Chats With My Three Olivias

Children are miracles and mysteries. Before they are born, they are often given a first and last name, and relationships between parents and other family members are established. A value system is clearly reflected in the life of the child. The child must remember his/her roots and never turn his/her back on core values and principles affirmed by the teachings of Christ. The child must learn to be multifaceted and a multitasker. The qualifications of an individual are more important than the color of his/her skin. Never overlook giving back to the community; this feat enhances and enriches values in a human being.

“GOD IS BEGINNING TO GIVE ME A NEW SELF-IMAGE,” MEDFORD LEE TOLD ME. “OFTENTIMES, I FELT ISOLATED AND ALONE, ASHAMED OF MYSELF. I TRIED TO NORMALIZE AND FIND USEFUL RESOURCES TO HELP MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.” MEDFORD LEE FREASWATER WAS LIVING WITH FEAR OF HIS IMMEDIATE PAST AND WAS VERY ANXIOUS ABOUT THE FUTURE AS A YOUNG MAN. HE REALLY DIDN’T HAVE ANYONE TO TURN TO ABOUT HIS PROBLEMS. HE WAS A HIGH SCHOOL DROP-OUT BUT LATER, HE RETURNED TO SCHOOL. HE HAD MADE BAD CHOICES IN HIS TEEN YEARS AND NOW HE IS SEEKING DELIVERANCE. MANY SITUATIONS CALL FOR INVOLVEMENT ON DIFFERENT LEVELS: FINANCES, PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT, SIBLING ISSUES, REARING OF CHILDREN AND TEENS AS WELL AS OTHER NECESSITIES OF LIFE THAT CALL FOR HELP BEYOND THE FAMILY OR COMMUNITY LEVEL. MEDFORD LEE HAD TO MAKE A CHOICE AMONG CHOICES FOR HIS CAREER, MISSION AND HIS LIFE OR FACE THE PROPHESY THAT HIS LIFE WAS IN DIRE STRAIGHTS OF DECLINE. HIS CHOICES AND DECISIONS WERE TRIPLY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY FOR HIMSELF AS WELL AS HIS NEW GENERATIONS. EVERY GENERATION IS A CARE-GIVER FOR THE NEXT. HE ANCSTORS ARE HIS ROCKS IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE AND IN THE GOOD TIMES.

IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED that African Americans have been and are still being subjected to marginalized and harsh treatment today in America. We came to the Americas a million years ago and helped build this wilderness country. It is incumbent upon us as a nation to come to grips with the humanness of all people and treat each other with respect and love, acknowledging each other’s skills, talents and achievements. We are a strong nation of people. Let’s not allow the weak, racial prejudicial side of us to rule us. We can only move forward if we have a collective truthful and faithful heart. There is something inherent in all of us that should not be stifled or extinguished. We are all put on earth for a specific purpose. All generations should be given an opportunity to be what we can be as our Creator ordained it.

There are millions of innocent children of the world who deserve love, respect, concern and loyalty. Jesus said many times, “ Suffer the little children to come to me and do not bother them.” Innocent children are untrained, undisciplined and lacking in capacity or experience. Many children suffer today like never before. They need helping navigating their way through the system of life while protecting and respecting themselves. Real life does not teach great lessons in times of ease and prosperity, joy and comfort. Children’s greatest character- building and faith-strengthening lessons mostly come during times of difficulties and suffering. From the time we are born until our death, God doesn’t waste anything – not even our heartaches and trials. Many innocent children are blessed with the empowerment of faith, education and experience of joy they deserve. This is god-sent and shows God’s love of human life. He said “I will show you a most excellent way : LOVE. What we do for others, defines who we are.

Our nation can hardly realize the severity of the African American and Latinx people’s plight as they are marginalized and subjected to harsh treatment despite the end of slavery over a century ago. Yet we are fighters and have played a definitive role in shaping America’s economics, traditions, culture, values and beliefs. We must move forward to witness a new era even in the midst of a Coronavirus Pandemic, racial prejudicial and gender disparities and a lack of respect for humanity. I see a glimmer of hope as we barely realize that we need each other in society and we will need to utilize every strategy available to the human mind to survive together. “There will be no more gloom for those who were in distress, for the people walking in darkness have seen a great light. (Is. 9: 1-2)

Even though the concept of a black soldier actually being allowed to be a real soldier and go into combat his accomplishments are still often ignored. His/her achievements are still overlooked unless he dies in combat or accomplishes something extremely unusual. The black soldier still suffers adversity and animosity both in wars and in his private life. Our documents are erased or viciously omitted. Yet African American soldiers continually dare to dream of a better life as they fight for justice and equality at home and abroad.

Fighting for justice in America is a struggle for a lifetime. It is not just a struggle for a moment, a day, a month, a year. A moral voice must be heard for the quest for equality and must be relevant to an entire new generation of Americans - Black, White, Asians, Latinos and Native Americans. There is no such thing as perfection for all situations because the challenges are too great. Many unforeseen things are coming, but with the Creator's help, we will prevail, we will not fail. Our Creator has given us air to breathe, love, and substance to live by and our very existence is a gift. Our talents are based on our faith and willingness to let God's power work in us. We must made a concerted effort to value each other as we all have the Creator's finger print on us. We are a community, a nation, America!

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