the war between Texas Democrats and Republicans who are angry over their fleeing the Lone Star state to avoid a vote on an unfair remap (D-7th) and Illinois (D8th) called the Trump-backed move “an affront to democracy.”
Gov. Greg Abbott and asked him to pass a remap that will give him five Texas Congressional seats four of which are headed by Black Congressmen.
brown voters in 2024. “They are going full blast attacking hundreds of thousands of voters” in time for the 2026 midterms with their organized voter Vigilante groups.
But Greg Palast, who is principal journalist with the Palast Investigative Fund and an investigative reporter for
And while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sic’d the FBI on the 50 missing Democrats, who left Texas to avoid voting on a racially gerrymandered remap, vowing to “hunt them down and arrest them,” he has no jurisdiction to do that. So, he is fining each $500 a day and reducing their budgets to force them to return to Texas.
"I am asking people to send money to help the Texas Democrats. The money will go to the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TXLBC). That is the main thing people can do to help," said Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-7th). He said the money should be sent to this link: TXLBC Legal Fund Campaign 2025.
The Democrats reminded people Trump, in a phone call to then Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find him 11,780 votes he needed to overturn the 2020 presidential election he had lost to Joe Biden. Then the Republicans refused saying he had crossed the line.
Now comes 2025 and Trump is afraid of losing his Republican majority in the House and Senate so he called Texas
Raw Story, warned that Vigilante voter groups are already purging Black and brown voters in preparation for the 2026 midterm, high stakes showdown. Having just received a message from the conservative Texas-based nonprofit organization, True the Vote,” Palast warned this is the group behind the Vigilantes challenges of Black and
Palast warned that Trump can only win Texas by cheating like his asking Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to have his Republican House members pass a remap that would give Trump five Black and brown Congressional seats leaving Texas with no minority congressmen but giving Trump a super majority he needs to maintain political power.
Currently, there are 219 Republicans in the House and 212 Democrats with four seats vacant. The vacant seats are Texas 18th Congressional District once headed by a Democrat, Arizona, 7th district formerly headed by a Democrat, Virginia, 11th district once headed by a Democrat, and Tennessee, 7th district formerly headed by a Republican.
In the Senate, there are 53 Republicans, 45 Democrats and 2 Independents who caucus with the Democrats. With a razor thin margin of victory, Palast said, “The Republicans can only win by cheating.”
With that in mind, Rep. Ford said it is important that, “We stand firmly against the Republicans in Texas regarding their manipulative redistricting efforts. This blatant attempt to undermine fair representation is an affront to democracy.
“All Democrats must unite to protect our democratic principles and ensure that every voice is heard,” Ford said.
“We can fight for districts that protect Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and college affordability. Using Texas as a model, • Continue on page 45
hroughout history, the figure of Jesus Christ has been interpreted through countless lenses, each offering a unique perspective on His life and mission. One compelling and deeply resonant portrayal is that of Jesus as an immigrant a theme that emerges in both subtle and overt ways throughout the biblical narrative. This view connects Jesus’ humanity to everyday experiences, urging us to reconsider how we treat strangers and the marginalized.
Jesus’ Birth: A Story of Movement and Displacement
From the very inception of His life, Jesus’ story is marked by movement and a sense of not quite belonging to a single place. According to the Gospels, Jesus was conceived in Nazareth, in the region of Galilee, yet He was born in Bethlehem, Judea. This journey was prompted by a Roman decree requiring a census, which forced Joseph and Mary to leave home for Joseph’s ancestral city.
Upon their arrival in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph found no room in the inn, a detail that highlights their status as strangers and outsiders to the community. The birth of Jesus in a manger, a humble and precarious circumstance, further highlights the vulnerability and lack of rootedness that characterize the immigrant experience. Even in His first moments, Jesus is subject to the whims and policies of those in power, dependent on the kindness of strangers, and without a settled place to call home.
The Flight to Egypt: Jesus as a Refugee
The immigrant identity of Jesus is most dramatically illustrated in the episode known as the Flight to Egypt, recounted in the Gospel of Matthew. After His birth, King Herod, threatened by the
prophecy of a new “King of the Jews,” sought to kill the infant Jesus. Warned in a dream, Joseph takes his family and flees with Mary and the young Jesus to Egypt.
This harrowing journey transforms the Holy Family into refugees people
forced from their homeland by violence and the threat of death. In Egypt, they are strangers, living on foreign soil,
dependent on hospitality and subject to uncertainty about their future. The return to Galilee is prompted not by a sense of setlines, but by the ongoing danger posed by Herod’s successor. Thus, in the earliest chapters of His life, Jesus experiences displacement, flight, and resettlement the very realities that mark the lives of millions of immigrants and refugees today.
The Ministry of Jesus: Embracing the Margins
As Jesus’ public ministry unfolds, His actions and teachings are often oriented toward those who, like Himself, exist on the margins of society. He seeks out the tax collector, the Samaritan, the leper, and the Gentile the outsider, the foreigner, the one who does not belong. Jesus’ parables and miracles frequently cross boundaries: geographical, social, religious, and ethnic. He travels beyond Jewish territory into regions inhabited by Gentiles, performs miracles for Roman centurions and Syrophoenician women, and breaks bread with those considered unclean or undesirable by the broader society.
Jesus’ empathy for the outsider is not merely theoretical; it is rooted in lived experience. Having experienced displacement, foreign rule, and growing up in a region dismissed by others (“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”), asks Nathanael in John 1:46), Jesus identifies with those who are excluded and invites His followers to do the same. In the Gospel of Matthew, He says, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35), highlighting the centrality of hospitality and compassion in the kingdom of God.
Jesus’ Death: The Ultimate Crossing of Borders
The story of Jesus culminates in the ultimate act of crossing boundaries not • Continue on page 6.
Continued from page 5. only physical and national, but existential and spiritual. In His death, Jesus bridges the chasm between humanity
and the divine, offering Himself for the sake of all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or status. The cross becomes a place where all divisions are undone: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11).
Here, Jesus acts as an immigrant, leaving safety to share in others' suffering and alienation. He becomes the “outsider” par excellence, rejected by His people and executed outside the city walls, a literal and symbolic act of exclusion.
Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel are reminded of their own status as “strangers in the land of Egypt,” and are commanded to care for the foreigner, the widow, and the orphan. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Leviticus 19:33-34).
If Jesus Came Today: Borders and Barriers in the 21st Century
The notion of Jesus as an immigrant assumes fresh significance when we consider His arrival in the contemporary world. What if Jesus, the Savior of all humanity, were to come today a child born to young, displaced parents, fleeing violence and political unrest, seeking safety and opportunity in a foreign land?
Would he encounter suspicion at border crossings, face policies designed to keep out the vulnerable, or be labeled as an “illegal alien”? Would His family be met with compassion and support, or would they be turned away as strangers? These questions invite us to reflect on our own attitudes toward immigrants and refugees and challenge us to align our actions with the radically inclusive love that Jesus embodied.
The Call to Welcome the Stranger
The identification of Jesus with the immigrant is not limited to His biography; it resonates with broader biblical themes.
This ethic of hospitality is amplified in the teachings of Jesus and the early church. The Book of Hebrews exhorts believers: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). The image of the church as a community of “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11) underscores the ongoing call to solidarity with those who are displaced and marginalized.
Conclusion: Embracing the Immigrant Christ
To see Jesus as an immigrant is to encounter Him afresh not only as the Savior who transcends all boundaries, but as one who inhabits the very spaces of vulnerability, displacement, and hope that millions experience each day.
This vision challenges us to welcome the stranger, defend the oppressed, and break down the artificial barriers that divide us.
In a world marked by migration and movement, by walls and borders, the immigrant Christ stands as both model and invitation.
He calls us to see ourselves in the faces of those who journey in search of safety and dignity and to recognize in their stories the very heart of God.
May we have the courage to welcome Him, whenever and wherever He appears.
onald J. Trump, President of the United States, has faced legal challenges and public criticism throughout his political career. His conduct, both in and out of office, continues to be a source of discussion, with opponents and supporters offering contrasting narratives about his motivations and leadership style.
Similarly, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, is a signifw closely observed on the world stage. Recently, statements attributed to him regarding a "Greater Israel" have drawn condemnation from several Arab countries. In an interview on Israeli television, Mr. Netanyahu confirmed his attachment to this idea, calling it a "historic and spiritual mission." Such declarations can have farreaching diplomatic implications and often evoke strong reactions from neighboring states and the broader international community.
national leaders are significant, as their words and actions can shape the course of peace and conflict. The issues of accountability, honesty, and ethical leadership are key topics in public discussion. As citizens and observers, it is crucial to analyze events with a critical yet balanced perspective, recognizing the broader context in which these decisions are made and the potential effects they may have on lives worldwide.
coming to the four corners of the earth. Now the end is coming for you. I will send my anger against you. I will judge you for how you have lived, and I will punish you for all the detestable things you have done.
Are the leaders of the United States and Israel genuinely concerned about their people or even their lives? Given that both have a history of prolonged problems, to avoid jail which is a personal matter for both. They act like children fighting in the street, taking out their frustrations on their inability to resolve difficulties; they take it out on taxpayers.
I will have no compassion for you or feel sorry for you. I will repay you for your way of life and your detestable deeds. Then you will know that I am the Lord. This is what the Almighty Lord says: One disaster after another is coming.
Should Israel ignore what the Lord has promised or repent, which includes the prime minister, who should face up to the court matters as should Trump? Both leaders of mighty countries ought to face the wrath of God and not be concerned about people. God is God!
The interconnectedness of global politics means that leaders relationships with other influential figures, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, are often analyzed for their potential impact on international conflicts. Decision making in these high stakes situations shows that outcomes are not solely the result of one person s choices but are also shaped by political, historical, and social factors. However, leaders ought to have the ability to think critically.
This inability is known in America, as Trump sent the National Guard, as he said, to restore order. Crime issues have been at an all time low for years now. He cannot bring order to the chaos within his administration, the United States, nor abroad. This is an example of speaking out of both sides of the mouth to conceal the truth or divert attention from real issues when there are no absolute solutions. Neither has the answers.
Ultimately, the responsibilities of
The Lord spoke His word to Israel and said, "Son of man, this is what the Almighty Lord communicates to the people in the land of Israel: The end is approaching." The end is
God promised Israel: There will be confusion. There will be no joy in the mountains. Soon, I will pour out my fury on you and unleash my anger. I will judge you for how you have lived, and I will punish you for all the detestable things you have done. I will have no compassion or mercy. I will repay you for how you have lived and for the detestable things you continue to do. Then you will know that I am the Lord, and I am the one attacking you. God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Number 23:19.
he breadlines during the Great Depression are some of the most symbolic characteristics of the Great Depression. The breadlines were unusually long and crowded, despite of the fact that the agency were providing little bread to each individuals. Although most of people on the breadline were capable laborers, the lack of employment opportunities made them unable to make any production and forced them to wait on a crowded line for most of the day-time. It was quite tragic, since many capable workers were forced to accept the little ration provided by the government. Certain city folks found it unbearable and relocated themselves to rural areas to farm, in hope of using their labor to produce actual food.
The image shown is of the long, crowded breadlines during the Great Depression. The picture depicts the breadline on
a cold day, in which many people wear wearing heavy jackets and hiding their hands in the pockets. They have no other choice other than waiting there. They could not produce food in the city (or not fast enough, since growing vegetation in the backyard cannot guarantee a stable food source), so they had no choice but to accept their only stable source of food. On the other hand, the second picture portrays the irony of America’s economics collapse. Just several years ago, the Americans were celebrating the lavish lifestyle and liberal behaviors of the Roaring Twenties; however, by the time of the depression, Americans no longer had the money and leisure to enjoy their freedom and the world’s highest standard of living. Nothing remained but the ad board, which ironically depicted their faded prosperity during the age of wide-scale poverty.
ples are based on physics and art, rather than statements about human origins.
The question of the origin of Black people is deeply entwined with the broader story of humanity s beginnings. According to the overwhelming consensus in the fields of anthropology and genetics, Homo sapiens is believed to have originated in Africa. The earliest fossil evidence for anatomically modern humans is found in East Africa, dating back at least 200,000 years. Genetic studies further confirm that all humans today trace their ancestry back to this region, making Africa the cradle of humanity.
The notion that black was the first color is a symbolic one, rather than a scientific assertion about
The concept of Black people as a group is a product of both physical variation (such as skin pigmentation) and later social constructs. Darker skin evolved as an adaptation to the intense ultraviolet radiation of the African environment. Over tens of thousands of years, as humans migrated to different climates, variations in skin tone developed. Thus, the earliest humans would indeed have had dark skin.
humanity. Yet, it does resonate poetically with the scientific finding that humans originated in Africa and likely had dark complexions.
garments, stones, or visions) rather than descriptions of people. There is no scriptural evidence that God favored one color or complexion over another.
Genesis recounts that after Cain killed Abel, he was exiled east of Eden to the land of Nod. The Bible does not specify the location of Nod, the inhabitants, or their physical appearance. It simply states that Cain knew his wife, implying the presence of other humans. Interpretations of this passage vary:
Some suggest that Adam and Eve had other sons and daughters not mentioned in detail, and Cain found a partner among them.
Others interpret the story as mythic or allegorical, not intended to provide a literal account of population origins.
The Bible does not mention the complexion of Adam, Eve, Cain, or the inhabitants of Nod.
In art class, you may have learned that all colors come from black, or perhaps more precisely, that black is a mixture of many colors. Scientifically, in the realm of pigment (subtractive color mixing), combining all colors together tends to create black or a very dark hue. In contrast, when mixing light (additive color mixing), all colors together make white. These princi-
The Book of Genesis, like much of the Hebrew Bible, offers little detail about the physical appearance or skin color of Adam, Eve, or their descendants. Genesis narrative is focused on moral, spiritual, and relational aspects rather than phys-
mention of skin color in the Garden of Eden.
The Bible does reference color in other contexts, but these are typically symbolic (e.g., the color of
The idea that one race or complexion is superior to another is a relatively recent development in human history. Ancient societies recognized differences in appearance, but the concept of race as a rigid, biological hierarchy emerged in the context of European colonialism, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.
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Continued from page 6.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, pseudo scientific theories were developed to justify the subjugation and enslavement of non-European peoples. These theories falsely claimed that some races were naturally superior to others. This ideology was further propagated by groups such as the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) and found its way into many social, legal, and educational systems.
forces. Systems of power and privilege have been built and maintained on these ideas, and they are perpetuated by cultural, institutional, and sometimes even familial transmission.
Modern science soundly rejects these theG w more variation within so called races than between them. Race is now understood as a social construct, not a biological truth.
Despite clear scientific refutation, ideas of racial superiority persist due to historical, economic, and social
While ancient art and biblical stories are rich with symbolism, they do not provide documentation about the color or race of early humans. Science indicates that humankind originated in Africa, with dark skin being an adaptive trait. The notion of racial superiorreality.
Recognizing our shared origins and the constructed nature of racial categories is essential to overcoming the prejudices that have caused so much suffering. Diversity in appearance is a testament to humanity’s adaptability and history, not a measure of worth or value.
he road to humanity was a long one, and we are still exploring its byways.
It began in Africa some 7 million years ago when our lineage split from that of our closest living relatives the chimpanzees. Our ancestors still resembled apes nearly 4 millions years later. This includes Lucy, a 3.2 million year old human ancestor discovered in Ethiopia, from a group called the australopiths. In some ways Lucy was very ape like: she had a chimp-sized brain and long arms that suggest she spent a lot of time in trees. But she also walked on two legs, like modern humans.
Hominins living at this time probably made simple stone tools, but our ancestors didn t really begin to look and behave like us until about 1.9 million years ago with the appearance of the genus Homo. Homo erectus fossils have been found in Europe and Asia, marking it out as the first hominin to make its way out of Africa. It produced far more sophisticated tools than its predecessors, and was probably also the first hominin to control fire.
Some researchers believe it invented cooking, providing them with more energy to allow bigger brains yet to evolve.
rom the earliest moments of human consciousness, there has been a sense of tensional struggle between forces of good and evil, light and darkness, hope and despair. Stories spanning thousands of years have depicted this conflict, portraying heroes and villains in both literal and symbolic forms. Yet, beneath folklore and myth, a spiritual reality exists that many have confirmed: the existence of opposing forces that seek to undermine, confuse, and oppress. In every generation, people have wondered: how does one confront these shadowy influences?
In the language of faith, this struggle is not merely psychological but truly spiritual. The idea that unseen entities often referred to as spirits, principalities, or powers- resist the progress of goodness, seeking to hinder the flourishing of souls and communities, is found in the sacred texts of many traditions. And yet, woven through these narratives is a recurring theme: the authority to rebuke, to command, and to expel the foul spirit of the enemy.
What does it mean to engage in spiritual warfare? It is neither a physical contest nor an argument of intellect alone. Rather, it is the exercise of spiritual authority freely granted to those who pursue the path of light to confront and overcome the forces that would seek to destroy peace, unity, and love.
The phrase, “Foul spirit of the enemy, I command you: The Lord rebukes you,” is itself a declaration of this authority. It is not uttered in pride or anger, but in the humble recognition that power over dark-
ness does not originate from human strength but is bestowed from above. Here, the one who speaks does so not in their own name, but in the name of the Lord invoking a higher authority to effect a change that cannot be accomplished by mere earthly means.
Throughout history, writers and thinkers have labored to name the adversary. Sometimes, the enemy is defined in terms of specific circumstances, such as injustice, hatred, violence, addiction, or oppression. Sometimes, it is conceived as a personal force a spirit, a demon, an accuser whose purpose is to sow confusion and despair. The psalms lament the cruelty of enemies; the prophets speak of spirits that blind and de-
ceive; the apostles warn of principalities and powers that wage war unseen.
