This morning as I listened to the Steve Harvey Morning Show, I realized that there are not many empowerment groups for African American males. I was bothered by this because when my wife started to expand her awareness on styling her natural hair, my wife could easily access blogs/vlogs of committed natural hair adherents for product information. There are over thousands of vlogs/blogs about various types of products women should use for women that naturally wear their hair. In addition, women have breast cancer walks, blogs, book clubs, and social groups to foster productive dialogue about breast cancer.
When I first bought my #Nutribullet, I wanted to research how owners of #Nutribullets utilized the product and I learned that there were millions of Nutribullet juicing techniques out there. I later found out that there were Nutribullet communities that exist; and I was not involved in any of them.
As I was scrolling through my TL, which is @pneumaled, I noticed there were women that started podcasts about random church issues; and their purpose was to empower women to pray, prophecy, take authority over their lives to fulfill purpose on earth, and etc.
I could continue on and on with identifying various groups that empower, motivate, inspire, and enlighten,but my question is: WHERE ARE THE EMPOWERMENT GROUPS FOR BLACK MEN? There are some that exist, but not enough!
As much as men suffer to prostate cancer, I noticed that there are not many black empowerment groups for prostate cancer. This is unacceptable!
I believe many African American men are voiceless because they do not read much. The most an average African American male reads non-published information are his text messages. If #African American males read more, we would intellectually have productive debates. #African Americans males are very opinionated, but often muted by their ignorance!
I would like to pose a few questions to the African American male community that actually reads this blog:
- Besides experiencing this dispensation of president #Barak Obama's presidency, what has an African American male created that does not have anything to do with sports, fashion, music, and a church?
- Other than reading for school, work, or ministry, when was the last time you completed a book and actually had a discussion about the book with other like-minded men?
- When have you, as an African-American male, connected with atleast five (5) other men to pray? And I am not talking about "microwave prayer."
- Besides going to the barbershop, gym, fraternity, sports related events, night club, or church, how often do you meet with men to talk about male issues? And this is to discuss anything but the topics listed above. Therefore, AIDS, predicting the next race/gender/sexual orientation of the president, family, children, prostate cancer, mental disorders, and etc.
Some of you may criticize this blog as being limited to only African American males; thereby not being diverse enough. I understand the argument and I do understand that Christ does not target a race. However, my rebuttal is that I understand the barriers, bondages, and attacks against black males; therefore this is a personal vendetta. The Lord is calling and waiting for ALL males to step up to the plate. Not because we are losing our spiritual position, but because of the generations to come.
Black boys have #Drake, #Rick Ross,#Jay-Z, #Lil Wayne, #Lebron, #Chris Paul, #Kobe Bryant. These men have authority and power to influence young and old black males to act and function in the false reality they present; while #Obama, #Cornell West, #Sharpton, #Smiley, #Baisden are the last choice and are the ones that are bailing young and old black males from jail because they are listening to the #Weezie's, the #Drakes, #2Chainz and #Wiz Khalifa!
So what do I suggest? I suggest that:
1) Take some quiet time to evaluate your past, present, and figure out who you want to be in the future and how you to appear in the future,
2) Think about the boys that have yet to be birthed, and ask are they going to come to you for advice on life, and if and when they do, what direction are you going to lead them
3) Think about family: A Chinese proverb states, "It is harder to lead a family than to rule a nation." One thing I know about men is that we like challenges and this Chinese proverb can cause us to step up to the challenge of being present to/for our families over everything else!
4) Become #COMMITTED to living for JESUS CHRIST (this should be first for all Christian men, but I realize that Jesus is not a reality for non-believers and even those that may not be as committed to Christ as you)!
5) Make adjustments and changes in the dynamics of your relationships.
6) Become a "one woman kinda guy"
7) call 559-726-1200 ext 413839 to join my group of prayer warriors
I pray that as you read this blog you will be transformed and respond to what the Lord has laid on my heart. I pray that you share this blog with other men and women; and ultimately with as many people as you know! This is fresh revelation for maintaining the relevancy of the male! Lastly, I pray that this blog is a blessing to you!
Come on MEN, LETS STEP IT UP!
FOR CHRIST'S GLORY!
FOR CHRIST'S GLORY!
