It's Time for a Change
It's been a week since the big fight(s) that took place last week at Frank Lee Homes and much of the friction has subsided, or so it seems. Most of the people fighting were males ranging from high school age to some adult males that act like they're still in high school. But someone in Lumberton should have a solution for the daily doses of chaos that take place in this little town. Certainly, I understand the reasoning behind the guys and their need to expend their energy because there's nothing for them to do here in Lumberton. We have a board that is more concerned with "having it their way" that they have totally neglected the city they've been elected to represent. The events that took place the other week should have been an awakening. There must be an awakening in our people concerning our role in God’s plan. In Lumberton, there's a church on almost every corner but for some reason, the corner has not changed. It's time to put aside any divisions and come together for the greater good of this city and to provide a example of leadership for the youth of Lumberton. Unfortunately, too many churches are more interested in having a program instead of establishing a program. There are too many churches in our community for this type of behavior to continue fester within out city limits. On January 16, 2012, the ministers of Hattiesburg launched the Pine Belt 360 initiative in an effort to brainstorm on different ways to bring their congregations and community together. When will the men/women of God get together and demand programs and/or services for the youth of our city. Better yet, when will the ministers get together and establish some programs for the youth of Lumberton? The time has come for our churches to leave the rhetoric of the reconstruction era behind and recognize that there are things we must do for ourselves. It's time for us to come out from the pews and pulpits and reach out to those who need our support and guidance. We must provide those in the pews with the tools to better their lives and the lives of their children. The church also need to do a better job of reaching out to our men and we must do it while we have them there. The majority of black men were in church at some point in their lives and the church lost them. The children have not failed, we have failed them. We have to do a better job of training them up to be men of character and despite the foolishness of some women that love to make the claim that they're the mother and the father, only a man can teach a boy how to become a man.
Jason Whitlock said it best when he said "our self-hatred, on display for the whole world to see, remains untreated, undiagnosed and unrepentant." He goes on to say that "until we recapture the minds of black youth, convince them that it's not OK to "superman dat ho" and end any and every dispute by "cocking on your bitch" nothing will change. Someone must come forth and let the youth of Lumberton know that the "keeping it real" mantra is preventing them from soaring. There's always someone ready to tell you that you're selling out if you speak proper English, embrace education, or dress like a man. It's time out for showing your asses (literally and figuratively) every time you're out in public. We all know the problems and challenges that face the youth of Lumberton. Now the question is: What are we going to do about it?
I am so proud of this post! It says exactly what needs to be said. Enough is enough. Our city is going to hell in a hand basket while we sit on our hands and watch. It's time for the board of Aldermen to come together and unite for one common cause, Our Children! They are the future of Lumberton. If not us, Who? If not now, When!
ReplyDeleteI remember not to long ago a person tried to come in and help the youth at the Lumberton School by trying to improve several programs. This person was doing it to try and make things better for the youth of the school. But, when this adult tried the students were jealous and picked on the student of the adult that was giving there free time to improve things for them. You are right about the town does need to do what it takes to improve the community for the youth but we as adults need to set the example for our youth. It is not up to the churches to do this, it our responsibility as parents of our children to teach them the correct way to act. It is not our alderman's responsibility to provide ways to keep our children entertained either. Once again I say it us as parents that need to take that responsibility instead of letting the youth run free all over Lumberton. I see children, as young as 6yrs old, roaming the streets with no adult supervision. What kind of example are we setting here, no wonder these kids think they can do what they want when they want. That is because we as parents let them. It is time for the parent to step up and do the work you are asking the churches and alderman to do.
DeleteOne thing in Lumberton is the adults need to stop providing the alcohol and drugs to the youth of the community. I have seen the youth show up to play football games, basketball games, etc… either drunk, high or both. Now if you want the town to improve we need to start with the parents and teach them to be parents.
If the parents would become involved with there children’s lives a lot would change. Very few parents get involved with their children. I have observed the way the people are over the last few years. The parents do not get involved with the children unless the parent thinks the child can excel at sports and get a scholarship to some school and even then the parent shows up most of the time either drunk, high, or both. So we as parents should set the example for our children and get involved with the community and create things for our children to do. Now instead of asking someone to solve your problems try finding a solution to the problem and then ask the churches and city council to help with the solution. John F. Kennedy said “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Now it is time to apply this to our town and make it better.
I know you want post this but I hope you will.
First of all, I get so tired of ppl trying to put their little off-handed remarks in their comments such as "I know you want [won't] post this." There is a Lumberton Informer facebook page and if you feel that your comments won't get posted, you are more than happy to go to that page and post without having to wait for moderation of comments. WTBS. .I agree with most of the things you say. I take exception to the line that "it's not our aldermens responsibility to keep our children entertained." Last week, I visited a Senior Center in Bassfield and it was built through grant funding and is operated by volunteers. When the aldermen make decisions regarding rental agreements, etc. they are taking away funds that could be used for some sort of community center for Lumberton. Also, if the aldermen are not going to search for grants and opportunites to help the youth of the city, then aldermen like Gibson and Johnson sholdn't make those types of promises when they sought to be elected. I also agree that there are too many Michael Jackson types in this city, providing children with some type of intoxicant (including but not limited to beer and cigarettes) and it needs to stop. As far as the sentence, "now instead of asking someone to solve your problems" . . I don't have a problem, I don't have children and if I did, they wouldn't be hanging out with men/women outside of their age group. The point of the post, which you apparently missed, was to see if some of the area churches would come together to offer a solution to some of the issues that our youth are facing and hopefully minsiter to them while offering them a solution. West Point Church of Hattiesburg has a very large youth organization and they stepped up to help the youth of their area because they saw a need, and I was just hoping to inspiire at least one minister/concerned citizen from Lumberton to do the same.
Deletewhat this line up at county jail?
ReplyDeleteNo, it's the group of guys lined up at your momma's house for their daily dose of head.
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