Yet regardless of the form, the enemy’s methods are often the same: division, fear, temptation, and falsehood. Its presence may be felt in a sudden chill of hopelessness, a whisper of doubt, or an atmosphere of heaviness that stifles joy and creativity. Recognizing the enemy is the first step in confronting it, for what is named can be rebuked; what is brought into the light has no place to hide.
To rebuke is to confront with the expectation of change. It is an act of resistance against evil, an assertion that darkness must yield before the light. But the authority to do so is not claimed lightly. Within the Christian tradition, for example, it is understood that the power to rebuke spirits is given through faith in the Lord, whose victory over evil is both historical and ongoing. It is in this context that the statement, “The Lord rebukes you,” gains its potency. The speaker stands not as a solitary figure but as one aligned with the power of the Divine. The words become a vessel of transcendence, a channel through which the light shines, driving away the shadows. In other traditions, similar acts of rebuke are performed in the name of goodness, truth, and justice always pointing beyond the individual to a source of strength that cannot be corrupted.
sense, every rebuke is both a defense and a declaration, an exorcism and a consecration.
How does one practice spiritual rebuke? It begins with discernment a careful, prayerful examination of the situation, the atmosphere, and the heart. Is what is felt truly an adversarial force, or is it a burden of the mind, a shadow cast by circumstances? The wise do not rush to rebuke, but seek clarity, wisdom, and guidance.
Once discerned, the act of rebuke is both simple and profound. It may be spoken aloud, in solitude or community, as a declaration of faith: “Foul spirit of the enemy, I command you: The Lord rebukes you.” The words are not magic; their power lies not in sound but in meaning. They are a signpost of trust, an outpouring of confidence in the goodness that overcomes evil.
Many traditions employ rituals to accompany the act of rebuke. Incense may be burned, prayers may be sung, sacred texts may be read. In some settings, the laying on of hands, the sprinkling of water, or the lighting of candles serve as outward signs of inward resolve. These actions help to focus intent, gather the community, and create an atmosphere where the light is welcomed and the darkness banished.
But the most significant ritual is the ritual of the heart, steadfast commitment to dwell in truth, to walk in love, and to refuse the invitations of despair. The rebuke targets not only external forces but also inner temptations like resentment, bitterness, fear, and pride. In this
Throughout the ages, stories abound of those who stood firmly in faith and witnessed the power of rebuke. There are tales of rooms cleared of heaviness, hearts freed from torment, and communities restored to joy. Sometimes the change is immediate a palpable shift, a sudden peace. Sometimes it comes slowly, through persistence and patience, a gradual dawning of hope.
Consider the story of a small village beset by division and strife. Neighbors quarreled, families withdrew, and the atmosphere grew thick with sadness. The elders gathered, recognizing that something unseen was at work. They prayed together, speaking words of rebuke, calling on the power of the Lord to drive away the spirit of discord. In the days that followed, forgiveness blossomed, laughter returned, and the village was healed.
Or picture a solitary soul, tormented by addiction and self-doubt. Alone in their room, they confront the darkness within, speaking words of rebuke not in rage but in hope. Gradually, the grip of despair loosens, and the embers of purpose begin to glow. Supported by community and faith, they emerge into light, free from the chains that once bound them.
The act of rebuke is not a one-time event but a way of life. To live in victory is to be ever vigilant, ever humble, ever ready to confront the spirits that seek to destroy. It is to cultivate gratitude, generosity, and
forgiveness, knowing that every act of kindness is itself a rebuke to evil. It is to stand firm in the face of adversity, trusting that the light will prevail.
Communities that practice the discipline of spiritual rebuke become havens of hope. They are not immune to trouble, but they are resilient, buoyed by the knowledge that they are not alone in the struggle. Every gathering, every prayer, every act of love is a reminder that darkness is fleeting, that the power of the enemy is limited, and that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord of light.
The Invitation to Empowerment
In a world troubled by numerous adversaries both visible and invisible, the power of spiritual rebuke offers a path to freedom. It is an invitation to stand in the authority of goodness, to speak truth in the face of lies, to resist division, and to embrace unity. The words, “Foul spirit of the enemy, I command you: The Lord rebukes you,” are more than a formula; they are a summons to courage, faith, and action.
May we learn to wield this authority wisely, with humility and compassion. May we recognize the battles we face, and confront them not with fear, but with hope. For every heart that refuses to yield to darkness becomes a beacon shining with the light that no enemy can extinguish. The Lord rebukes, and the shadows flee; goodness triumphs, and peace prevails.
And so, armed with faith, let us walk boldly into the world, knowing that the power to rebuke is not ours alone, but a gift of grace to be shared, a light to be kindled, and a promise to be fulfilled.
roborating testimony or a confession.
ported by substantial evidence and legal procedure.
reason is considered one of the gravest offenses against a nation, typically involving acts that betray the country s security or sovereignty. The concept of treason has existed for centuries, often carrying the harshest penalties available under a nation's legal system. But what exactly constitutes treason, and does the standard differ for public officials who are elected?
Treason is typically defined as betraying one's country by waging war against it or helping its enemies. In the United States, for example, Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution states:
“Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.
The standard for treason does not change for public officials primarily for two reasons:
This definition is intentionally narrow to prevent the abuse of the charge for political purposes. Most nations have similar definitions, requiring explicit acts of betrayal, often during times of war or conflict.
For most citizens, treason involves:
Taking up arms against the state
Providing intelligence, weapons, or other support to enemy forces
Conspiring with foreign powers to undermine national security
Publicly elected officials, such as members of parliament, Congress, and serve the nation. As such, their actions are held to a high standard ied war against their own country or
These acts must generally be proven with clear evidence, and in many jurisdictions, they require cor-
Their position may put them in situi-
Rule of Law: Legal systems are built on the principle that all citizens are subject to the same laws and standards, regardless of their position.
Protection Against Political Abuse:
The legal process does not lower or raise the threshold for treason based on office alone; instead, it ensures that accusations are sup-
Broadening or narrowing the treason standard for officials could open the door to politically motivated charges, undermining democratic institutions. s important to note that public officials may be charged with other offenses such as corruption, abuse of power, or dereliction of duty that are distinct from treason but still represent serious breaches of public trust. These charges have their standards and processes.
Treason is defined as a direct, intentional betrayal of one s country, and this standard applies equally to both public elected officials and private citizens. Although the impact of an official s betrayal might be greater due to their position, the legal definition and the burden of proof remain the same.
This maintains fairness under the law and prevents the misuse of such a serious charge for political reasons.
ents and vision, echoed his every sentiment, their tongues repeating his words as gospel.
n an era defined by the streaming of sound and the relentless pulse of digital culture, a deeper story unfolds in silence a story often overlooked, its roots buried beneath the noise. It is the narrative of Lucifer, the once revered Archangel, whose fall from celestial glory has become less a lesson and more a forgotten footnote in the collective consciousness of today s youth. Bereft of biblical instruction, many young minds traverse the world with a hunger for meaning yet remain unaware of the ancient tale of rebellion and seduction that quietly shapes the fabric of human experience.
This is where allegory meets the reality of urban life. The structure of gangs, the cult of personality,
For individuals familiar with religious texts, the name Lucifer is associated with themes of light, ambition, and pride. Originally, Lucifer did not stand as an enemy, but rather as a bearer of light, a leader among the angelic hosts. His gifts were manifold: radiant authority, musical genius, and a charisma that drew followers to him as effortlessly as the Pied Piper draws the children of Hamelin.
Yet, as legend holds, Lucifer s gifts bred dangerous confidence. Empowered by his musical prowess said to be so divine that it resonated through the corridors of Heaven itself Lucifer began to envision a kingdom of his design, one unconstrained by the will of his Creator. In modern parlance, he was the leader of the boys a cadre of loyalists who, enamored by his tal-
and the intoxicating pull of a charismatic leader are not foreign to the streets, nor are they new under the sun. As the youth drift farther from the stories that once cautioned against such blind allegiance, they risk repeating the very patterns set long ago, unconscious actors in an ancient drama.
It is said that the notes he played were not mere sounds, but living entities, capable of stirring hearts, kindling passions, and uniting legions. The spiritual narrative suggests that this gift, bestowed by God, became the very means of his insurrection: through music, Lucifer shaped thought, molded loyalty, and seduced legions into following his cause.
Fast forward to today, and the echo is unmistakable. Music remains a significant and impactful influence. It shapes identity, defines culture, and forges community among the young. Yet, without guidance or discernment, music can also become an avenue for manipulative means by which destructive messages and values infiltrate the psyche.
Much as Lucifer s melodies once echoed through Heaven, today s anthems resound through earbuds and speakers, unexamined and unfiltered. The youth, wanting to be street smart, often take pride in their ability to navigate the world s temptations. But street smarts, when untethered from wisdom and historical awareness, may become little more than an illusional veneer of control masking a lack of proper understanding.
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Continued from page 10.
with one s own will. In Heaven, Lucifer s ambition led him to try to overthrow the divine order. The narrative concludes with his exile: cast down to earth, his gang of followers in tow, condemned to wander and seek out souls to sway.
, then as now, stays a double edged sword. It can inspire revolution and foster solidarity, but it can also ensnare, deceive, and destroy. The narrative of Lucifer warns of the power that comes with musical leadership and the responsibility to wield that power wisely.
This story takes on a new form on Earth. The allure of power, the seduction of recognition, and the unchecked pursuit of personal glory can unravel even the most promising lives. For youth unfamiliar with this story, the dangers are hidden, and warnings go unnoticed. The streets offer their forms of hierarchy and leadership, yet without the underpinning of moral education, many are led astray by those who wield charisma without conscience.
If knowledge of Lucifer s tale has faded, so too has the art of discernment, the ability to sift the truth from the false, the good from the harmful. Once, the biblical narrative served as a foundation for understanding the dangers of misplaced allegiance and unchecked influence. Today, that foundation is often absent, leaving youth adrift in a world saturated with competing messages.
When
youth consume music uncrit-
Education, in its truest sense, extends beyond the accumulation of facts. It is the cultivation of wisdom, the sharpening of judgment, and the nurturing of a conscience attuned to what is helpful and what is harmful. Without this, the street smarts so prized by the young become hollow, unable to distinguish between the leader who uplifts and the one who leads astray.
The final act of the Lucifer narrative finds him roaming the earth, seeking whom he may devour. The metaphor is fitting. In the absence of spiritual awareness, youth become vulnerable to the subtle seductions of culture, be it through music, media, or the allure of street life. The predator does not always announce itself with fangs and claws; sometimes it sings with a voice of gold and offers a sense of belonging.
To address this, there needs to be a revival of discernment, a return to the stories and lessons that help young people recognize both the gift and the shadow within themselves and their leaders. This doesn t require dogmatic instruction, but rather an honest engagement with the narratives that have shaped human understanding for thousands of years.
In the end, the story of Lucifer is more than a cautionary tale; it is a mirror held up to every generation. It asks: What gifts have you been given? How will you use them? Who will you follow, and why?
violence, vice, or vanity, they risk internalizing values that undermine their own well being. The voice behind the beat be it a modern artist or the metaphorical Lucifer may not always have their best interests at heart. The ability to enjoy music while staying vigilant, to appreciate talent without surrendering to its every message, is a mark of true maturity.
The youth of today, in their search for identity and belonging, would do well to reclaim this lost heritage not as a relic of the past, but as a living guide for navigating the complexities of the present.
As long as music can move us and leaders command loyalty, the lessons of Lucifer s rise and fall remain urgent. Street smarts without wisdom are insufficient. Only by combining experience with understanding can the next generation hope to rise above the subtle traps around them and create music that lifts up rather than enslaves.
ave you ever paused to consider the countless sights and sounds that pass before you each day how much of it truly nourishes your spirit?
The world is a tapestry woven with distractions and diversions, many of which fade into insignificance when measured against the eternal. For, as Scripture gently reminds us, “in Him we live and move and have our being.
vites us to filter what we perceive through the eyes of faith, to attune our ears to the melodies that are pleasing in His sight.
To look through God’s eyes is to see beyond the surface, to discern what is lasting and what is fleeting. It is to listen, not merely to noise, but to words and whispers that carry the resonance of truth. When we consider that in Christ we move and have our being, are we not called to a more profound self examination? Is there room for our thoughts, or must every thought be held up to the light of His presence? The psalmist’s invitation echoes: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.” This is more than a ritual; it is a posture of the heart that centers us on the Creator of heaven and earth.
Do we, in truth, do everything for the Lord? This question is both a challenge and an invitation. If all of life is about God if He is the author and sustainer of our very existence then nothing is hidden from His gaze. “You perceive my thoughts from afar,” the psalmist declares, reminding us that even our most secret musings are known to Him. There is a sobering freedom in this: we are fully known and yet wholly loved.
Thus, every action, every word, every secret inclination finds its meaning concerning God our Savior, our Lord, and Redeemer Jesus Christ. To live in the awareness that all we do is unto Him transforms the ordinary into the sacred. The mundane becomes an act of worship; the hidden becomes
May we then resolve to see as God sees, to listen as God listens, and to act as God leads.
Let our lives be lived not for an audience of self or world, but for the delight of the One in whom we truly live and move and have our being. In so doing, we find our purpose, our peace, and our joy rooted not in what is fleeting, but in the One who is eternal.
Rev. Dr. Harold E. Bailey President. Probation Challenge.
the shadowed corridors of our present age where the specters of crime, drugs, and violence seem to dwell on every corner one might rightly wonder: how are we, as human beings, to pray? For what, and for whom, do we lift our hearts and voices to the Divine, especially when the world appears so riven by injustice and sorrow?
We remember that Jesus, walking the sunbaked roads of Galilee, was asked by His disciples to teach them how to pray. In response, He offered what is now known as the model prayer: “Our Father, which art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name…” This prayer, simple in phrase yet profound in spirit, has echoed in sanctuaries and whispered in the quiet corners of countless souls for centuries. Its timelessness lies in its petitions for daily bread, forgiveness, deliverance from evil, and the coming of a just and compassionate kingdom.
Yet, standing amid the complexities of the 21st century, we might ask: Is this still the model prayer for our age? Or must our supplications evolve, not in form, but in understanding, urgency, and intention?
Praying amid Brokenness
To pray today is to bear witness to brokenness not only in distant lands, but within our very communities and institutions. The headlines bristle with stories of violence and despair; systems meant for justice sometimes deepen wounds instead of healing them. In such a context, prayer can feel both necessary
and, at times, insufficient.
Nevertheless, the act of prayer remains a radical affirmation of hope. It is an invocation not only for personal comfort, but for transformation of ourselves, of others, and of the larger world. We pray not to escape the realities of injustice, but to see them more clearly, with the courage to confront and, where possible, to heal.
Praying for Those in Authority
Scripture instructs us to pray for those who hold power over us leaders, lawmakers, authorities of every stripe. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:12).
Yet, this command is not without its challenges. It is, as you note, awkward, even troubling to pray for those whose decisions may perpetuate harm, domestically or abroad. Are we to ask God to give them strength to destroy, to oppress, to wield their power without mercy? Certainly not. Instead, our prayers for authorities ought to be shaped by the justice and compassion of God: that their hearts would be turned toward righteousness, that their power would be exercised with humility, and that their hands would become instruments of peace rather than violence.
Praying for America and the World
When we raise voices for America, let us also remember the nations
and peoples whose lives are entangled with its fortunes sometimes as partners, sometimes as victims. Prayer that stops at the borders of our own comfort or security risks becoming parochial, even complicit in injustice. True prayer, as modeled by the prophets and by Jesus Himself, widens its embrace to all who suffer, especially those rendered voiceless by systems of power.
We must not forget the bitter legacy of slavery in America nor how structures of bondage, both visible and invisible, persist. The call to pray is not a call to forget, but to remember with integrity and longing for restoration. Let our prayers be reminders that justice delayed is not justice denied, and that the arc of history bends only when bent by hands divine and human willing to labor for the coming of a better world.
The Spirit of the Model Prayer
Perhaps, then, the model prayer is not outdated, but ever more essential. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” we invite the radical reimagining of society not as it is, but as it could be, suffused with justice, mercy, and peace.
In this way, prayer is not a matter of passivity, but rather participation. As we pray for daily bread, we remember those who are hungry. As we ask forgiveness, we commit to forgiving others. As we seek deliverance from evil, we pledge to resist it not only in the abstract, but in the policies, prejudices, and patterns
Continue on page 32.
Seeking Light in the Hour of Need -
steadfast love with which You fashioned us, breathing purpose and destiny into our very souls.
overeign God, the wellspring of hope and the fount of every mercy, to You alone we lift our eyes in this shadowed hour. You, the Creator who shaped the cosmos with a whisper, who sculpted humanity from the dust and breathed into us the spirit of life what mystery, what incomprehensible love is this? When storms of affliction gather and the path is cloaked in uncertainty, our hearts turn instinctively toward Your throne, for in Your presence we find solace and strength.
You, Lord Almighty, are our shelter when the world shakes, our compass when the road is hidden by adversity. We confess that often we wander through unfamiliar valleys, stumbling, our vision clouded and our spirits weary. The land before us bristles with unseen dangers, as perilous as fields scattered with hidden snares. Yet, you alone know where every hazard lies; You alone can steady our trembling feet and lift us beyond the reach of destruction.
Help us, Lord, to fix our gaze upon things eternal, to seek not the fleeting approval of mortals, but the unchanging righteousness that flows from Your heart. Guide us through the wilderness of fear and doubt, granting us wisdom to discern the path You have set before us. Bolster our faith when it falters, and kindle it anew, that we might believe in Your saving power even when shadows loom.
O Divine Shepherd, lead us gently to higher ground. May Your Spirit be our constant companion, showing us beauty where others see only dust, and hope where others find despair.
