Put Up or Shut Up – I’d Finally Had Enough
I’m usually a fairly cordial and friendly soul. Some things however push my buttons and awaken my inner prophet. This was such a conversation.
The man at my table was droning on about the horrible state of our society and especially in his cross hairs was our public schools. How that kid’s parents didn’t teach them at home, and how they had no respect for authority, and teachers were mere babysitters, and we needed to return God and prayer to the schools…blah, blah, blah.
That was it. I had heard enough.
As he finally paused for a breath, I inserted, “You know what I think would make a difference?” And now all eyes were on me at our table of eight. And then I said it. “If you would get involved!” No really. Instead of complaining and pointing fingers, why not as Ghandi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Or as Jeremiah the Bible prophet wrote, “Seek the welfare of your community, and in that you will find your welfare.” ~ Jeremiah 29:7
Well — You can ask me later how that suggestion was received! But no, really, when will we leave the safety of our gated communities and walled off church buildings, come down from our bully pulpits, and comfortable pews, roll up our sleeves — and BE the change!
If Scripture writer James was our POTUS (Prophet of the United States) he would tweet, “Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” ~ James 2:17 The Message
This week I met with a friend who works tirelessly with a refugee population of 5,000 in our community. She in near tears begged for especially men to work with a generation of young men desperately in need of mentorship. For if not — they will become untapped and wasted lives of what could have been. Josh Shipp says that, “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” And I believe it!
At Loving Community we love to mentor kids and young people! I am so grateful for our mentoring initiatives such as…
- Boys2Men and mentors like Dr. Kevin Rogers, Michael Wichensky, Larry Casselberry, Paul Sigman, Marc Thompson, and Tracey Scott Miller
- Men of Distinction and mentors like Melvin Owens, Andy Plunkett, Bob Barnett, Ben Miller, Chad McDavid, Keith Campbell, Doug Mulvihill, Dane Felicien, Jason Graves, Derick Wilson and Paul Gage
- Rockbrook Reading Initiative and readers like Bruce Quinn, Coleen Zook, and Bethany Detriech
- Operation Success and tutors such as Bob Johnson, John Elliott, Laranda Eakin and students from Marcus and Flower Mound High Schools
And so respectfully, could I ask before you “go off” on the great failures of our society and schools, will you join us and “Be the change that you wish to see in the world. That’s all!
Always welcoming new mentors. Contact me and I can connect you.
Jim
