I say all of that to say this, make no mistake about it. The GOVERNMENT IS DOING JUST FINE because “We The People” are footing a massive portion of the bill.
Warning: This isn’t necessarily a fun read; however, it’s an educational ride that I hope will transform our thinking in a better way.
Fact: the financial impact of the novel coronavirus on the United States has been undeniable. It is fair to say that COVID-19 has not only stirred a public health crisis, but it has prompted an economic crisis as well. The Brookings Institute released its research on the impact of COVID-19 on the American financial system. In an era of “fake news,” it's important to note that the “Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. [Their] mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.” I know, I know, but you have to do that now. Anyway…
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"However, avoiding such an assembly (or any gathering for that manner) leads to one of the most dangerous places for people of faith, isolation. When we are isolated, the highest voice we hear is our own."
Times have changed.
And as times have changed, people have changed as well. For example, I was having a conversation with a loved one about the differences between the older and younger generations. We contrasted the elders of today, from the ones we remember from our youth. We discussed how community discipline was more prevalent back then and how it had seemingly gone away. As we pondered on why this was the case, I responded, "It's not so much the elders have changed, as much as it is, the mindset of the new generation has changed. 
"Start by praying and saying, "Lord, please guide me in Your knowledge and wisdom, as I seek to build my support and community. If there is anyone in my planned selection, who doesn't support my improvement, please reveal this to me. In Your Son Jesus Name, I pray, Amen."
This Sunday, I watched as Jimmy Johnson, the former coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was informed of his pending induction into the NFL Hall of Fame as a member of the inducted class of 2020. In the process of telling him, those in attendance cheered gleefully, and it was clear that he was undeniably emotional. Former players like Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman all looked on, as Coach Johnson did his best to compose himself and express appreciation for this great honor.
"JAY-Z recorded a song entitled "Most Kingz." During this song, he's quoted as saying, "people look at you strange, and say 'you changed,' as if you worked that hard to stay the same."
If you were a hip-hop enthusiast in the year 2019, then you certainly knew, DaBaby.
DaBaby, born Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, is 28 years of age. 
"However, it's essential that we humbly acknowledge the words within James 1:20 which says, "For human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness."(CSB)."
Fact: everybody gets angry. By accurate definition, the word 'anger' is defined as "a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility." Wikipedia takes anger to a higher mark by adding that "the emotion anger, also known as wrath or rage, is an intense emotional state. It involves a strong uncomfortable and hostile response to a perceived provocation, hurt, or threat."
"However, until we start a dialogue with the uninformed who hope to become allies, I believe it will never be trendy, only tragic."
It has been said that the conversation about “mental illness” in the 21st century, is one that’s become trendy and chic.
Yeah (sigh), okay. In fairness, I understand why such a thought may exist. I believe this notion stands because for the first time in our western society, conversations about mental health are actually happening, and (even better) they’re accepted. No, we aren’t talking about mental health now because it’s some new phenomenon. Make no mistake about it, I believe that the need to address mental health, has been a real-world matter for as long as mankind has been in existence. 
"Fact: we as a society are slowly, but assuredly losing our God-given compassion. We are rarely ‘us.’ Rather, we see ‘them.’"
So, there’s an illustration that people often use. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard it before. It’s referred to as the “Boiling Frog Fable.” The story basically goes like this: a frog is placed in a pot of cool water. In time, the pot of water is eventually heated to boil. However, because the boiling process isn’t instant, and the frog is by nature able to adapt to very harsh climates, the boil is told to go unnoticed. And as a result, the frog is alleged to willingly remain in the water, and without knowing, eventually die amidst the boiling.
"However, while the point is true, you mustn’t forget that there’s a reason why they call grown-folks business, “GROWN-FOLKS BUSINESS.” It’s because this is the business that must be addressed and discussed by adults."
I may be alone with this one and if so, I’ll take it; however, I seriously doubt that I am…
Full disclosure: I am 38 years old. That means I’ve been on the Earth longer than the earliest iPhone and even (brace yourself millennials) longer than the whole internet. I am 2 years shy of 40. That’s right, 40!! Right now, there are people that I really don’t think should call me “sir,” that really do call me “sir” (to my face)! And please don’t get me started on this grey hair. 
"At some point, we’re going to have to take a look in the mirror, dig deep, and begin to ask ourselves the hard questions. Questions that will (and should) begin to expose what prayerfully, the real problem could be."
I’ve heard it said that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. If that’s true (and I’m assured that it is), then I pray you’d allow this next statement to serve as the sugar.
Fact: it takes great courage and a very resilient spirit to keep trying a thing over and over again. To look at a task and make a convicted decision that, in spite of a number of failed attempts, you refuse to give up or accept defeat. J.K. Rowling had a manuscript rejected dozens of times until it was finally accepted by a London publisher. The title you ask? Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone. 
"Am I willing to risk all that I have for this message? Would I be willing to stand alone for this message? Or, would I even be willing to lose my life for it?"
*The photograph above is of the late Fred Hampton.
I woke up this morning, in a deep pondering about what exactly this blog’s purpose should be. This thought led to prayer, and this prayer led to this. |
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.Believer - Leader - Flawed 
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