Shape our hearts to love as You love, to forgive as You forgive, to trust as You have called us to trust.
And as we journey onward, may we bear witness to Your grace, drawing strength from Your presence and encouragement from
Stretch forth Your hand, O God, and elevate Your people above the turmoil. Illuminate our steps with the radiance of Your word, so that we may walk in truth and not stray from Your commands. In a world where compassion seems sparse and helping hands are few, remind us that Your nearness is constant never more than a heartfelt whisper away. Let us not forget Your unfailing promises, nor the
For You, O God, remain the Savior of all peoples, the delight of every seeking heart, the anchor in every storm.
In humility and awe, we acknowledge that we are Yours crafted by Your hands, sustained by Your love, and destined for communion with You forevermore.
Crime?
Historically, many U.S. cities, including Chicago, experience a rise in crime during the summer. Several factors contribute to this pattern:
hicago, IL: In Chicago, the question "Is crime down?" stirs debate among officials and citizens alike. While Mayor Brandon Johnson and Police Chief Larry Snelling cite official data showing a crime reduction particularly in gun related offenses—many residents, especially seniors, remain skeptical. This skepticism stems from subjective experiences and stories within neighborhoods, where the belief of crime often diverges from reported statistics.
Are Crime Rates Down?
Increased outdoor activity: Warmer weather and longer days bring more people into public spaces, leading to
Official statistics, including those from the Chicago Police Department and the FBI s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, offer the most reliable insight into crime trends.
more opportunities for both conflict and crime.
Over the last decade, these data sources have shown a long term decrease in particular violent crimes, such as homicides and shootings. However, year to year changes can vary, and not all types of crime decline at the same rate.
of crime data is not a new phenomenon. Across the country, communities sometimes suspect that political motivations may influence how crime is reported or categorized. While intentional misrepresentation is rare and carries significant consequences, differences in reporting standards, crime definitions, and data collection can lead to confusion.
Transparency, making data publicly available, and explaining reporting methods, helps build trust. Community involvement in policing and oversight can also ensure the accuracy and reliability of crime statistics.
Advice for Youth When Opportunities Are Scarce
School vacations: With youths out of school, there may be a temporary rise in juvenile offenses, notably where supervised activities are lacking.
When job training and alternative positions are hard to find, youth may feel vulnerable to negative influences or unsafe environments. However, there are initiative taking steps young people can take to promote personal growth and safety:
Economic and social stressors: The summer can intensify existing social pressures, leading to disputes that turn violent.
Despite these trends, some community members report an increase in incidents like drive by shootings, home invasions, and drug related crimes. These feelings may stem from local spikes in crime, media coverage, or the emotional impact of high profile events. It is also possible that some crimes go unreported, which can skew both data and public feeling.
Do the Summer Months See More
Examining monthly crime statistics, June, July, and August often reveal upticks in violent incidents. However, the degree varies by year and neighborhood, and not all crime catw m
Seeking volunteer opportunities: Community service can build skills, expand your network, and enhance your resume.
Participate in local organizations: Libraries, churches, recreation centers, and advocacy groups often offer free programs, workshops, or mentorship—even if they are limited.
Interpreting Crime Statistics: Hidden Hands or Hard Numbers?
Skepticism about the manipulation
Utilize online learning: Many platforms provide free or low cost cost courses on job skills, coding, Continue on page 15.
n the tapestry of human history, few themes are as enduring and vital as wisdom. The cry to remember God's wisdom is ancient, echoing through Scripture and reverberating in the conscience of nations and individuals alike. Today, during technological triumphs and cultural complexities, the question resounds: are we still attuned to the substance and source of true wisdom? If not, we risk not merely individual failure but a collective unraveling of purpose and identity. America, so often praised for its foundational ideals, must reckon with its history and the present moment turning not merely to human intellect or tradition, but to the wisdom of the Almighty.
The Biblical Perspective on Wisdom
Defining Wisdom in Scripture
In the biblical context, wisdom is more than just intelligence, knowledge, or good judgment. The Hebrew word Chokmah and the Greek Sophia both capture a sense of skill, discernment, and living in alignment with the divine order. The Book of Proverbs opens with the declaration, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom, then, is fundamentally relational it begins with reverence, humility, and an openness to God’s instruction.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, wisdom is presented as a gift from God, given generously to
those who seek with sincere hearts. King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, prayed not for riches or victory, but for “a discerning heart,” and God honored his request (1 Kings 3:9-12). The pursuit of wisdom is inseparable from the pursuit of God Himself; it is humble, teachable, and constantly tethered to love and justice.
The Consequences of Forsaking Wisdom
Scripture consistently warns of the dangers of rejecting divine wisdom. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death” (Proverbs 16:25). Human efforts, no matter how ambitious or well-intentioned, will falter when divorced from the counsel of God. The Tower of Babel stands as a cautionary tale: humanity united in purpose, yet divided from God, sowed confusion and chaos.
The apostle Paul laments, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:22). In our desire for autonomy and control, we sometimes mistake cleverness for wisdom, and in so doing, we lose both. The biblical narrative is unambiguous: without God’s wisdom, our achievements become hollow, our lives lose coherence, and our nations drift from their intended destiny.
America’s Founding Ideals and Historical Contradictions
The Promise of Honesty and the Reality of Brokenness
America’s founding documents invoke ideals of liberty, equality, and honesty. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that all are
“endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Yet, the struggle to embody these principles has been marked by deep contradictions and failures. The story of Native Americans dispossessed, marginalized, and often destroyed stands in stark relief against the nation’s selfimage as a land of honesty and opportunity.
History, when viewed through the lens of biblical wisdom, is not sanitized or romanticized; instead, it calls for truth-telling, repentance, and the courage to seek justice. Scripture warns against selfdeception and the seductive comfort of convenient lies. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness” (Isaiah 5:20). To confront the truth is itself an act of wisdom, and the refusal to do so perpetuates cycles of harm and moral blindness.
Accountability and Authority
The prophets of old were relentless in their challenge to rulers and nations. They spoke truth to power, demanding accountability, compassion, and justice. “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24). The biblical legacy insists that authority is a sacred trust, not a license for exploitation or impunity. When those in “high seats” abuse power, when nations profit by the suffering of others, the call of wisdom is clear: repent, restore, and seek the will of God anew.
Continue on page 22.
Continued from page 21.
Humanity’s Purpose According to Scripture
Created for Relationship and Good Works
The psalmist declares, “It is He who has made us, and not we” (Psalm 100:3). Humanity is not self-created nor self fashions us for relationship, worship, and service. The purpose of life, from the biblical perspective, is not merely self al success, but to reflect God character in the world manifesting love, mercy, justice, and truth.
Jesus summarizes the greatest commandments: your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30 31). Divine wisdom is always practical, manifested in compassion, generosity, and humility. To fulfill the will of God is to walk in wisdom, guided by the Spirit, attentive to the needs of others and the promptings of conscience.
Today
Learning from History
A wise nation recognizes its history, honors progress, and acknowledges its mistakes. The American story is complex, marked by beauty and brokenness. To remember the
way laws are made, resources are distributed, and the vulnerable are protected. It means pursuing peace, not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. It seeks unity without erasing difference, fostering community while honoring individuality.
wisdom of God is to confront uncomfortable truths, honor the dignity of all peoples, and strive for a future shaped by justice, mercy, and humility.
Wisdom in Action
The Reality of Falling Short
Scripture acknowledges the universality of human failing: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This is not a cause for despair, but an invitation to humility and hope. The wisdom of God does not judge harshly; instead, it offers redemption and the possibility of transformation. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault” (James 1:5). The journey toward wisdom is ongoing, and grace is available to all who seek.
America and the Call to Wisdom
What does it mean to embody the wisdom of God in the public square, in policy, and everyday life? It begins with listening opening our hearts to perspectives beyond our own, especially those who have suffered. It requires honesty resisting the allure of denial and seeking truth, even when it is costly. It calls for courage to challenge systems of oppression, to speak truth to power, and to choose reconciliation over revenge.
Wisdom is not passive contemplation but active engagement with the world. It is expressed in the
Divine Expectations for Humani-
s expectations for humanity, as revealed in scripture, are both profound and profoundly simple: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). These are not abstract ideals but daily imperatives. In a nation as influential as America, the stakes are high. The choices made within its borders ripple outwards, affecting the lives and destinies of countless others.
To walk in divine wisdom is to recognize that every individual bears the image of God, and every society is accountable for the way it honors that image. This includes how it treats the marginalized, upholds truth, and stewards creation. Divine expectations are less about rigid conformity to rules and more about embodying the spirit of God’s law: love, justice, holiness, and humility.
A Call to Renewal
The wisdom of God is not a relic of the past but a living, dynamic reality. It calls each generation to wrestle with its blind spots and to pursue righteousness anew. In this moment, America is invited to remember to turn from pride, selfsufficiency, and the idol of invincibility, and to rediscover the humility that is the beginning of wisdom.
Rev. Dr. Harold E. Bailey, President, Probation Challenge
American Pride
ometimes, a nation's controversies and scandals go beyond simple spectacle. Instead, they become a reflection of identity, holding up a mirror to its people and forcing them to face what it means to belong, to believe, and to trust.
Convergences and the Challenge of Choice
America s history is replete with moments of both triumph and selfreckoning. To face another nation with pride is difficult when investigations and indictments dominate headlines. However, when accurately defined, pride does not signify the lack of failure but rather reflects the resolve to address and overcome it. The test is how people confront their baggage do they ignore it, excuse it, or seek to understand and overcome it?
er and purity. The answer may not be singular, but the question remains urgent: What is the price of influence, and at what point does silence become its form of speech?
The
Epstein Files and the Struggle
for Moral Consistency
Carrying the weight of repeated scandals can feel like a permanent stain. Still, it can also be a call to collective action, a reminder that self government is not a spectator sport but a participatory endeavor. The global stage offers little sympathy for denial, but much admiration for honesty and reform.
Evangelicals, Silence, and the Question of Approval
The phrase "many few convergences" perhaps suggests both the rarity and the unusual nature of shared ground during the Trump administration points where politics, faith, and public perception come together. For the average American, the pursuit of an adless administration (one free from lies, deception, or constant self promotion that can drown out substance) seems, in today's climate, nearly utopian. Still, the responsibility to discern and make wise choices remains a key part of democratic life. The proliferation of scandals, real or perceived, is not unique to any one administration. Still, the velocity and magnitude of controversies during the Trump years often tested the endurance of public trust. For citizens, the challenge is to sift through the noise and ask: What do I value? What standards do I wish to uphold in public service? The answer lies less in the hope for perfection than in the vigilant demand for accountability and transparency.
The Burden of Baggage and
The resurfacing of the Jeffrey Epstein files and questions about cover ups and high profile associations have only deepened suspicions about who has been protected and why. For religious organizations that have long claimed the mantle of moral authority, this moment presents a test: Will they apply their standards consistently, even when it implicates their own, or will they retreat behind walls of selective outrage?
The possibility, however remote or speculative, of individuals from any faith community appearing on lists associated with wrongdoing underscores the need for transparency and the courage to act. The credibility of moral witnesses depends not on flawless adherence to ideals, but on the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
Role Models and the Weight of Public Office
The silence of Evangelicals remains debated. Is silence complicity, or is it a strategic patience born of a belief in a greater cause? Historically, many faith communities in America have acted as the nation s conscience, raising their voices for justice and moral clarity. The present era, however, has seen some prominent religious leaders opt for political proximity over prophetic critique.
For some, this silence is perceived as a tacit approval or implicit endorsement. For others, it is a sign of a deeper wrestling, a struggle between loyalty and principle, pow-
It is often said that the president serves as a role model for the nation s youth. When that office is mired in controversy, the signal sent to young Americans is not just about the occupant, but about the society that elects, tolerates, or challenges such leadership. The greater the office, the heavier the Continue on page 15.
Continued from page 14. burden not just to govern, but to inspire.
Carrying Weight, Seeking Renewal
America, like all nations, must contend with its imperfections. The current moment fraught with allegations, silence, and the ever present temptation to look away demands more, no less, from its citizens and its institutions. The weight of matters such
as national security, public trust, and moral example cannot be shrugged off; they must be shouldered with humility, vigilance, and a willingness to demand better.
Perhaps the most tremendous pride comes not from pretending the baggage does not exist, but from the collective effort to unpack it openly, honestly, and with a resolve to do better for the generations to come.
Continued from page 13. writing, and more.
some types of crime in Chicago have decreased over the past dec-
crime, but the reasons are complex and multifaceted.
Build positive peer groups: Surrounding oneself with supportive friends and role models can help avoid risky situations and create a sense of belonging.
Connect with mentors: Local leaders, teachers, and community members can provide guidance and support, even informally.
When opportunities seem scarce, youth are to seek out community resources, build positive relationships, and focus on self improvement and strength.
Get involved in advocacy: Many youth led initiatives address community issues and can be a powerful outlet for leadership and change.
While official data suggest that
Open dialogue and continued effort are essential for bridging the gap between statistics and lived experience, striving for a safer and more equitable Chicago for all.
ade, local perceptions often do not align with the numbers. Summer usually brings a seasonal rise in
Think about who helped us!
Let us Chicagoans join together to help our youths and their children s children become taxpayers instead of a burden on taxes.
hroughout history, the pursuit of peace has been a universal aspiration, yet it is often marred by the flaws of those entrusted with its stewardship. The spectacle of world leaders convening for summits, adorned with symbolic gestures and grand pronouncements, has sometimes served not as a genuine platform for reconciliation but rather as a stage for illusions and selfserving theatrics. The recent gathering between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, widely publicized as a peace conference, stands as a contemporary example of this paradox a summit where peace was celebrated in word, but perhaps absent in spirit.
Hypocrisy: Peace on the Lips, Not in the Heart
The Holy Bible, in its wisdom, warns of those who "come with peace on the lips but not in the heart." Such cautionary words ring true when examining the behaviors and intentions behind many high-level discussions. While Trump and Putin spoke in favor of peace, their actions and underlying motives suggested otherwise. Beneath the outward displays of diplomacy, confrontation lingered; competing interests and underlying distrust colored every exchange. The summit, far from being a genuine attempt at reconciliation, mirrored the ancient pattern of leaders professing peace while harboring agendas of power and control.
Leadership, at its core, is meant to serve the people and uphold the values of freedom and justice. Yet, the spectacle of Trump and Putin revealed a troubling duality. In the public eye, they exhibited the gestures of dialogue, but confrontation simmered beneath the surface. The specter of dictatorship its methods, its allure cast a shadow over the proceedings, with Trump accused of emulating authoritarian tactics within a nation priding itself on liberty. Such contradictions further highlight the hypocrisy of peace conferences that fail to embody the principles they profess.
Emptiness and Unfulfilled Promises
The summit's conclusion yielded little in the way of substance. Trump's remarks were brief and noncommittal, which came as no surprise to those familiar with his track record of making grand promises and delivering limited results. For many citizens, the event reaffirmed a pattern of leadership defined by showmanship rather than genuine achievement. The gap between rhetoric and reality grew ever wider, leaving the promise of peace unfulfilled.
Despite the disappointment, it becomes clear
that genuine peace cannot be achieved solely through diplomacy or political tactics. The scripture reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask of God, who gives generously to all." Genuine wisdom is the key ingredient so often missing from high-level conferences. Until the presence of God understood broadly as divine wisdom, humility, and righteousness is invited into the process, the pursuit of peace remains incomplete.
God at the Conference Table
Imagining God at the conference table is more than a religious metaphor; it is a call to infuse diplomacy with qualities often neglected: sincerity, compassion, and a willingness to listen Wisdom is not merely an abstract ideal, but a practical guide for leaders who seek solutions rooted in justice and equity. Without such qualities, peace conferences risk becoming exercises in futility, disconnected from the realities and needs of the people they are meant to serve. In the absence of wisdom and integrity, the forces of cynicism and self-interest prevail. The "enemy" travels the path of least resistance, prioritizing revenue and power over righteousness. The machinery of government and diplomacy can become self-perpetuating, feeding off
public resources while delivering little in return. The only antidote is the collective awakening of conscience, the raising of voices in pursuit of righteousness, justice, and genuine change.
The Role of the People: Raising the Voice of Righteousness
Transformation begins not in the halls of power, but in the hearts of individuals and communities. When citizens recognize the emptiness of hollow summits and demand accountability, the conditions for authentic progress are established. The people of God interpreted here as those committed to justice, compassion, and truth must raise their voices. It is through collective action and moral courage that the cycle of hypocrisy is broken and the path to true peace is revealed.
Accountability: Citizens must hold leaders responsible for actions that reflect not only their rhetoric but also their values.
Engagement: Public involvement in dialogue, critique, and activism is essential to ensure that peace efforts are grounded.
Wisdom: Faith, philosophy, and the wisdom of diverse traditions should inform the search for solutions.
Justice: Peace without justice is incomplete; addressing underlying inequalities and injustices is foundational.
The spectacle of the hypocritical peace conference between Trump and Putin serves as a cautionary tale for our times. This highlights that peace, when articulated but not genuinely embraced, amounts to an unfulfilled commitment.
The costs both economic and spiritual are borne by the people, who yearn for leaders capable of transcending self-interest and embracing wisdom. Change will not come until the process is infused with sincerity, humility, and a willingness to invite true wisdom to the table. Only then can the dream of peace be transformed from rhetoric into reality, and the promise of a better future be fulfilled.
ooking back on the tapestry of my life adorned with various awards and honors, I find myself pausing when I consider the Nelson Mandela Award. Many accolades, while meaningful, pale in comparison to this prestigious recognition. This award is notable both for its distinguished namesake and the personal significance it holds for me. The journey to this moment has been long and often arduous, marked by years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Yet, in all my experiences, it is the spirit embodied by Nelson Mandela and the legacy of his courage that resonates most profoundly in my memory.
