In the classic fashion of the wealthy ignorant, Donald Trump reiterated on the Today Show this past Monday that "poor people don't have any role models." Obviously, saying that to a woman who is a teacher in South Richmond's Oak Grove community, and a man who works with health providers in North Richmond's Gilpin Court community garnered a less than warm reception. Hearing foolish comments as such makes me think of the tens of thousands of men and women who work in the fire to help the burning; whose demeanor, dialect, and dress are positive and unique examples to those who may not have seen (I'll just say it) young blacks carry themselves the way they do, in person. But, as Redman said, there is a dark side...
I won't second Donald Trump's comment, but I will reconstruct what he said to something he probably should've said. (*Ahem) People who reside in neighborhoods that are considered high risk areas for violence and poverty do not have an adequate amount of individuals available to them to actively guide them towards spiritual, physical, mental, financial, and community health. Adversely, there appears to be a surplus of negative individuals and influences that are internal (dope dealers, gangs, unfit mothers, absent fathers, etc.) and external (self-serving politicians and businesses) that aggressively deplete these areas into near oblivion. Your welcome, Mr. Trump. And with his new statement, Mr. Trump is right and he shouldn't be.
There is no reason that the brothers and sisters of Jesus (Matthew 12:50) who are the children of God can't pick up this slack, because we have a model. In Matthew 25:34-40, we see Jesus welcoming people into God's Kingdom for helping Him (Jesus) because the people made successful efforts to meet His needs when he was locked up, hungry, and had a lack of clothing. The people, confused as they were, asked Jesus when was He ever in these dire situations. Jesus responded by telling them whenever they looked out for their fellow community members, they actually looked our for Him. In all that Jesus taught in theory, it is shown here practically. And for us, it is these things that truly model a significant portion of Christian behavior--which is giving/helping out of love. Please understand, 80-90% (if not more) of serving God is serving people. And you don't have to go to Sub-Saharan Africa to do it, you can help in your own city or town. Plus, as we see in this scripture, acts of servitude have earthly and eternal implications.
With that said, look around Christian brother and sister. Are you doing what you can to help your neighbor have sufficient clothing, utilities, and food when you see everyday that they need it? Are you writing letters of encouragement to your peoples tucked away at the City Jail, or Mecklenburg, or Sussex I and II? Are you sharing the love of Jesus with your depressed friends and family members through your words, your acts of kindness, and your daily routine? Something to think about.
Today is a great day to start, and a better day to continue.
Peace
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