memories (both bitter and sweet). Each of us wore face mask, were scanned, and rubbed sanitizer on our hands. Entering the sanctuary we were given seats by the ushers. The 1:00pm service was great. The man that preached knew the scriptures and the choir did justice. Finally, the call was made for a request for baptism and I would leave my seat to get changed. On my way to the pool of water what was once nervousness turned into calmness. Before I would be made a new creature in Christ a prayer was given by one of the bishops of the church. Buried and baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, I was now a new man and being in the eyes of the Lord. My family along with the congregation rejoiced and praised God that another member was included into the Kingdon of Heaven. A folder welcoming me to the body of Christ was given to me with a red Bible Dictionary/Study Help on my way out. I took the "congratulations" and "I'm proud of you" comments with a grain of salt. The only well done I wanted was from the Lord. Sour Cream & Onion chips were snacked on while we hopped in the same SUV and drove back home. One of our family friends joined us as we ate chicken gizzards and salad for dinner.
More than a year previous a deadly virus forced the world to lockdown and close it's borders. COVID-19 ruined everyone's resolutions and plans for 2020. Every item that was fit for survival was taken off aisles of a local supermarket. Strict mask mandates and curfews were enforced. Some people lost their jobs and places of residence. To avoid depression, self-harm, or even catching covid Netflix and chill was the only safe option.
On May 25, 2020, the world witnessed one of the most blatant acts of brutality by the hands of law enforcement, resulting in the death of a man named George Floyd. Whether one thinks that what had happened to Floyd was right or wrong doesn't matter. But what is actual and factual is the fact that a life was taken away for reasons that are still unclear. Not even twenty-four hours after the public lynching of Floyd America's fragile social construct had crumbled. There were those that meant well, protesting and petitioning in small circles. However, in every social struggle there comes troublemakers and opportunist. Inside every major city riots posing as peaceful protests ruled the day. You literally had people that felt like they were robbing and looting in the name of George Floyd. If you think the media would be honest about what was really happening than think again. Cooler heads needed to prevail and words of wisdom were never uttered. Knowing the media machine in the U.S. every situation is seen as an opportunity to exploit.
Growing up I idolized people like Don Lemon, Trevor Noah, and Anderson Cooper. By the time 2020 came into full swing I witnessed these very people become pawns in a bigger schemed chess game. It was as if you were watching MSNBC or CNN and seeing those voices that are supposed to be used for righteousness' sake be used as tools of deceit and confusion. Standing in front of an establishment in ruins (due to riots) and your opening statement evolves around citizens peacefully protesting made my Spidey senses go off. What this said to me was that in this world we all have a price tag attached to us. We all will sell our souls to speak/or tell a false narrative. Mind you, I already had my own personal views about news networks for some time before hand, but at this point every network was seen as a head of the same monster.
Laying on my bed I stare at the ceiling in a state of paranoia. Going through my head were all kinds of thoughts from panic to depression. I had a lot on my mind and my heart was heavy. My knees became weak and I bowed my head. Praying and talking to the Lord, all of my pain and suffering would slowly vanish and I truly felt the presence of God shifting the atmosphere around me. Finishing up my prayer I felt a sense of urgency and a pull to do something from the confines of my struggle. Now on my feet I picked up a pen and a notebook and wrote an essay titled Proclamation (Free At Last). We all have to make choices. The choices we make now will determine what our futures might look like. It is through God's grace that we are among the living. The way God moves man can't match.
I commune with the Lord three times a day. I livestream Bible Study on Wednesdays. Not only do I Livestream Sunday morning church services I'm a part of a Discipleship class coming out of Oneness Rehoboth Apostolic Church. I believe that God sets his people for greatness in different lanes. I'm where I'm at for a reason. I am proud as to what I have accomplished on the physical plane, but I'm eager to find out who I can become in Christ. Little by little the Lord has torn down the things I use to idolize. Television and social media consumption has lessened and God's word rings loud inside my mind and heart. Here I stand as clay waiting for the potter to mold and shape me. Here I stand an imperfect vessel wanting to used by the Lord. Here I stand before the Lord a child in need of direction and love. I urge anyone who reads this page to seek Christ and Christ alone. You'll be made a new creature and will never thirst.
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