Nelson Mandela: A Beacon of Endurance and Hope
The mere mention of Nelson Mandela evokes images of extraordinary fortitude and poise under pressure. Mandela’s life was a testament to the human spirit's resilience. Imprisoned for 27 years, he endured physical deprivation and the severe constraints of isolation. Yet what stood out most was his ability to remain mentally strong, to preserve his sense of self and his hope for the future, even as the world outside his cell continued to move on. He emerged not embittered, but empowered ready to forgive, to unite, and to lead a nation towards reconciliation. In this, Mandela epitomized the rare kind of heroism that transcends time and place, teaching us that true greatness is measured not only by triumphs in freedom but by the dignity shown in captivity.
To receive an award bearing Mandela’s name, then, is to be recognized not merely for accomplishment, but for resilience, for the willingness to endure hardship in pursuit of the common good, and for the capacity to inspire hope even in the face of adversity.
My Journey: A Struggle Reframed
As I reflect on nearly five decades of my own struggle, I am humbled by the comparison The challenges I faced, though formidable, seem almost tribal a word that, for me, evokes both a sense of primitive hardship and a deep, communal belonging. There were nights when despair pressed
in, when the weight of my efforts felt impossible to bear. Yet, the knowledge that my struggle was not in vain that it was in service to a greater good kept me moving forward.
There were moments of doubt, of exhaustion so profound it was tempting to surrender. But each time I was reminded of the youth I served young people whose lives had taken unforeseen, often painful turns,
but who, through mentorship and support, found their way back to themselves. Witnessing these individuals return to society, transformed into meaningful and productive citizens, proved to me repeatedly that my years of sacrifice were not wasted. The pain, the sweat, the lonely hours spent worrying over another person’s fate all have been redeemed by seeing these young people thrive.
It is this hard-won knowledge that makes the Nelson Mandela Award so significant. It is not simply a medal or a title. It is a sym-
bol, a tangible reminder that the struggle, however lengthy or lonely, has meaning beyond itself. It reminds me that, like Mandela, our suffering finds its purpose when it is given in service to others.
The Power of Family and Legacy
Awards are rarely accepted in isolation. They are moments of celebration that draw together the threads of one’s personal and communal history. For me, sharing this honor with my daughter, Brandy Bailey, made the moment even more special, as it elevated it beyond my achievement.
Watching her stand beside me as I accepted the award was profoundly moving. It was a testament to the power of family, to the strength that we pass down through generations.
Brandy’s role in this story is not incidental. She has witnessed my journey up close the triumphs and the tears, the setbacks and the small victories. Her presence at the ceremony reminded me that our struggles are never truly endured alone. The lessons we impart, the values we live by, become seeds planted in the hearts of those who follow us. Seeing my daughter take pride in my journey was a blessing, a reassurance that the hardships I faced have borne fruit not only in the lives of those I served but also within my own family.
We Reap What We Sow: Reflections on Faith and Reward
In life, there is a truth that echoes through every culture and creed: we reap what we sow. The years I spent working with at-risk youth, laboring through setbacks and investing in their futures, were years of sowing seeds seeds of hope, resilience, and transformation. There were times when the harvest seemed distant or uncertain, when the fruits of my labor were not immediately visible. But faith sustained the belief that every act of kindness, every hour devoted to another’s wellbeing, would eventually return in some form.
The Nelson Mandela Award, then, is more than just a recognition of past effort. It is a reminder of divine reciprocity: that God repays, often in ways we do not anticipate. The suffering endured and the sacrifices made are not forgotten. They return to us Continue on page 22.
he question of how we regard individuals, especially those in positions of authority, in the eyes of the Creator has resonated across generations and faith traditions. At its heart lies the tension between honoring human achievements and keeping the primacy of divine worship.
God as the Ultimate Creator and Purpose Giver
actions, the question arises: Should such achievements be attributed solely to the individual, or is there room to acknowledge the hand of the Creator in all things?
me (Exodus 20:3).
Truthfulness and the Call to Discernment
The foundational belief in many religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, is that God alone is the Creator of all humankind. Scripture repeatedly affirms, "It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves." This profound truth serves as a reminder that our identity, purpose, and value flow from God, not from human effort or authority. Worship, in this context, is rightly directed to God, who alone is worthy of ultimate praise.
A biblically grounded perspective reminds us that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). While leaders may act with vision or skill, their abilities, opportunities, and outcomes rest within God s sovereignty. To commend a leader is not inherently wrong; the danger lies in elevating any person above the Creator, or in ascribing to humanity what belongs to God alone.
Reverence, Fear, and the Temptation to Idolize
For believers, entering "His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4) is not merely a ritual but an expression of gratitude and recognition of the Creator s sovereignty. This act of worship redirects attention away from human accomplishments and centers the heart on God s providence and grace.
A further biblical mandate is the call to truthfulness: Let God be true, and every human being a liar (Romans 3:4). The word of God is upheld as unchanging and authoritative, and believers are called to measure all things especially the words and actions of leaders against the standard of scripture.
The Evangelical Response and Political Allegiance
Children raised with the teaching that "humans ought to fear God and respect none other above Him" absorb a core tenet of monotheistic faith. The reverence due to God is qualitatively different from the respect shown to human beings. The biblical narrative consistently warns against idolatry, whether of literal images or of elevating a person to a status that rightly belongs to God.
Esteem for Leaders: Commendation or Attribution?
In societies around the world, leaders whether presidents, monarchs, or other figures often receive recognition for their accomplishments. While it is natural and sometimes necessary to commend those in authority for wise or just
In recent times, some observers have expressed concern about the enthusiastic support of specific segments of the United States Evangelical community for political leaders whose actions or rhetoric may not align with biblical ethics. This raises complex questions: Are political allegiances clouding spiritual discernment? Are some tempted to trade the eternal truths of scripture for immediate political gain or social influence?
When individuals or communities "bow down" whether literally or metaphorically to any leader, particularly one whose actions or values contradict core biblical teachings, a tension appears. The label "anti Christ" is a serious one within Christian theology, reserved for those or that which stands in opposition to Christ s teachings and character. Scripture is clear: You shall have no other gods before
It is worth noting that Christian tradition has always called its adherents to be in the world but not of the world to engage society thoughtfully, but to be wary of confusing earthly power with divine approval. When reverence for a leader eclipses commitment to God s word, believers are challenged to reassess their loyalties and return to what is eternal and true.
Conclusion: Returning to the Source
Continue on page 19.
Continued from page 18.
The call is to remember that "it is God who has made us," and our primary allegiance is to the Creator, not the created. While it is proper to honor those in authority, such recognition must never supplant the worship and reverence owed to God alone. The words of the Psalmist remain instructive: to enter God s pres-
ence with thanksgiving, to ascribe to God all glory, and to measure all human endeavors against the enduring truth of scripture.
s. Ferguson made history when she became the first Black woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago TV news. Her reporting led to the exoneration of a man whose forced confession led to a wrongful convicted in a murder case.
Renee Ferguson, who spent more than two decades as a television reporter in Chicago, was a gifted storyteller.
Ms. Ferguson made history when she became the first Black woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago TV news.
“She was a champion of good journalism and a powerful force who not only told stories, but really got into this business to make a difference, to change lives, to help people, said Regina Wal-
May people everywhere seek wisdom and discernment, esteeming each person rightly, always remembering that all glory, honor, and praise belong primarily to the Creator.
droup, an NBC5 reporter who was mentored by Ms. Ferguson. I think that some of us have forgotten that
member of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Ms. Ferguson, 75, died Friday while in home hospice care.
along the way, but she never did.
Among her many honors, Ms. Ferguson received seven Chicago Emmy awards, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and won an Alfred I. duPont Columbia University Award for investigative reporting. She was a
She was born Aug. 22, 1949, in Oklahoma. She graduated with a bachelor s degree in journalism from Indiana University Bloomington in 1971.
She kicked off a longtime career in Chicago when she was hired as a reporter at CBS2 in 1977.
In 1983, she left Channel 2 to work as a network correspondent for CBS News in Atlanta.
But Ms. Ferguson returned to Chicago in 1987 when she was hired at NBC5. She remained with the station until she retired in 2008.
hen we conjure images of Great Depression, a sense of unease stirs a collective memory of breadlines, shuttered factories, and the silent desperation of millions. Yet, beneath the headlines and iconic photographs, there is a deeper story: one not just of economic collapse, but of a society riven by inequality, where the burdens fell heaviest on those already living on the margins. Chief among them were African Americans, whose experience of the Depression was marked by compounded adversity, resilience, and a relentless striving for dignity.
The decade that followed the 1929 crash remains one of America’s most trying eras. The stock market collapse was merely the spark for a sweeping conflagration of unemployment and poverty. By 1933, nearly a quarter of the nation’s workforce was jobless; banks failed by the thousands, and the American dream slipped from the grasp of countless families.
For many, the Depression was a sudden and shocking reversal of fortune. But for African Americans, especially those in the South who had long endured segregation, disenfranchisement, and economic exploitation, it was less a new catastrophe than a deepening of familiar wounds.
back of the line, blocked by discriminatory practices in government agencies and labor unions.
In the South, where the majority of African Americans still lived, the Depression exacerbated the already punishing
poverty of sharecroppers and tenant farmers. Many families survived on
The statistics tell a stark story. In cities across the North and South, Black unemployment rates soared far higher than those of their white counterparts. When jobs grew scarce, African Americans were often the first to be dismissed and the last to be hired. Even as the New Deal poured billions into relief and recovery, Black communities frequently found themselves at the
little more than cornbread and molasses, and a failed crop or a missed payment could mean eviction and ruin.
In cities like Chicago and Detroit, Black workers crowded into low-paying, insecure jobs if they could find work at all. “Last hired, first fired” became a bitter refrain. Labor unions, which offered some hope of solidarity, often barred
African Americans from membership or relegated them to the lowest positions.
Relief programs were, in theory, open to all. In practice, however, local officials many of whom were hostile to Black residents distributed aid unevenly. Reports from the era tell of Black families receiving smaller welfare checks or being denied assistance altogether. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) did offer some jobs to African Americans, but often at lower wages and in segregated crews.
Despite these barriers, African American communities built their support systems. Churches, mutual aid societies, and civic organizations pooled resources to feed the hungry and shield the vulnerable. Such solidarity kept hope alive when government help faltered.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal significantly expanded federal authority and introduced programs aimed at increasing employment. Yet, while the New Deal transformed lives and landscapes, its promise of relief was not equally fulfilled.
Many New Deal programs were administered locally, giving white officials the latitude to perpetuate Jim Crow segregation. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA), for example, paid subsidies to landowners to reduce crop production, but those payments rarely reached Black tenant farmers. Instead, many Black families were evicted as landowners reduced acreage.
The Social Security Act of 1935, widely regarded as a pillar of the modern safety net, excluded domestic workers Continue on page 30.
Continued from page 29. and farm laborers from its benefits. These categories included most Black workers at the time.
Yet, there were points of light. The National Youth Administration (NYA) and some branches of the WPA did create jobs for Black youth and adults, sometimes under the leadership of committed advocates like Mary McLeod Bethune. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, too, championed civil rights causes and brought African American leaders into conversation with the White House.
ways. The Harlem Renaissance, which spanned from the 1920s to the 1930s, produced art, music, and literature that conveyed both struggle and hope. Jazz and blues, born of sorrow and improvisation, became the soundtrack of survival.
malnutrition, and interrupted schooling. Families were split as parents left home in search of work. In Alabama, oral histories recall how entire communities would share single loaves of bread or stretch beans and rice for days.
For many African Americans, the hardships of the Depression accelerated the ongoing Great Migration a mass movement of Black families from the rural South to the cities of the North and West. Between 1916 and 1940, nearly 1.5 million African Americans left the South, fleeing not only poverty but also violence and disenfranchisement.
Northern cities offered the prospect of factory work and a respite from the worst excesses of segregation, but they also brought new challenges. Housing was scarce and often substandard; economic competition sometimes fueled racial tensions and riots. Yet, these cities also gave rise to vibrant cultural and political communities, with figures like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright chronicling Black life in poetry and prose.
Amid adversity, African American culture flourished in new and powerful
Political activism, too, found new expression. Organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters pressed for civil rights and economic justice. Local leaders organized rent strikes, marches, and voter registration drives, laying the groundwork for the civil rights movement that would crest in the decades to come.
The Depression was not just an economic catastrophe it was a human one. Black children faced hunger,
Despite such hardship, family bonds and communal ties proved astonishingly resilient. In interviews conducted by the Federal Writers’ Project, elders spoke of both deprivation and dignity, of neighbors who shared what little they had, and of mothers who kept hope alive with song.
Why recall these days, when the world trembled on the edge of despair?
The history of the Great Depression and the experiences of those who endured its worst offer wisdom for our uncertain times.
The suffering of the Depression was not borne equally, and the scars of discrimination deepened existing wounds. Yet, in defiance of adversity, African American communities displayed resourcefulness, courage, and an enduring spirit.
Their struggles and achievements remind us that progress is neither automatic nor inevitable it must be won again and again, through solidarity and shared resolve.
As we look to the future, with its storms and shadows, their legacy calls us to vigilance: to remember, to act, and to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
We can achieve a unified and just nation only by addressing injustice wherever it occurs.
Continued from page 17.
as blessings, sometimes in the form of visible honors, sometimes in the quiet satisfaction of knowing we have made a difference.
Looking Forward: The Ongoing Legacy of Service
This recognition, as meaningful as it is, does not mark the end of my journey. If anything, it serves as a call to continue. Mandela’s example teaches us that the work of justice and healing is an ongoing process. There will always be young people in need of guidance, communities in need of healing, and voices that deserve to be heard. The legacy I hope to leave is not merely one of accolades, but one of lasting transformation, in which those I have served, and those who will come after me, find strength in the story of endurance and hope.
steadfast, keep faith in the work you do, and trust that the seeds you plant today will one day yield a harvest beyond your wildest imagination.
Conclusion: The True Measure of Recognition
Awards and honors come and go, their sheen eventually fading with time. But the accurate measure of recognition lies in the lives we touch, the love we share, and the hope we inspire.
Receiving the Nelson Mandela Award presented by Dr. Quinton de’Alexander, was not just a personal honor; it was an affirmation of all who dare to struggle, to serve, and to believe in a better tomorrow.
To all who find themselves in their struggles, I offer Mandela example and my own humble story as encouragement: remain
ith all the confusion in the world, I question whether many still read the Bible, the guide to eternal life.
With countless people following the lead of those in authority in the nation's capital, you can be sure that many are headed to the lake of fire and brimstone, which the Bible condemns for nonbelievers.
It’s surprising how many people still back a president known for frequent dishonesty.
Some still believe, despite the president's proven ability to
This award is a memory I will cherish, a beacon that lights the path forward, and a reminder that, ultimately, God repays in the fullness of time.
Rev. Dr. Harold E. Bailey, President, Probation Challenge.
commit serious acts without consequence. This point is shown by the fact that he was convicted on more indictments
than any individual; nevertheless, he currently holds the highest office in the country. This raises important questions about the circumstances and factors involved.
Some people sit every Sunday in their churches listening to the word of God, but believe in the Satanic commands of the voice in Washington. Believing in God and His commandments, I am willing to trust all that I have in God, who has promised eternal life and not to burn in Hell.
How can a careful listener not notice bias or deception in statements? The U.S. president discusses adultery despite having committed it, raising questions about leadership and setting an example for youth.
oyce Evans has just published the first in a series of booklet lessons designed to enrich our pre teens and teens.
Each publication will focus on a specific subject, guiding and inspiring teens on how to face their challenges and live a successful life through Godly principles, character, and behavior.
Feel free to reward your youth by ordering BULLYING… THE ART OF MEANNESS” on Amazon.com. Also, available on KDP, Kindle.
His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! Psalm 55:21
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.
Proverbs 26:24 25
Do not take me away with the wicked And with the workers of iniquity, Who speak peace to their neighbors, But evil is in their hearts.
Psalm 28:3
no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
Psalm 12:2
A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
Isaiah 29:13
Proverbs 26:24 26
Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
Jeremiah 9:8
Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.
2 Corinthians 11:13 15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And
Continued from page 18. that wound our neighbors. Praying for Light in the Darkness
Francis of Assisi
To pray, then, in this time of chaos and contradiction, is to seek the light that flickers bravely in the darkness. It is to refuse despair, to insist upon hope, and to join our will with the will of a Love that will not let us go.
We pray, not simply for survival, but for the flourishing of all. We pray for leaders that they may be guided by conscience and humility. We hope for justice to flow freely in all nations. We pray for those enslaved by history and by present systems, that they may one day walk free.
And through it all, we remember: to pray is to act as if change is possible and, by grace, to become agents of that change ourselves.
hen we gaze up at the night sky when the silver moon and scattered stars remind us of the vastness of creation a question arises that echoes through millennia:
“What is humanity that You are mindful of them?” The Psalmist’s ancient wonder reverberates today, inviting us to ponder not only the grandeur of the heavens, but also the humility and purpose interwoven into our existence.
From the very beginning, sacred texts remind us that humanity is crowned “with glory and honor,” set a little lower than the angels, entrusted with stewardship and meaning. Yet, in our pursuit of wisdom, there is a tendency for humankind to reach beyond the bounds of our origin, at times aspiring to a godlike authority dictating, commanding, and, in our frailty, sometimes forgetting the One who set the stars in place.
The Challenge of Leadership
Authentic leadership, especially in the context of a nation as complex and diverse as the United States, is not measured by the ability to wield power or issue decrees. Instead, it is measured by humility, wisdom, and the recognition of a purpose greater than oneself. When leaders are shallow in their understanding unable to grasp the intricate tapestry of the land or the spirit of the people they risk guiding others astray, ignorant of the responsibilities bestowed upon humanity by the Creator.
