My wife was telling me a compelling story about an episode of Oprah she recently saw featuring an young author by the name of Wes Moore. He has written a book entitled “The Other Wes Moore” (One name, two fates), that takes an interesting look at two men with the same name, neighborhood, environment, etc… The author is an accomplished rhode scholar, while the other is in jail for the slaying of a local police officer. This book is a must read because it captures the overlooked or under appreciated affect that decisions truly have on our lives.

Galatians 6:7-8 (New Living Translation)
7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

This principle is speaking about the decision making ability God has granted everyone of us and the results that will come forth from them. We have to begin to grasp or understand that our lives are a thread of interwoven decisions either made by us or others. I suggest we all begin to grab hold of our lives and seek guidance/wisdom on how to make good decisions. As always we suggest biblical principles be a major contributor.

This movie isn’t for the faint of heart, but it is a story that needs to be told. Youth are growing up in an era where abuse emotionally, and sexually is becoming a common theme. Youth are having to face the stark reality that not enough of its adult generation is collectively looking out for their welfare. This movie is a reminder to all of us that even though we are facing tough economic and personal times, we cannot abandon those that need us the most. Maybe this movie will be the shot in the arm some of us need to shock us out of our selfish stupor and give us the motivation to show our children how to weather hard times.

To all my african-american brothers and sisters, lighten up. We are going to see films that are laced with stereotypes and what currently plagues our race. Let’s rejoice with our current triumphs (President Obama and family) and keep developing as contributors to this great society. When are we going to also understand that our problems are not race centric but humanistic? Regardless of the lie that the media tries to force down all our our throats, lets use our God given wisdom, common sense, and encourage others to do the same. Are we all mindless sheep, or intelligent human beings? What will you believe and what will you continue to allow to shape what your perceptions are of you?

Enjoy the movie and use it as an opportunity to show the generation behind us that we can do better.