History is filled with examples of those who looked to govern without regard for the divine blueprint:
leaders who, seeking selfexaltation or earthly might, did not anchor their actions in the awareness of God’s intentions. Their legacies are often marked by division, disillusionment, and the erosion of trust. The failure is not merely polit-
The Supreme Will and Human Aspiration
It is a paradox of the human condition: we yearn for wisdom, for knowledge, even for control and yet, every attempt to usurp the divine order reveals our dependence on something greater. Human schemes cannot override the supreme will of God, regardless of how well-intentioned or forceful they may be. Faithful obedience is not blind submission to earthly authority or the echo of popular opinion, but a heart attuned to the Creator’s purpose.
God did not create humankind solely to obey what is seen or heard in this world; instead, God formed us for relationship, for gratitude, and praise. The ancient instruction “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise” is not just a ritual, but a way of life, a daily recognition that our existence is both a gift and a responsibility.
Forgetting the Manual
It is said that humanity has not read God’s manual a metaphor for our tendency to live by our lights, to trust in our understanding, and to dismiss the wisdom that has guided generations before us. This forgetfulness is not merely an intellectual failing; it is spiritual amnesia. In neglecting the Creator, we lose sight of what it means to be truly human: not masters of our destiny, but stewards of glory and honor that is not our own.
A Call to Remember
So, who are the leaders past and present who have stumbled, who have failed to govern with humility and reverence? They are those who, whether by pride, ignorance, or willful neglect, have severed the connection to the ultimate source of wisdom and purpose. Their stories serve as cautionary tales, urging us to remember, to return, to read the manual written not in ink, but in the very fabric of creation.
As individuals and as people, we are called to humility, gratitude, and praise. We are invited to look beyond the surface of things, to seek a deeper understanding of our place in the world, and to remember that we are the work of God’s hands.
In doing so, we find not only our purpose, but also the courage and wisdom to lead whether in great or humble ways according to the design set forth by the One who made the heavens, the moon, and the stars.
ment to act on behalf of Black Americans' constitutional rights.
he city of Birmingham, Alabama, and the nation at large mourn the passing of Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., an indomitable figure in the Civil Rights Movement who died at the age of ninety one. Renowned as both a religious and community leader, Woods s legacy is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the movement that transformed the American South, and his loss is felt by all who believe in equality, justice, and the power of collective action.
Born in Birmingham at a time when racial segregation was the law of the land, Calvin Woods Sr. grew up in an America profoundly divided by color. This environment shaped his worldview and planted the seeds of his lifelong commitment to justice. Raised in a family deeply rooted in faith, Woods felt the call to ministry at an early age. He would eventually become a bishop, but even in his youth, he recognized that the church could be not only a sanctuary for the soul but also a headquarters for the movement for social progress.
One of Woods's most significant contributions was his work during the 1963 Birmingham Campaign, also known as Project C. This campaign, orchestrated by the SCLC and local leaders, sought to confront and dismantle the city s rigid segregation policies through nonviolent direct action. Calvin Woods Sr. was at the forefront, mobilizing students, clergy, and everyday citizens alike. He led from the pulpit and in the streets, his resonant voice calling people to moral clarity and nonviolent resistance.
Whether advocating for police reform, voter registration, or economic opportunity, Bishop Woods never wavered in his commitment to nonviolence and moral leadership. He often reflected on the price of progress, recalling the bombings, the arrests, and the violence that had once threatened to silence the city's Black community.
Woods’s Christian faith infused his activism with hope and resolve. He believed that the fight for freedom was not merely a political struggle but a moral imperative, a calling that came as much from scripture as from the Constitution. Through the church, he began to marshal the power of community, organizing his congregation and broader networks to take a stand against injustice.
It was in Birmingham that Calvin Woods Sr. became a pivotal leader. Often called "the most segregated city in America," Birmingham was both a battleground and a crucible for the larger Civil Rights Movement. Woods, alongside his brother Abraham Woods and other local activists, organized rallies, marches, and prayer vigils that would become iconic chapters in the city's history of struggle for justice.
Bishop Woods s leadership was discernable by both courage and compassion. He worked closely with Dr. Ralph Abernathy, a towering figure in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and frequently collaborated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, they strategized and executed many of the campaigns that would ultimately force the federal govern-
As a trusted colleague of Dr. Abernathy and Dr. King, Bishop Woods was privy to the intimate strategic discussions that shaped the movement. He understood that the fight for civil rights was as much about changing hearts as about changing laws. Woods s role extended beyond planning protests; he often provided shelter and encouragement to activists who faced arrest or violence.
Bishop Woods s collaboration with these giants of history was born of mutual respect and shared purpose. He traveled with them, spoke at their rallies, and prayed with them in moments of uncertainty and hope.
His ministry remained rooted in the belief that faith and action are inseparable.
Bishop Woods s passing at ninety one is not just the loss of a leader but the turning of a page in American history. His legacy endures in the institutions he helped build, the lives he touched, and the hard won freedoms that countless Americans now enjoy. To many, he was a moral compass steadfast in his principles, yet always willing to listen and learn.
Even after the passage of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. continued his work. He remained a tireless advocate for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the marginalized. Through the decades, Woods served as president of the Birmingham chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, mentoring a new generation of activists and reminding the city that the struggle for justice is never truly finished.
Generations of Birmingham residents know Bishop Woods as a mentor, a preacher, a neighbor, and a friend. His influence is evident in the continued activism of the city s faith communities, in the ongoing fight for justice, and in the persistent hope that Birmingham can truly become a city for all its people.
Upon news of his death, tributes poured in from civic leaders, former colleagues, and ordinary citizens. Many remembered his passionate sermons, his unwavering presence at demonstrations, and his gentle encouragement to young leaders as they found their voices. Elected officials praised his vision and his commitment, while longtime friends recalled moments of quiet courage.
Perhaps the most enduring testament to Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. is that his life s work continues. The issues he championed racial equality, economic justice, the right to vote remain at the forefront of the American conscience. The torch he carried now passes to a new generation, illuminated by his faith, his wisdom, and his example.
As Birmingham and the nation pause to honor Bishop Calvin Woods Sr., we remember a servant a man who believed that faith compels action, and that love is the most potent weapon against hate. His legacy is etched into the history of the Civil Rights Movement and into the hearts of all who seek justice. In his passing, we are called, once again, to the work of building a more just and compassionate world
hroughout history, followers of Christ have navigated complex political realities. Whether during times of prosperity or under regimes whose principles contradict God s word, believers often ask: What does God expect from me when the political influence around me opposes divine principles? How can I reconcile the biblical call to obey governing authorities with the need to remain faithful to God, especially when these authorities are at odds with His will? What is the faithful response to hardship, and how can one avoid being drawn into the 'principalities and wickedness' prevalent in the world?
himself lived under Roman occupation, a regime often hostile to the values of God s kingdom. When asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus responded:
This exploration aims to address these vital questions through a careful examination of Scripture, Christian tradition, and contemporary practical wisdom.
Obedience to Authority: Scriptural Foundations
The Bible provides clear instructions about obedience to earthly authorities. One of the most often cited passages is Romans 13:1 2:
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar s, and to God the things that are God s." (Mark 12:17)
This response acknowledges legitimate earthly authority while placing ultimate alle-
Scripture is honest about the reality of suffering for righteousness. Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and accept his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) The apostle Paul wrote, "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12)
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and God has instituted those that exist. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." (ESV)
Similarly, 1 Peter 2:13 17 encourages believers to submit to human institutions "for the Lord s sake," whether to the emperor or governors, reminding Christians to "honor everyone," "love the brotherhood," "fear God," and "honor the emperor."
giance with God. When the demands of the state conflict with God's commands, the Christian is called to prioritize faithfulness to God, while still acting with humility, respect, and love.
No One Can Serve Two Masters
But this submission is not blind or unconditional. Acts 5:29 records the apostles response when ordered not to speak in Jesus name:
“We must obey God rather than men. These passages, taken together, suggest that God expects His people to respect and submit to governing authorities, as far as such obedience does not require disobedience to God's revealed will.
The Challenge of Conflicting Loyalties
The tension between secular authority and divine command is an ancient one. Jesus
You reference Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:24:
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
Though this teaching addresses God and money, its principle applies broadly to divided loyalties. Christians are called to wholehearted devotion to God, which will inevitably at times bring them into tension with earthly powers or cultural pressures. Enduring Hardship for Christ
The experience of hardship whether politis not a sign of God’s absence, but rather an opportunity for deeper trust and witness. Hebrews 12:2 -3 urges believers to look to Jesus, who "endured the cross, despising the shame," as the ultimate example of patient endurance.
Does This Mean Enduring Injustice in Silence?
Endurance does not always mean passive acceptance. The prophets of the Old Testament denounced injustice and corruption, often at a significant personal cost. John the Baptist rebuked Herod for his immoral behavior. The early church usually faced persecution not because it was silent, but because it declared, by word and deed, that "Jesus is Lord" a statement with profound political implications.
Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to pursue justice (Micah 6:8), but always in ways that reflect Christ s character: humility, courage, and sacrificial love.
How Should a Christian Respond to Political Corruption?
Prayer and Discernment: First, seek God in prayer for wisdom (James 1:5). Pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1 2), even those with whom you profoundly disagree.
Faithful Presence: Engage as a citizen, voting, serving, speaking up for justice as opportunities allow, but do so with integrity and grace. Daniel served faithfully in Babylon without compromising his faith (Daniel 6).
Peaceful Protest and Civil Disobedience: When laws or policies directly contradict God s commands, Christians have, throughout history, practiced respectful civil disobedience (as seen in Daniel, the apostles, and others). Such actions should be motivated by conscience before God, not by anger or partisanship.
ow quickly we sometimes are as parents, to lay harsh blame on our children when their actions fall short of our expectations or conflict with the teachings of Christ. The disappointment that rises when a child returns home from school with a note from the principal’s office is often palpable. Upset about lost time, the inconvenience of a disrupted workday, and the fear of what others might think, we may address the matter with frustration rather than reflection. Yet is our reaction always prayerful, or do we sometimes neglect a deeper consideration of our influence?
The Ripple Effect
The Home as the First School
Children spend their formative years at home, surrounded by the love and example of their parents, long before the structure and routine of school shape their days. From the moment a child is born, every gesture, every word, every reaction is absorbed into the fertile ground of the developing mind. The home becomes the first classroom; parents are the first teachers. Babies long to mimic their beloved caregivers, echoing the words mom mom or dad dad, lighting in the approval these sounds receive. This learning is not confined to daylight hours or school terms it is constant, ceaseless, a silent curriculum that runs day and night.
Unresolved confusion and the modeling of negative behaviors at home can have a ripple effect, extending outward into the child’s interactions with others. When children act out at school responding with aggression or disrespect they often mirror patterns seen at home. The consequences may be disciplinary notes, meetings with school authorities, or strained relationships. But at the root, the seed was sown in the soil of the home.
Scriptural Wisdom: Bitter Grapes and Set Teeth
The scripture reminds us: The parents have eaten bitter grapes, and the children s teeth are set on edge. This vivid imagery from Ezekiel speaks to the generational consequences of our parenting choices. Our actions and attitudes do not end with us; they are passed on, in spirit if not in substance, to our children. The bitterness we cultivate for whatever reason may not be tasted by us alone, but by those who follow.
The Power of Example
It is easy to forget how much children see how attuned they are to the emotional and verbal undercurrents that flow through their home. Even most private conversations are not always out of reach of young ears. When children hear cursing, anger, or bitterness spill from the lips of those they love most, they internalize these sounds. Even if the words themselves are beyond their understanding, the emotional resonance is absorbed. Because these words and actions come from parents, who are their models of righteousness, children may assume that all such behavior is permissible.
Confusion and Discipline
When a parent responds to a child s copying of such words or actions with anger or even physical punishment, the child’s mind becomes confused. The parent, both the source of the example and the authority figure enforcing discipline, becomes an unpredictable figure.
The heart of the child, which looks only to love and be loved, is left bewildered. The lesson learned is not always what the parent intends.
As parents, before we issue harsh blame or mete out punishment, let us pause and pray. Have we considered the origins of our children s behavior? Have we examined our own words, our habits, our example? The actual work of discipline starts not with the child, but with the parents willingness to be honest about their shortcomings and to invite the transforming grace of Christ into the home.
Let us be mindful of what we say and do in the presence of our children, recognizing that every moment is a lesson being taught.
Let us seek forgiveness for our failings and be quick to extend forgiveness to our children.
Let us remember that the goal is not simple obedience, but the cultivation of hearts attuned to love, kindness, and the teachings of Christ.
Conclusion of the matter...
The measure we use with our children is the measure that will shape their lives and, in turn, the lives of those they touch.
By turning first to self-examination and prayer, and by recognizing our profound influence, we can hope to break the cycle of blame and bitterness. In its place, we may nurture a legacy of compassion, understanding, and grace a reflection of Christ s love for us all.
hen the familiar refrain echoes stop talking about
The successful story of the late Edward Gardner and his Annual Chicago s No Crime Day is a testa-
is the potential for transformation that exists within each block, every household, and every heart that dares to imagine a different future.
The Man it resonates with both exhaustion and a plea: to shift the focus from faceless oppressors to the choices made in our neighborhoods. Yet, as we wrestle with cycles of violence that claim our youth and fracture our families, the question of responsibility becomes tangled, woven with threads spun long before we arrived.
It is true, undeniably, that many tools of destruction guns, drugs, the machinery of despair are made and distributed far from the hands that use them. The channels are complex, controlled by powers whose faces rarely appear afterward, whose profit stays silent and distant. The river of contraband does not originate in the community, even as it cuts through it.
It is crucial to recognize the systems that influence our society, while also appreciating the significant though sometimes limited effect of our actions. For every life lost, there is another left behind, and between grief and action lies the potential for renewal. Actual change begins when accountability meets compassion, where the cycle is broken not by blame, but by courage the refusal to let the story end as it has before. Thank you Mr. Edward Gardner.
Thoughtful Reflection on Justice and Social Advancement
ment to the yearning for change a moment when a community, gathered by countless people in Washington Park, stood, if only briefly, in unified hope. The venture was led by Francis Wright, head of the My Sister s Keeper program. Wright kept the event unsuccessful.
But to speak only of outside forces is to abandon the agency that still exists. Every tragedy, every life cut short by violence or addiction, is shaped by a thousand choices: some made in desperation, some in anger, some in moments so brief they barely register before the consequences echo. The person trading poison for cash and pulling the trigger is still someone s child. And the ache that follows, the silence left behind, becomes all our burden.
It is tempting even comforting, at times to follow the well worn narrative that destiny is dictated solely by systems. But history is layered with both oppression and resistance, with trauma and triumph.
Yet hope alone, no matter how strong, cannot break down deeply rooted crime patterns. The recidivism after the No Crime Day showed that the origins of violence run deep, fed by soil that is both poisoned and ignored. Yet, Gardner remained steadfast.
We find ourselves at a crossroads where blame and responsibility intersect. The laughter from across town, the profits earned far from scenes of sorrow, are real. But so
The challenge of tackling crime in America is complex and deeply connected to historical, social, and economic factors. Over time, many individuals and groups have suggested solutions, some of which have proven effective in reducing crime and helping at risk communities. It s well known that, at times, innovative strategies have faced resistance, especially when they threaten existing power structures or economic interests.
There is no single, definitive solution to crime, but many strategies have shown positive results. These include community based programs, restorative justice initiatives, investments in education and economic opportunities, and efforts to address systemic inequality. The success of these programs often depends on ongoing support, sufficient resources, and the involvement of Continue on page 29.
Continued from page 28.
those most affected by crime.
The Importance of Community Leadership
American history is fraught with examples where progress toward justice and equalm w S m-
The Role of Public Awareness
A critical theme throughout history is the role of communities in creating their own pathways to safety and justice. When solutions arise from within, they are often more attuned to local realities and needs. It is essential that all voices especially those from marginalized communities be respected and given the platform to share insights and lead change. The story of Rev. Harold E. Bailey and his work with young people demonstrates the power of such leadership. His dedication reportedly led to a decrease in the number of youths entering the justice system. However, the closure of his program highlights a recurring obstacle: the undermining of effective initiatives, sometimes due to external skepticism or political resistance.
Historical Context and Structural Barriers
ic racism, economic disparity, and political interests have all contributed to the silencing of transformative ideas and leaders. Efforts to improve conditions in Black communities, or to elevate Black leaders, have at times been met with hostility or even violence, a fact that underscores the need for vigilance and advocacy.
Widespread awareness of workable solutions is crucial. When communities are informed and engaged, they can demand support for effective programs and hold decision makers accountable. Transparency, open discussion, and historical reckoning are essential for building trust and ensuring that successful strategies are not lost to bureaucratic decisions or prejudice.
Advance Forward...
Although there is no easy answer, proven approaches exist to reduce crime and promote justice. These require not only technical expertise but a commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for all communities voices.
Broad awareness and support are necessary to ensure that such efforts are not undermined but rather celebrated and sustained for the greater good. Sisters and brothers demand respect from those you spend your money on. Your money deserves respect.
has long been regarded as a demonic force and remains seen that way into the 21st century. From the beginning, Hamas has been compared to Lucifer, Satan, or other representations of the Devil.
Since the Biblical days of Sarah and Abraham, their male descendants have faced conflict, resulting in hostility between the two nations. After Abraham agreed to have his handmaid bear him with a child, things took a turn for the worse. Sarah could not bear a child...
near a battlefield, yet they seem to escalate tensions between several countries in their time. Both have given weak excuses, like Trump claiming to have Bone Spurs in his feet. Benjamin Netanyahu has not fought in a war because he is often caught up in political conflicts with his opponents.
The Philistines do not forgive Abraham's wife for her actions, which caused conflict and led to the exile of the mother and her illegitimate child from Israel. This act created division, and the handmaid was expelled along with her child, resulting in deep-seated hatred that persists to this day.
Amid all the chaos, the two hypocritical leaders, President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both are trying to dodge a day in court that could reveal their unethical actions in the U.S. and around the world. Sources say they work together and are frequently seen as a dangerous duo involved in criminal activities.
Israel-Gaza Conflict: If Israel genuinely seeks peace, why are they intentionally bombing the Palestinians and others without provocation especially killing and harming sick children? This is unacceptable. Israel s leader provokes violence just to keep the war going, which in turn keeps him busy in court yet God has a day of judgment reserved for him and the so called U.S. demonic leader.
Both the United States and Israel should play a more active role in the world, advocating for peace not just in words, but through action.
Neither has served their country well, aside from causing death and unnecessary suffering; they, along with their counterparts, cause citizens to suffer greatly.
Neither leader has participated in a war or been
This can and should be done by following God's teachings.
Those leaders who kill innocent children and adults will have to answer for their actions in judgment. Some leaders may send soldiers to war without being personally affected, unless their own families are involved. If family members get involved in the conflict, the hostilities would likely end quickly and suddenly.
Waiting in the wings is the spirit of Hamas, the spirit of Satan, the detrimental spirit is closely watching humanity, laughing at the combat that offends the Almighty God of Peace.
hroughout the centuries, the stories of biblical characters have resonated with seekers of wisdom, offering both cautionary tales and enduring truths. As we cast our gaze down the corridors of time, a fundamental question arises: will young people and older adults continue to benefit from the lived experiences of those who walked before us, especially figures found within sacred scripture?
reminder of collective responsibility and the high cost of willful ignorance.
Samson and Delilah show the risks of acting impulsively and trusting unwise-
like those ancient ones, are presented with choices that affect not only themselves but society at large.
The answer, I believe, hinges not only on our willingness to revisit these narratives but on our ability to internalize their lessons amid the complexities of our age. The very fabric of the Bible is woven with accounts of individuals ordinary and extraordinary who were confronted with pivotal choices, sometimes heeding divine guidance, sometimes straying to their peril.
ly. Samson fell due to poor judgment, not a lack of strength, a reminder that talents can obscure weaknesses.
Adam and Eve serve as the archetypal example of disobedience. In the serenE
When politicians disregard time tested principles such as justice, compassion, integrity, and humility they risk repeating the errors of those who came before them. The Bible s accounts reveal that ignoring divine or ethical counsel, whether out of hubris or expedience, leads to harm not only for the leaders themselves but for the people they serve.
What, then, can young people and older adults gain from these stories? The answer is as urgent now as ever: a call to attentive listening, to humility, and to the wisdom that comes from learning, not just from our own experiences, but from the rich tapestry of those who preceded us. The principle is clear: when a higher truth is revealed whether through faith, conscience, or reason it is not to be ignored.
echoed through history, coloring humanity s understanding of free will, temptation, and consequence. Their story teaches that ignoring clear guidance even in paradise carries profound ramifications.
Noah and the Ark illustrate the importance of faith in the face of skepticism. When called to undertake an unprecedented task, Noah s obedience set him apart, ensuring survival and renewal. His life stands as a testament to the rewards of listening, even when the world doubts or ridicules.
Sodom and Gomorrah remind us that entire communities can suffer when moral decay goes unchecked and warnings are ignored. The destruction of these cities serves as a sobering
David and Saul present the consequences of pride, jealousy, and disobedience. While David rose to prominence by faith and humility, Saul s refusal to heed divine instruction led to his downfall. Their intertwined lives reveal the fragility of leadership when it is cut adrift from principle.
Abraham and Sarah, despite moments of doubt and impatience, ultimately learned that allegiance to God s promises brings about fulfillment, though often in ways that defy human logic or expectation.
The fulfillment of God s word, as demonstrated time and again in scripture, is inevitability itself. Our challenge today is to make choices both personal and collective that reflect justice, compassion, and wisdom.
As I observe the landscape of twentyfirst century leadership, I am struck by the recurring pattern: elected officials, entrusted with the welfare of many, sometimes lack the foresight and humility to lead with wisdom. The tragedies and triumphs of biblical figures mirror our struggles today. Leaders,
The lessons of the Bible are not relics of a distant past; they are timeless. They are living signposts, warning and guiding each new generation. For leaders and citizens alike, the examples of Adam and Eve, Noah, Sodom and Gomorrah, Samson, David, Saul, Abraham, and Sarah are not mere stories they are mirrors of our humanity. They reflect our tendencies toward folly and our capacity for faithfulness. If we are willing to learn, to remember, and to obey, then both young and old can indeed reap the rewards of ancient wisdom, forging a future marked by foresight, integrity, and hope.
shifting moral standards.
here was a time when the world spun on an axis of trust. Neighbors watched over one another, doors remained unlocked, and a key placed beneath the welcome mat was a token of faith in both humanity and community. Such days, now remembered with bittersweet nostalgia, have faded into the blurry past. Today, caution and vigilance are the passwords to daily living, as the world outside one s doorstep feels less certain, less secure.
The Shifting Sands of Trust
Once, in the Southern states and beyond, people lived with the quiet assurance that what belonged to them would remain undisturbed. The act of leaving a key outside spoke of a confidence in the decency of strangers a confidence that, for many, has been worn thin by the passage of time and the persistent whisper of temptation. Now, the sight of bolted locks and barred windows is more common than the casual hospitality of open doors.
Temptation and the Loss of Innocence
As the world has grown more complex, so too have the temptations that lurk within it. The metaphor of Satan has no shame echoes through daily life, a reminder that the forces of wrongdoing adapt and intensify, exploiting the vulnerabilities of even the most trusting souls. The once simple dichotomy between good and evil seems muddied by rationalizations and
Consider the congregation that leaves church with songs of praise on their lips, only to return home and fall into discord, anger, or even cruelty. The sanctity of religious ritual competes with the realline between the sacred and the profane blurs. The notion that evil respects no boundaries be it the walls of a home or the pews of a sanctuary is a sobering one.
Morality in the Public Sphere
power for its own sake, rather than for the betterment of the community, has left many disillusioned. Can one truly serve with a clear conscience when the guiding star has shifted from selflessness to personal gain?
Crime, Desperation, and Human Condition
The same erosion of trust and virtue is visible in the realms of politics and public service. Where once candidates might have run for office with ideals of service, compassion, and Christian charity, too often today the motivation appears self serving. The pursuit of
The story of two thieves one embittered by the paltry contents of a stolen purse, the other indifferent to the very notion of right and wrong highlights another dimension of our changing world. There is a tragic irony in stealing from someone who has already given their last to charity. It s an act that wounds twice: once through the loss, and again through the betrayal of shared values. This snapshot of desperation and callousness reveals the breadth of human response to hardship some justify wrongdoing out of perceived necessity, others embrace it for its own sake.
Though the world may feel darker and more elusive trust, the struggle between virtue and temptation endures. To say that Satan has no shame is to acknowledge that the challenges we face are neither new nor insurmountable. Each act of kindness, each moment of integrity, reclaims a measure of trust that once seemed so abundant.
The question remains: will we let cynicism define our age, or will we strive to restore the fragile bonds that knit us together?
The answer lies in the choices made behind every locked door and in every open heart.
ife, in its intricate dance of wonder and complexity, swirls around us like a grand mosaic whose patterns reveal themselves only in moments of quiet contemplation. Each daybreak, each sigh, every pulse within us is the echo of a higher symphony, composed not by random chance but by a benevolent Conductor whose wisdom outshines our own understanding. To behold ourselves not as mere products of biology, nor as accidents swept ashore by the tides of time, but as cherished expressions of an ancient and loving intent is to see life in its truest, most radiant light. Our existence is no afterthought; it is a deliberate note in an eternal melody, reverberating with significance.
To live with such awareness is to find gratitude blooming in the soil of our hearts. Thankfulness becomes not a burdensome duty, but a reflexive turning to the Source from which our gifts and our very breath are drawn. In humility, we acknowledge that our talents, our insights, even the mysterious longings that stir our souls, are gifts entrusted to us. They are not ours by merit of striving alone, but are tokens of grace bestowed by the One who knows us before we know ourselves. The wise lift their gaze skyward, surrendering pride and scarcity, offering praise to the Author of existence whose purposes are painted in hues of mercy and intention.
Yet, the path of life is rarely solitary. The design of our days is generous with encounters some familiar, others fleeting. Who is to say that the stranger we pass on the street, the friend whose laughter brightens a cloudy morning, or the gentle hand that steadies us in crisis, is not an unwitting messenger? In the quiet choreography of destiny, every meeting is charged with the possibility of blessing or guidance. Sometimes, the profound-
est truths arrive on the lips of those we least expect, and wisdom is whispered in a voice softer than our own doubts.
Sacred writings, handed down through generations, become lanterns for our journey. Their words are not relics but
culation. In that letting-go, assurance arises we are shielded, led, and loved in ways we cannot fathom. The anxieties that once clouded our striving are gently lifted, replaced by the calm conviction that the path is overseen by eyes that see the labyrinth whole. Even in the tumult, in the valleys and shadows, we are never forsaken; if the Creator walks beside us, what threat can unseat our hope?
The world abounds with snares and entanglements, yet for every challenge there is an avenue of escape, a testimony to the fidelity of the One who watches over us. Our calling is not only to receive, but to serve to let our lives reflect the love and purpose that animates all creation. With open hands and surrendered spirits, we move through life ready to obey, to receive, to give. Joy flows not from selfmastery, but from walking in cadence with the Divine will, discovering meaning in every step and fulfillment in every act of surrender.
living guideposts, illuminating the path ahead, urging us to discern the gentle nudge or the stern warning. To listen for the soft, persistent voice of the Diprompting us to move, to linger,
walk with a posture of trust. For what comfort can be greater than knowing our days are not a scatter of random
hand both mysterious and kind? The
Success, then, is not measured by worldly standards but by faithfulness. To follow the call of the Good Shepherd is to trust that even when we stray or stumble, we are never abandoned. The Shepherd walks with the flock through every danger, guards against unseen threats, and draws us back into safety when we wander. Even in the valley of shadows, with fear pressing close, we remember: the rod and staff are our comfort, and the promise of protection is unshakable.
We find, in the search for purpose, the s course to a wisdom beyond cal-
Let us trust in this care. The path ahead may twist and darken, but with every step, we are known, cherished, and guided our lives a testament to the Shepherd’s faithfulness, our hearts attuned to the music of His purpose. For in yielding to the design set before us, we awaken to the most profound joy: that of walking, each day, hand in hand with the Divine.
ince the beginning of the Adam and Eve era, it has been said that Hamas has existed deep within scripture and has been regarded as Lucifer.
rael's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are both trying to avoid a day in court that could expose their unethical actions.
Hamas was and still is seen as a demonic force, which remains prominent into the 21st century. From the start, Hamas has been viewed as Lucifer, the Devil, or various manifestations of Satan.
Since the Biblical days of Sarah and Abraham, their male descendants have faced conflict, resulting in hostility between the two nations. After Abraham agreed to have his handmaid bear him with a child, things took a turn for the worse. Abraham could not father a child.
weak excuses, such as Trump claiming to have Bone Spurs in his feet. Benjamin Netanyahu has not fought in a war because he is often entangled in political conflicts with his opponents.
If Israel truly seeks peace, why are they intentionally, without any provocation, bombing the Palestinians along with others especially sick children? This is unacceptable. Israel s leader provokes violence just to keep the war ongoing, which in turn keeps him busy in court yet God has a day of judgment reserved for him and the so called U.S. demonic leader.
The Palestinians will not forgive Abraham's wife for her envy, which created conflict and resulted in the exile of the mother and illegitimate child from Israel. This act would create division, and the handmaid was cast out along with her child, resulting in deep seated hatred that continues to this day.
Amid all the chaos, the two hypm s-
They work together and are often regarded by many as a dangerous duo involved in criminal activities. Neither has served their country well, apart from causing death and unnecessary suffering; they, along with their counterparts, cause citizens to suffer greatly.
Both the United States and Israel should take a more active role in the world and follow the teachings of God. Those who are killing innocent people will have to answer in judgment for their actions on this earth.
Neither leader has taken part in a war or been near a battlefield, yet they appear to fuel tensions between multiple countries in their era. Both have offered
Some leaders may decide to send soldiers to war without being personally affected unless their own families are involved. Should family members become involved in the conflict, the hostilities would likely come to a swift and abrupt conclusion.
hroughout history, humanity has grappled with the perennial question: If God is sovereign, loving, and allpowerful, why does evil persist? Why are innocent lives caught in the crossfire of decisions made by those in authority? Why are tragedies, both natural and humanmade, allowed to befall the world?
The heart of this question lies at the intersection of divine sovereignty and human free will. Scripture affirms that "all that God made was good." Yet, through the disobedience of the first humans, Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, setting off a chain reaction of brokenness, sorrow, and evil that has endured through the ages. This original disG
make decisions that lead to suffering and loss, especially among the most vulnerable. History is replete with such instances, and the present is no different. Does God permit these tragedies? The biblical narrative does not shy away from acknowledging that God allows, though does not author, evil. God s allowance is not endorsement; rather, it is a painful concession to human freedom the same freedom that makes love, trust, and faith possible.
Why, then, would God permit disasters and suffering? An old idea
flict and groups like Hamas, it's important to note that evil is not exclusive to any group or period. The biblical tradition describes Satan as the "adversary" who seeks to sow discord, destruction, and despair. This adversary works through the ages, finding footholds wherever hearts turn away from God s ways. Yet, evil does not have the final word; God s redemptive purposes move through even the bleakest chapters of human history.
the Creator, standing outside of time, knew from the beginning what each generation would face. Still, God s intention was always to redeem, not to abandon.
Just as a car owner, perplexed by persistent mechanical troubles, would turn to the manufacturer knowing the one who designed it best understands its workings so too must we turn to our Maker. God, as the Creator of all things, is most acquainted with the mysteries, wounds, and hopes of humanity. When disasters strike or when evil seems to have the upper hand, believers are called to seek understanding not merely from human wisdom but from a divine perspective.
One of the most troubling realities is that those in authority sometimes
holds that suffering, though never desirable, can spark spiritual growth. In times of trouble, many are driven to seek the divine, to ask more profound questions, and to find hope beyond the present darkness. Suffering often exposes the limits of human control, prompting a return to the Source.
Regarding the Israel Palestine con-
Ultimately, the existence of evil is a mystery that finds its partial answer in human freedom and the gift of choice. The world s disasters and the prevalence of suffering may indeed serve to draw people back to God, reminding us of our dependence on the Creator and awakening a longing for the world s restoration.
For those who believe in Christ and are baptized into His life, there is the assurance that God s knowledge encompasses all of time past, present, and future. Those whom God has chosen will, through faith and perseverance, share in the promise of eternal life. In the meantime, the faithful are called not merely to speculate on the existence of evil, but to bear witness to love, justice, and hope in a broken world.
Thus, as we walk through days of uncertainty, let us do so with humilm w
trust in the God who, from the beginning, saw the end and promised to walk with us each step of the way.
Continued from page 4.
we can lead efforts to regain the House of Representatives, advocating for the essential services that support our communities,” he stated.
“Together, we can uphold the integrity of our elections and ensure every voter has a voice in shaping a fair and just future.”
When asked how he felt about Trump telling Texas Greg Abbott to have his House members pass the remap that will give five Black and Hispanic congressional seats to Republicans, Palast said,
Census set the time that remaps are redrawn based on population and not the president of Abbott. The census says the remaps are to be drawn every ten years not five years.
But with the hundreds of presidential executive orders Trump has signed
ty, the Erie Court, Oak Park, IL.at the Humboldt Park Health, 1044 N. Francisco Ave., Ascension Saint Mary Hospital, 2233 W. Division, and the Mt. Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., which services 78 percent of Medicare patients.
With thousands of low-income and uninsured patients at risk of losing healthcare, locally and millions nationwide, Rep. Davis urged Senators not to remove needed funding for the poor that could lead to prolong illnesses and even deaths, but they did with Weiss Memorial Hospital taking the first it.
“When you have to tell Greg Abbott to be a racist and undermine democracy, it is extraordinary because Abbott doesn’t need a lot of encouragement to do that.
“This is one of the most obscene, brutal attacks on democracy that we can imagine because we like to think of ourselves as a democracy, but who should be in Congress is not determined by voters but rather by a bunch of sneaky manipulators drawing lines.
Over the weekend of August 8 and 9th of 2025, some of the Black Texas Democrats spoke at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition where they were joined by the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Rev. Janette Wilson, national executive director for the PUSH Excel program and Rev. Michael Eric Dyson.
It was Dyson who blasted Abbott and Trump for their “racist” move to steal five Black Texas Congressional seats so Trump won’t lose his majority rule after the 2026 mid-term elections.
Dyson reminded them that the U.S.
like reducing Medicaid which will cause 17 million low-income people to lose their health insurance and at least five safety net hospitals to close, Trump can’t take a chance on losing Republican control. Already, Weiss Memorial Hospital closed its doors on August 8. 2025 due to the lack of federal funding and allegations by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services who alleged that there had been persistent non-compliance with standards of care in the areas of nursing, the physical environment and the emergency services.
During the summer months, the hospital’s air-conditioning malfunctioned resulting in officials transferring patients and refusing new admissions. The question is where will those patients go now for health care?
That was the haunting question Davis warned back on Monday, June 30th, before the Seante passed the bill with the help of Vice President JD Vance’s tie-breaking vote on Trump’s “big Ugly Tax bill” as Rep. Davis calls it.
The five Safety Net Hospitals are: Loretto Hospital, 645 S. Central Ave., the West Suburban Health Care facili-
“Of all of the draconian cuts in the “Big Ugly bill,” nothing is more devastating than the cuts that will devastate healthcare delivery in this country as evidenced by the impact on these safety-net hospitals not only in urban America but even worst in rural America,” said Rep. Davis.
Texas Democrats are hoping to win the 2026 midterm elections so they can gain control of both the Senate and the House and repeal those “draconian cuts” to healthcare, education and other unfair executive orders Trump keeps signing on issues many say go beyond his authority.
And that is why the Texas Democrats decided to leave Texas and come to Illinois and several other friendly states to avoid the racially gerrymandered remap that would draw them out of their own districts and replace them with white republicans. They said, not on their watch.
Three of the Texas Democrats came to St. Sabina Church, headed by Father Michael L. Pfleger, on Sunday, August 10, 2025, headed by Rep. Barbara Garvin-Hawkins who is also the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Chair, she denied they ran away from Texas rather “we ran to the fight” for justice Continue on page 46.
Continued from page 45. and for democracy,” she told hundreds of cheering St. Sabina members.
But Palast questions whether we still have a democracy under Trump. “We are not a democracy,” said Palast. “We are getting closer and closer to Putin’s democracy which isn’t a democracy at all.”
Palast said Abbott has a history of blocking voters from voting. Pointing a finger at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Palast said, “Paxton admitted that if the state had not stopped Houston from sending out mail in ballots back in 2020, that Trump would have lost Texas.”
Saying he is neither for Democrats nor Republicans but rather for the voters making these choices, Palast said, “There is no doubt that the State of Texas has done everything it can to stop Black and brown people from voting.” He said Trump and the Republicans are trying to “rig” the 2026 midterm elections to maintain power.
barely holding on now. Trump has lost a lot of his popularity as does the Republican Party. This is a pure grab to overturn democracy.”
Palast referred to California Gov. Gavin Newsom who vowed to “fight fire with fire” over the Texas remap scandal and do the same thing in California. However, Palast said that retaliation is impossible because by law the nonpartisan California Citizens Redistricting Commission redraws the district lines every ten years.
Texas, Palast said, “Is not rational. It was once part of the Confederacy” during the Civil War and had seceded from the Union in 1861.”
With Texas having a large number of Blacks, Palast pointed to, “The massive number of games being played to block Texas voters from voting including the mass purge of hundreds of thousands of Black and Hispanic voters before the 2024 election now before the 2026 election.
“America is the only nation where people are struck off the voter rolls based on cockamamie evidence, and it’s almost always voters of color. Texas may be the worst state in America on this matter,” he stated.
Palast was referring to the increase of voter purging’s in Black and brown communities. Having done a study for the ACLU, Palast found that methods of Texas voter purging’s involved hundreds of thousands of voters were illegally removed.
He found that 63 percent, or 2 out of 3 they removed, “were perfectly legal voters. “Their only crime was they voted while Black. That’s the issue in Texas. It doesn’t surprise me that Abbott doesn’t need a lot of encouragement from Trump with his attack of this congressional map.”
Palast referred to the Constitutional Mandate: Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution which requires a decennial census (every 10 years) for redistricting. It is done for the distribution of the 435 seats in the U.S. House based on their population counts.
At the behest of Abbott, the majority Republican House chose to remap the congressional districts in the fifth-year contrary to the Constitution, and they drew the home of outspoken Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett out of her district.
“Trump knows he is losing control of Congress,” said Palast. “and by 2026 unless they recall those lines, the Republicans will definitely lose control of Congress. They are
When told that some Texas Republicans claim their fight to mass their remap is not racist but rather “pure politics,” Palast said, “Manipulating elections for purely politics is not a good excuse.
“It’s not about parties. It's not about whether they are shafting the Democrats. It’s about shafting the voters. Palast said the Texas Republicans are trying to undermine democracy.”
He was referring to the remap terms “stacking” and “cracking” with the former drawing Blacks in one district where they can win and cracking shattering them throughout several districts where they cannot win. “No matter if you crack or stack, that is the way they make their extra seats,” explained Palast.
He warned there is a lot at stake given the Supreme Court getting ready to hear the last vestiges of the Civil rights Act which says everyone can vote.
“They want to take that away. While the Republicans claim we don’t need a voting rights Act, it’s clear we are going backwards given this administration’s actions,” said Palast. He warned people to check their own voter registration to see if they are still on the voting rolls. That is what happened in the 2024 election where Vigilantes knocked off hundreds and thousands of Black and brown voters, according to Palast especially in Georgia a minority majority state. “It’s difficult for Republicans to win Georgia unless they cheat,” said Palast.
“The state of Georgia just challenged 480,000 voters. I went through their list that they were going to purge nameby-name working with Amazon experts and the US Postal service, and they said two out of three people are being removed from the rolls actually still live in their legal voting address.
“If it were not for these purges, Trump would not have won in 2024,” said Palast. He also urged people to get the Republican’s purge list and verify if those removed from the rolls are really legitimate voters.
hroughout history, the question of reparations compensation for past injustices has sparked enthusiastic debates, especially about the descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States.
While some dismiss these demands as divisive or impractical, a deep reading of the Bible reveals a tradition rooted in justice, restitution, and the healing of broken communities. Examining the biblical call for reparations not only clarifies its moral legitimacy but also challenges society to confront uncomfortable truths, seek restoration, and move forward with honesty and integrity.
Biblical Principles of Reparation
The Bible is replete with passages that underscore the importance of justice and restitution for wrongs committed. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law is clear: those who cause harm, whether by theft, negligence, or violence, are needed to restore what was lost often with interest.
Exodus 22:1: “If someone steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, they must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.”
Leviticus 6:4-5: If anyone sins and is found guilty, “he must return what he has stolen... and add a fifth of the value to it and give it all to the owner on the day he presents his guilt offering.”
Numbers 5:6-7: “When anyone...
wrongs another in any way... they must confess the sin... and make full restitution for the wrong they have done, add a fifth to it and give it all to the person they have wronged.”
These passages do not frame restitution as optional kindness, but as a sacred duty an acknowledgment of harm and a tangible step toward justice and reconciliation.
The teachings of Jesus in the New Testament echo these themes. In
Luke 19, the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector stands as one of the most powerful examples:
“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house...’” (Luke 19:89)
Restitution, in the biblical worldview, is not simply about financial compensation it is about restoring right relationships, healing communities, and proving repentance in concrete ways.
The African American Struggle: A Legacy of Unpaid Labor and Ongoing Injustice
When considering the case of African Americans in the United States, the moral urgency of reparations becomes especially pronounced. For over two centuries, millions were enslaved, forced to labor without compensation, denied basic human rights, and subjected to violence both physical and psychological. Even after Emancipation, systems of segregation, discrimination, and economic exploitation persisted, undermining Black communities and impeding generational wealth-building.
The legacy of unpaid labor is woven into the very fabric of American society. From the cotton fields of the South to the construction of
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Continued from page 47. America’s most iconic buildings including the White House itself
Black labor built the wealth and infrastructure that the nation cherishes today. Yet, those whose sweat and sacrifice made this prosperity possible were denied fair wages, recognition, and the opportunity to receive help from their toil.
Enslaved women cared for white children, often neglecting their own families, with neither pay nor acknowledgment.
Black men, women, and children constructed roads, railways, and buildings without compensation.
The promise of “forty acres and a mule,” a post-Civil War attempt at restitution, was quickly rescinded, leaving newly freed people vulnerable to poverty and exploitation.
Too often, discussions of reparations for African Americans are met with deflection, silence, or claims that such wrongs are too distant in the past. Yet, as the Bible proves, justice delayed is not justice denied. Restitution stays necessary, not just for the direct victims but for their descendants and for the moral health of the entire society.
Reparations in Modern Language: Misunderstandings and Misuse
In contemporary discourse, the topic of reparations is often misunderstood. Critics may portray reparations as a demand for “handouts” or frame it as divisive. However, the biblical concept of reparations is neither charity nor division; it is the restoration of what is rightfully due, a public acknowledgment of harm, and a step toward healing.
Some cite cases where reparations
have been paid, quietly and without fanfare, to other groups wronged in history such as Japanese Americans interned during World War II or survivors of the Holocaust. These precedents prove that restitution is both possible and effective, underscoring a societal commitment to justice and remembrance.
The question “why” persists: Why should today’s generation bear responsibility for the sins of the past? The biblical answer is clear. Injustice, if left unaddressed, festers and corrupts future generations. Only honest confession and concrete acts of restoration can break cycles of harm and lay the foundation for genuine reconciliation.
Confession, Repentance, and the Path Forward
The Bible calls for more than mere acknowledgment of wrongdoing it demands confession and tangible repentance. In the 21st century, this means confronting the nation’s history with clarity, humility, and a commitment never to repeat the past's sins.
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)
“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
To “confess to wrongness and proceed with honesty,” as the original text urges, is to break the silence that enables continued inequity. It is to recognize that the wounds of the past remain open, their effects still visible in disparities of wealth, health, education, and opportunity.
“Money Answers All Things”:
Material and Moral Restoration
The phrase “money answers all things,” drawn from Ecclesiastes 10:19, is often misapplied or misunderstood. In the biblical context, it recognizes that material restitution is a necessary part of justice. While money alone cannot heal every wound, it is a means by which wrongs are addressed, opportunities restored, and dignity affirmed.
Reparations are not solely about financial payment. They encompass the return of land, investment in education and health, public apologies, and policy changes designed to redress systemic harm. True restoration involves both material compensation and a transformation of public memory ensuring that the stories of Black suffering, perseverance, and contribution are honored.
Honest Reckoning
The call for reparations for African Americans is not an appeal to guilt but to justice the same justice that the Bible so persistently demands. It is an invitation to take part in the healing work of restitution, confession, and transformation.
To ignore or minimize this call is to perpetuate the “dark days” of suffering. To answer it, with honesty and courage, is to join in the biblical tradition of righting wrongs, restoring relationships, and building a society where no one’s labor or life is disregarded.
Let us confess to the wrongs, commit to never recommitting them, and go ahead together on the path toward justice, as ancient and enduring as the Scriptures themselves.
etween Donald J. Trump’s election and his inauguration as President of the United States, a series of actions and statements captured the nation's and the world's attention.
As a candidate who had never held political power or served in the military, Trump’s approach to the presidential transition was unprecedented in many respects. The following explores some of the most surprising actions undertaken before his presidency officially began, their perceived impact, and the broader questions they raised about American democracy and its safeguards.
Unprecedented Cabinet Appointments: Trump selected several cabinet members from outside the traditional political or governmental background, including prominent business leaders and military generals. These nominations challenged established norms regarding experience and expertise in federal government leadership roles.
Direct Communication via Social Media: Trump continued and even intensified his use of Twitter and other platforms to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media channels. This approach shifted political discourse and introduced a new norm for presidential engagement.
Unconventional Diplomatic Contacts: Even before taking office, Trump engaged directly with for-
eign leaders, most notably accepting a phone call from Taiwan’s president, which broke with decades of U.S. diplomatic protocol with China. He also weighed in publicly on issues like the United Nations and NATO.
Business interests: Concerns arose because Trump did not fully divest
or use a blind trust. This raised questions about conflicts of interest and set a new precedent for presidential transparency.
Public Challenges to Intelligence Agencies: Trump publicly disputed the findings of U.S. intelligence agencies on topics such as foreign interference in the 2016 election, a move that surprised and unsettled many within the national security apparatus.
Some observers expressed concern that these actions, both before and after taking office, signaled a shift in American governance. Crit-
ics worried that certain policy decisions and the broader approach to institutions could align the United States more closely with countries perceived as less democratic or historically antagonistic to American values. These concerns arise under various administrations, particularly during periods of rapid change or unconventional leadership, prompting comparisons and anxieties about governance models.
Several factors contributed to this sense of difference or unease:
Disruption of Political Norms: The willingness to break with established customs both in communication and governance created uncertainty about the direction and durability of democratic practices.
Polarization and Public Discourse:
Political polarization increased, as did contentious public debate, further amplified by social media and direct-to-public messaging strategies.
Global Trends: Broader global movements toward populism and skepticism of traditional institutions echoed in the United States, intensifying the perception of a possible systemic shift.
Are We Being Taken Over by a Totalitarian Government?
While concerns about authoritarian tendencies emerge periodically in American political life, the United States’ structure of constitutional Continue on page 50.
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governance built on checks and balances, a free press, an independent judiciary, and regular elections remains a bulwark against the rise of totalitarianism. It is essential to distinguish between decisive executive actions and the undermining of foundational democratic institutions. Ongoing vigilance by citizens, legislators, and an active civil society is critical in preserving democratic norms.
Beyond the voting process, citizens have several avenues for engagement and recourse:
Contacting Elected Representatives: Individuals can reach out to
their local, state, and federal representatives to voice their opinions, concerns, and advocate for policy positions.
Civic Participation: Joining or supporting advocacy organizations, attending public hearings, and contributing to public debate through writing or peaceful protest are effective ways to influence policy and hold leaders accountable.
Judicial Review: The courts provide an avenue for challenging actions perceived as unconstitutional or unjust, often resulting in the reversal or modification of government policies.
Media and Information: Supporting independent media and seeking
out reliable information empowers citizens to make informed choices and push back against misinformation.
The period preceding Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by a series of actions that surprised and sometimes unsettled the nation. While these actions prompted debate about the direction of American governance, the resilience of democratic institutions and the active engagement of citizens continue to serve as crucial safeguards against erosion.
The path forward lies in vigilance, participation, and a renewed commitment to the foundational principles of democracy.
hroughout American history, the question of systemic racism and its sources remains a persistent and pressing concern, especially within the African American community. The relationship between the current treatment of Black communities by powerful institutions such as the White House and the broader federal government invites a deeper reflection on the origins and perpetuation of racial inequity in the United States.
Historical Foundations: Judges and the Institution of Slavery
The Role of Judges in Early America
In the formative centuries of the United States, many individuals who held positions of power including judges, legislators, and executive leaders were also slave owners. The legal system was both shaped by and complicit in upholding the institution of slavery. Judges at local, state, and federal levels often issued rulings that reinforced the legality of slavery, protected the interests of slaveholders, and codified racial hierarchies.
Notable Examples of Slave-Owning Judges
While there are many historical examples, a few prominent judges stand out for their direct involvement with slavery:
• Roger B. Taney – As Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Taney authored the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857, which declared Black Americans could not be citizens of the United States. Taney himself came from a slaveholding family in Maryland.
• John Marshall – The fourth Chief Justice of the United States, Marshall owned hundreds of enslaved people throughout his life, even as he presid-
ed over pivotal cases that shaped American law.
• James Moore Wayne – An Associate Justice who served alongside Taney, Wayne was also a slaveholder from Georgia.
Many other judges at the state and local levels, whose names are less prominent in national memory, also
participated in or benefited from the system of slavery. Their legal decisions helped to establish and maintain the frameworks of systemic racism that have endured beyond the abolition of slavery.
Systemic Racism and Its Enduring Legacy
The presence of slave-owning judges within the highest echelons of American law is not merely a historical curiosity; it is a crucial link in the chain of systemic racism. Laws and court decisions from the 18th and 19th centuries laid the groundwork for later structures of discrimination segregation, disenfranchisement, and economic inequality.
Race and the American Legal System
Systemic racism refers to the complex web of policies, practices, and representations that perpetuate racial inequity. The legacy of slavery, as reinforced by the rulings of slave-owning judges, is embedded within legal precedents and institutional practices
Even long after abolition, discriminatory laws and judicial decisions continued to disadvantage African Americans and other minority communities.
Judges as Examples: Contradictions and Controversy
It is a source of ongoing controversy and debate that many historic judges some of whom were slave owners or enablers of racist policies are still cited as examples of judicial excellence or national ideals. Courthouses, schools, and towns bear their names; their portraits hang in the halls of justice. This veneration often overlooks or minimizes the profound harm caused by their actions and decisions.
For minority communities, particularly African Americans, the continued celebration of such figures can feel like an erasure of history or a perpetuation of injustice.
The question arises: how can society hold up these individuals as examples, when their backgrounds include such explicit links to oppression?
ave we truly forgotten the terrible yesterdays, the long, weary days of struggle, and the winding path that brought us to the present moment? In the rhythm of modern life, it is easy to overlook the sacrifices and lessons of those who came before us, as we become swept up in the current of consumer culture and shifting social expectations. Young boys and men now joined by girls and women are subtly nudged toward brand names, taught by the glossy allure of advertisements that their identity and worth can be found in the logos they wear. The dollars spent on these symbols of belonging are hard-earned, yet the meaning of work and money itself has changed across generations.
The distinction between dollars earned today and the money of yesteryear is not simply a matter of inflation or economic policy, but a reflection of deeper social transformations. In previous decades, overtime work for many parents was a requirement rather than an option, as they chose to provide essential footwear for their children rather than brand-name products. The sting of rejection over a pair of unbranded gym shoes was something felt keenly, echoing through dinner tables and bedtime conversations, yet rarely spoken aloud. Parental sacrifice was a quiet, steadfast commitment, often met with the puzzled demands of youth who saw only the surface, never
the labor beneath.
Explaining Hardships and Avoiding Blame
It is, perhaps, a mark of wisdom for parents to calmly explain their struggles to their children, offering context rather than accusations or conspiratorial theories about the forces arrayed against them. The temptation to see hardship as a plot, a deliberate challenge imposed from above, is ever-present; and yet, the truth is often more nuanced. Corporate boardrooms and political offices whether in the glow of Wall Street or the corridors of the White House set goals not only for themselves but for the shape of the nation’s economy and culture. The consequences of these decisions ripple outward, affecting the lives of ordinary taxpayers who must adapt if they wish to remain compliant.
These realities do not excuse the difficulties faced by working families, but they do prompt us to consider the broader forces at play. It is too simple to blame conspiracies or shadowy intentions; instead, we must recognize that change is the product of countless decisions, each shaped by the priorities and pressures of its era. For people experiencing poverty, the challenge is not merely to survive, but to find dignity and purpose amidst shifting expectations and a landscape that seems ever more demanding.
The Lessons of Our Grandparents
Our grandparents, those quiet pillars of endurance, lived in a different world. Their accounts detail queues for potatoes and bread, while meat remains consistently unavailable. Meat was a luxury, a marker of a special occasion rather than a daily staple. The government, at times, would supply basic items, determining not only what was available but also influencing political participation. Recipients were told, sometimes with gentle persuasion and sometimes with stern authority, “how high to jump at the polls” and most did as they were told, believing it was their duty or simply their only option.
The simplicity of these transactions belies the complex realities of the era. Scarcity was an ever-present companion, gratitude for small mercies a necessity. There were no illusions about the costs of survival, nor about the power held by those who controlled the supply of essentials. Yet, despite these challenges, there was a sense of community, a shared understanding that everyone was in the struggle together, and that hard times would, eventually, give way to better days.
Have Things Truly Changed?
Now, the world is supposed to be different. The shelves are full, the advertisements are loud, and the pace of technology is relentless. Yet many of the old anxieties persist, disguised in new forms. The lines may be shorter, the goods Continue on page 53.
Continued from page 52. more plentiful, but the pressure to conform, to spend, to measure success by possessions rather than character, remains. The government’s role may be less visible, but the influence of corporate interests is more pervasive than ever, shaping not only consumer choices but even aspirations and dreams. Are things truly better? Or have we traded one set of challenges for another? The longing for “supposedly different” times is itself a reflection of the human desire for meaning and stability, a wish that the present could be as straightforward or as dignified as the stories told by our elders.
Gratitude and the Journey of Grace and Mercy
In the face of these questions, perhaps the most extraordinary wisdom lies in the practice of gratitude. To pause and thank God or whatever source of grace and mercy we hold dear for bringing us this far, is not a denial of hardship, but an affirmation of endurance. It is a call to remember the journey: the sacrifices of parents who worked overtime, the quiet strength of grandparents who stood in line, and the courage of those who refused to succumb to bitterness in the face of disappointment.
Gratitude is not unquestioning optimism. It does not ignore injustice or excuse exploitation. Instead, it is a recognition of the resilience that sustains families and communities through generations of trial and transformation. To be grateful is to see beyond the surface to honor the past, acknowledge the present, and commit to shaping a future that is more compassionate and just.
Consumerism and Identity
The urge to buy, to possess, to wrap ourselves in the comfort of brands, is deeply human, rooted in a desire to belong and to be seen. Yet it is also a challenge, for it risks obscuring the deeper sources of self-worth and meaning. Parents must guide their children through a landscape that is both seductive and perilous, helping them to understand that happiness is not sold in stores, nor measured in the currency of celebrity.
This task is made more difficult by the velocity of modern life: social media, advertising, and peer pressure combine to create a whirlwind of expectation, one that can leave both children and adults feeling anxious and inadequate. The antidote, perhaps, is not only in conversation, but in example in the lived reality of restraint, humility, and generosity.
Economic Shifts and Family Dynamics
The nature of work has changed, but the essence of sacrifice remains the same. Whether overtime is spent in a factory, a retail store, or a home office, the struggle to provide is a thread that links generations. What differs is the context: the goods may be flashier, the demands more complex, but the desire to give children a better life endures.
Understanding this continuity allows for greater empathy between parents and children, between generations, between those who remember the lines for potatoes and those who dream of designer shoes. It is in these exchanges that wisdom is passed, not as lectures or blame, but as
stories and shared experiences.
Political Realities and Social Change...
The role of government, and of those who wield power, remains central. Whether in the distribution of food or in shaping markets, the decisions made by leaders have a profound impact on everyday life. The importance of participation of standing in line at the polls as well as the grocery store has not diminished. If anything, it is more urgent than ever.
Citizens must recognize their agency, even when faced with overwhelming odds. They must see themselves not as passive recipients, but as active contributors to shaping society. This means questioning, engaging, and advocating not only for personal gain, but for the common good.
Honoring the Journey
As we reflect on the path from “terrible yesterdays” to the challenges of today, let us remember that every generation faces its struggles. The tools and circumstances change, but the underlying quest for dignity, belonging, and hope remains.
Let us honor the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before us, not just with nostalgia, but with gratitude and a commitment to understanding. Let us teach our children not only about brand names and spending, but about hardships and resilience. Let us strive for a society where the lines we stand in are not for scarcity or exclusion, but for justice, compassion, and connection. And above all, let us pause to give thanks for grace, for mercy, and for the enduring strength that carries us forward.
Finding Light Amidst the Shadows
here are moments when the weight of each day presses with such certainty that tomorrow’s promise appears to dissolve into the haze of sameness. The words of Scripture take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself echo as both challenge and solace. In a world swirling with uncertainty, and in times when leadership seems absent or untrustworthy, it is natw where hope can be found.
the assurance that God s presence abides unchanging and faithful even when all else seems unstable.
The trials of society, the tumult of political or social upheaval, and the relentless tide of troubling news can erode our optimism. It is easy to look at the days ahead and see only the repetition of disappointment or distress. We may grieve for our children and their children, as we consider the legacy left to them. Yet, even in the shadow of fear and cynicism, the ancient words of faith invite us to lift our gaze however weary toward a hope that endures beyond earthly circumstances.
This hope is not a denial of pain, nor is it easy optimism. It is, instead, a quiet, resilient trust that tomorrow unseen and, at times, uninviting rests in hands greater than our own. When the world offers little comfort, and when leadership does not inspire, those who look to Christ find a hope that is neither naive nor wishful but anchored and sustaining.
Scripture testifies that our ultimate hope is grounded not in the changing tides of leadership, or the fleeting promises of worldly systems, but in Christ Jesus, who stays steadfast. Throughout history, those who have gone before us endured seasons of darkness, oppression, and uncertainty, and many found solace in
earching for Hope: Understanding Youth Suicide in America
Grief, Substance Abuse, and the Search for Answers
The crisis of youth suicide in America stands as a devastating reality, quietly unraveling the fabric of families and communities. Each year, thousands of parents and guardians are left with aching questions haunted by the uncertainty of what could have been done to prevent the unthinkable and searching for meaning amid their sorrow. The pain is compounded by the relentless pressures facing today’s
For our children, and generations yet unborn, we are called to bear witness to this hope. We do so not only in words but in the daily acts of love, justice, and compassion that reflect the heart of Christ. Even when the world s noise grows loud, or deception wins the day, faith endures as a light in the darkness a reminder that hope is not extinguished.
Let us, then, carry this hope quietly but firmly, nurturing it within ourselves and offering it to others.
In doing so, we honor the biblical charge to trust, love, and persevere, even when the path ahead is unclear.
For though tomorrow may bring challenge, its story is not yet written, and in Christ, the possibility of redemption and renewal stays ever present.
young men and women, where the weight of expectation, isolation, and
the lure of substances can prove overwhelming.
Understanding the Numbers
Suicide is among the leading causes of death for American youth. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14 and 15-24. Each year, over 6,500 young people in the United States die by suicide an average of nearly 18 per day.
About 20% of high school students report serious suicidal thoughts, and roughly 9% have attempted suicide. These numbers are not uniform across the country; some states lose more young people to suicide than others. For instance, states such as Wyoming, Alaska, and Montana consistently report Continue on page 55.
Continued from page 54. the highest suicide rates per capita, while states like New Jersey and New York tend to have lower rates. In 2022, Wyoming had a suicide rate for all ages nearly three times the national average, a sobering reflection of how community context, isolation, and access to resources intertwine.
The Shadow of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse often travels hand in hand with despair. Drugs and alcohol, sometimes sought for relief or escape, can exacerbate mental health struggles and heighten impulsivity. Many young people fall unwittingly into the grips of addiction, their struggles hidden beneath the surface until it is too late. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, adolescents who misuse substances are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts. The intersection of addiction and suicide is complex one feeds the other, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
Parental Grief and the Search for Accountability
For parents and guardians, the loss of a child to suicide is a grief unlike any other. It is defined by questions that have no easy answers and a torment that lingers. Many wonder if anger or stricter discipline could have made a difference, or if love and attention were not enough. The reality is that today’s society places immense pressure on young people, and the sense of hopelessness can overpower even the strongest family bonds.
The Role of Faith, Community, and Support
Amid these crises, questions arise about the role of spiritual and emotional support systems. Should ministers, counselors, and mentors reach out with greater urgency? The answer, for many, is yes compassionate guidance, meaningful connection, and authentic community are all powerful tools in the struggle against despair. Counselors must dig deeper, not just to diagnose or treat, but to understand and walk alongside those who are hurting. Faith leaders, likewise, are called to offer hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging to youth who feel lost.
If Christ Is the Answer, What Is the Problem?
This question invites reflection beyond statistics and social commentary. If Christ is the answer, perhaps the problem is not only despair, but a profound sense of disconnection from self, from others, from meaning. The core human need is for hope, love, and understanding. When these are absent, vulnerability to substance abuse, isolation, and ultimately suicide can grow.
To frame the problem more broadly: it is the ache of loneliness, the crisis of hope, and the absence of community that so many young people encounter. Support from faith, friends, or professionals affirms that every life matters and help is available.
Moving Forward
At the same time, there is a temptation to look outward, blaming societal ills, the prevalence of drugs, or failures of government and institutions. While it is true that systemic factors such as the accessibility of narcotics and the profit motives behind them play a role, they are only part of a larger tapestry of causes.
There is no single solution to the tragedy of youth suicide. But by acknowledging the depth of the pain, examining both personal and systemic causes, and extending empathy and support, society can begin to heal. It is a call to action for parents, teachers, leaders, friends, and faith communities to reach out, listen, and stand with those who struggle.
Above all, young people must know that their story is not over, and that even in the darkest valley, there is hope, help, and life ahead.
someone is thinking about suicide.
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. Do not allow the warning to be dismissed. Get help immediately,
he question of why specific individuals or groups attempt to "rewrite" Black history is both timely and deeply rooted in the ongoing struggle over who controls the narrative of the past. Historical accounts are not just records of dates and events; they are stories about identity, power, and belonging. The effort to reshape, diminish, or distort Black history, whether in the United States or elsewhere, reflects broader anxieties and dynamics within societies.
History is not a neutral chronicle; it shapes national identity, informs policies, and influences how people understand themselves and others. For centuries, the dominant narratives in American history have often marginalized or ignored Black experiences and contributions. When attempts are made to correct these omissions through museums, curricula, or new scholarship, there is sometimes resistance from those who feel threatened by a more inclusive telling of the past.
Attempts to alter or omit Black history often arise from fears of change, facing brutal truths, or losing status. As Black communities in America and beyond have made significant social, cultural, and political gains, some perceive these advances as a challenge to established hierarchies. This anxiety
may motivate individuals or groups to resist or alter narratives they find unsettling.
To some, acknowledging the whole reality of Black history including the violence and injustices faced,
as well as the triumphs and contributions requires confronting how society has benefited from exclusion and inequality. This process can be uncomfortable, but it is essential for growth, reconciliation, and justice.
Institutions like the Smithsonian are custodians of history, responsible for collecting, preserving, and sharing diverse stories. Debates over how these stories are told what is included, what is emphasized, and what is left out are not new. Presidential administrations and political leaders may seek to influence these narratives to reflect their values or priorities. When these interventions result in the marginalization or distortion of Black history, it raises important questions about whose voices are valued and whose experiences are deemed worthy of remembrance.
From a moral or spiritual perspective, the recognition that all humans
are created with dignity and unique gifts is fundamental. Throughout history, many have drawn on faith traditions to affirm the worth of every person and to challenge systems of bias or exclusion. The existence of prejudice and discrimination, however, speaks to human fallibility rather than any deficiency in the divine creation.
When individuals or societies struggle to accept the gifts, presence, or advances of Black communities, it is an opportunity for reflection and growth. Rather than questioning the legitimacy of Black achievement, energy might be better used in seeking understanding and reconciliation.
Ultimately, the challenge is not just about preserving the accuracy of history, but about building a society in which all people are seen, valued, and included. Honest engagement with the past, including its most painful episodes, is essential for building trust and fostering justice. Efforts to diminish or alter Black history due to fear or bias undermine both Black communities and the accuracy of our collective historical record.
The work of truth-telling and inclusivity continues across museums, classrooms, families, and communities. It requires courage, humility, and a willingness to listen to voices that have often been silent. In doing so, we honor the fullness of humanity and the diverse gifts with which all people have been endowed.
Probation Challenge PCC Network.
here are forces in the world timeless and cunning that persist in their search for souls untouched by the armor of faith, spirits unmoored by conviction. Such forces are not the stuff of mere myth or superstition; they are the shadows that slip quietly into moments of indecision, the whispers that shape ambitions, desires, and fears. For some, the pursuit of fleeting pleasures or the intoxicating promise of power becomes an open gate, a silent invitation for darkness to take root. One step leads to another each vice, each indulgence, each compromise drawing the spirit further from the light, deeper into the untamed wilderness of confusion and despair.
How many young people today, adrift in a world of endless options yet rootless in meaning, have found themselves captivated by these influences? Violence, addiction, apathy, and despair are not merely social maladies they are echoes of a more profound, spiritual discord, the fruits of a soul left unguarded at the margins of virtue.
Yet, as in every age, not all are swept away by the flood. Among the multitude, there remains a remnant minority who, by the grace of revelation or the inheritance of tradition, have chosen the path of faith. In Christianity, these pilgrims seek a refuge, a compass, and a hope that transcends the shifting sands of circumstance. But faith is not a fortress built once and left unwatched; it is a living practice that requires vigilance and renewal.
Evil rarely announces its arrival with fanfare. Its approach is often masked in mundane moments an envious glance, a prideful thought, a hidden resentment. Even those who walk in faith must be wary, for the adversary is subtle, ancient, and persistent. Consider the fate of Lucifer, the archangel whose gifts and stature inspired admiration among the hosts of heaven. Yet jealousy the most insidious of adversaries took root in his heart, birthing ambition and rebellion. Believing himself entitled to rival the Divine, Lucifer fell; his intentions discerned, his rebellion punished. Cast down from glory, his singular purpose became the waging of war upon those cherished by God.
From this archetype, the lesson is clear: the seeds of spiritual downfall are often sown in moments of envy, pride, or unguarded ambition. The conflict encompasses both external events and internal motivations, including intentions and actions.
The spirit of darkness does not hover aimlessly; it searches for a vessel, a place to dwell and act. Those whose lives are marked by crime, malice, or indifference become, knowingly or not, hosts for these influences a soul parched for meaning, a house swept bare but left vacant. The Scriptures teach that the mere rejection of evil is insufficient; the soul must not only be cleansed but filled. For what is left empty soon invites occupation.
Prayer, good intentions, and moral resolve are worthy, but they are incomplete if not accompanied by transformation a surrender of self to Christ, the embodiment of divine love and hope. This act of surrender is not a passive acquiescence, but a deliberate choice: to allow the soul to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, to deprive darkness of sanctuary, to replace vacancy with presence, confusion with clarity, bondage with freedom.
Imagine the soul as a house. To sweep it clean is to remove the dirt and debris of vice, anger, and deceit. But an empty house, pristine yet unoccupied, is vulnerable to intrusion. The answer, then, is to invite the Holy Spirit to dwell, transforming the residence into a temple radiant with the presence of God.
It is tempting, in moments of weakness, to believe that strength resides within us alone that by sheer willpower, discipline, or intellect we can resist the seductions of darkness. But the testimony of faith is otherwise: our strength is not our own, but is bestowed by grace, by the presence and power of Christ within us. Alone, we remain vulnerable; together with Him, we become instru-
ments of light, bearers of hope in a world shadowed by confusion.
For the young, this invitation is profound. The call is not simply to resist temptation, but to embrace transformation to turn toward Christ, to anchor the soul in faith, and to discover that evil cannot endure where the light of God stands resolute. The journey will be marked by trials, by moments of doubt and difficulty, but the promise endures: where Christ dwells, there is liberty, renewal, and enduring strength.
Let your house, your life, not only be swept clean of malice but also filled with the Holy Spirit a living, active presence that brings liberation and hope. Let your actions reflect the radiance of a spirit transformed, a testimony to the power of grace at work in the world. For in a culture that often prizes appearance over substance, novelty over truth, it is the transformed life that speaks most eloquently of the reality of God.
The struggle between virtue and vice is ancient, yet constantly replayed in each generation, in every heart The youth stand at this crossroads, faced with choices that will shape not only their destinies but the world they inherit. May they choose wisely; may they see beyond the allure of immediate pleasure to the greater joy that lies in surrender and renewal.
To those who walk this path uncertain, vulnerable, but searching for meaning let this be a word of encouragement. The journey is not without peril, but neither is it without promise. The grace offered by Christ is not a relic of the past but a living power, able to meet the soul in its most profound need. Evil may seek to encroach, to sow discord and despair, but where faith stands firm, its power is broken.
Let each young person remember: the outcome of this spiritual odyssey does not depend on perfection, but on persistence; not on self-sufficiency, but on trust. Receive the invitation to live not as vessels of vacancy, but as bearers of the Holy Spirit’s light. In doing so, you become not only recipients of grace but agents of transformation in a world longing for redemption.
