Can The Black Community Handle The Truth?

It seems that our community/my community/ the community I have served in ministry for nearly 30 years, can't handle the TRUTH about us!

While we are trying to disband the police (try that for a day and call me if you survive) we are THE MOST suffering people in a free nation than ever before...Face it...the PLANTATION ERA mentality has not helped us one bit...Seeking for someone to pay us back for what our ancestors suffered is not working...Seeking to be treated fairly, while we kill ourselves off slowly (CHICAGO, CHICAGO, CHICAGO) does NOTHING but makes us look crazy...

Ooh yes...Black exceptionalism exists...it always will...a few of us will make and do better for ourselves THANK GOD...but too many of us suffer, and our so called 'leaders" tell us to blame it on "the White man" for holding us down...Well YES he (the White man) has done his part...but THEY are not to blame for our blatant disrespect towards one another and for the ridiculous things that we do in our community...

Recently, when out with the family, we were on a rather peaceful drive, until we turned down one street to one particular gas station...at that point the neighborhood looked like a THIRD WORLD COUNTRY...Folk hanging out on cars, in a parking lot, liquor out, 40 Oz's all over the place, cans thrown around and folk loud as they can be...It was GHETTO-FANTABULOUS,  As a Black man, I wasn't afraid, but there was not one White person around and I thought how scared one would be to be there at that time...Why, the CULTURE was totally different, different enough that me as a Black community activist, known by most Blacks where I live, had reservations because this was new!!!

What did I see, people acting out POVERTY! Poverty has a distinct look and fell...I was in one of the worst and most poverty stricken zones in America by the US Census data...

As one that has served the poor gladly for over 20 years in pastoral ministry, and will happily do so as long as I live, I can say that WE NEED CHANGE, yes, spiritually, but in our natural choices and things that we do and entertain us...Poverty is ripe grounds for addiction, dysfunction, and hatred on all levels...

For Donald Trump to ask us, what do we have to lose if we change is the right question even if the wrong person is asking (and that is arguable)...once thing is for sure, the liberal politician, as much as he claims a "bleeding heart" only wants more of the same, because it's big business for him....

So don't tell me a THANG!!!! Until you've stood in the streets with over 50 families who loved ones have died of senseless violence in the streets...and sought to comfort them and call criminals into account and at the same time, take food and money off your own table to help folk...SHUT UP!!!!

Leave Donald alone on this one. The question is VALID!!!!

Blessed

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The Restoration Of Marriage & Right Relationships Pt. 2 ~ Building The Family

2: IF YOU DON'T HAVE A HOBBY, FIND ONE. A PERSONAL INTEREST, OR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, CHURCH ACTIVITY, 

OR 4 WALL VISION.

In his book, "What I know For Sure, My story of growing up in America" author Tavis Smiley described scenarios that are all too familiar to many Black families, especially individuals in the early days of the Black church in America. He described a time when there was a church service and or a church function nearly every day of the week. He described at time when life in the Black community, was synonymous with church. There were only 2 conditions and possibly three of the average Black family and individual; going to church, coming home from church or going or coming home from work, getting ready to go to church.

In those days there was a different study, rehearsal, preparation or practice for something all the time and every day. If one wasn't in a study, then one was in prayer. You mother, father and the whole family was engaged in something. Church was certainly a lively place, and a place full of activity, but it was also one that made a generation of folk commit to themselves, that once they were free from being required to attend church, that they weren't looking back. Some of them grew, left home, left the church and made true on their promises. Some never came back, although many of them continue to send their children to church even if they stay home.

A Little Different, But A Little The Same

Although the church has changed in its core makeup and type of activities that it offers, many of its practices have not changed at all. One could spend weeks if not months simply traveling back and forth to church everyday, somewhere, someplace if one followed all of the outlined and regimented services that they are "required" to attend. As a District Supt, within the organization that I am a part of, if I were to attend all of the services asked of me, and give all the offering that I am asked to give ever year, not only would I be physically worn out, but I would have no time to pastor a church, yet alone be a husband to my wife or a father to my children, and on top of that I would be broke nearly all year round.

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What You Should Know About Gay Advocacy

From the proliferation of the gay agenda to transgenderism, various sexual proclivities are simply accepted within "pop culture" while opposition to those behaviors are ridiculed and or minimized. Watching TV shows can be particularly painful for anyone seeking the truth about the issues and seeking to understand that there is a staunch and distinct difference between abhorring the acts and actions of homosexuality and the people who perform such acts and actions. In this video Child Psychologist, Umar Johnson addresses the theme song of homosexual advocacy, that homosexual acts and actions are an innate part of human nature. To the world he may be controversial, but for those of us who have seen the political football of the homosexual agenda tossed around, he is exactly on point. Please listen to the entire message:

As recently as 1974 homosexuality was a registered mental illness,,,,,,why they change it? Find out

Posted by Black Love is Black Power on Sunday, May 31, 2015

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Fatherhood...Why Is The Importance Questioned?

One thing is for sure, the dynamic of the family is in transition of change. What used to be a "nuclear" family, in tact with a mother (female), a father (male), 2.5 kids and a dog, has now expanded by definition and turned into almost anything that people wish it to be.

Aside from single parent families, which have always existed within the Black community due to many social pressures including the deliberate and planned breakdown of the Black family by societal pressures, laws and means, there are now lesbian families headed by 2 women, gay male or homosexual families, headed by 2 men, and crosses between the two, led by what used to be called "gender-benders" who vacillate between male and female characteristics and personas. 

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Special Upcoming Radio Appearances

There are 2 upcoming radio events that Dunamis Word readers are invited to be a part of. 

1- On Saturday November 30th, 2013 at 11:00 AM (CST) Pastor Harvey Burnett will be one of the special guests discussing "Christianity Today: The True "Reality"" on AM 1140 WVEL Peoria, IL. This program can be heard on an analog signal in Central Illinois and on a live internet stream by clicking HERE and further clicking the "Listen Live" tab.

Jittaun Wilson-Woods
WVEL

In what promises to be a lively, and fast paced hour, topics will include the church's relationship and response to crime and violence within the community, the expected challenges due to the recent passage of homosexual marriage in the State of Illinois and other topics such as the secularization of the church through entertainment. 

The host is radio DJay, Jittaun Wilson-Woods who is a long time WVEL and local radio personality. Please call in with your questions or comments during the live airing at (888)673-1011. Readers of the Dunamis word, please say so. 

2- On Monday December 2nd, 2013 at 8:00 AM (CST) Pastor Harvey Burnett will be a special guest of Star Parker's CURE America Radio Program which airs on Urban Family Talk Radio, a division of American Family Radio Network. This program broadcasts on over some 300 stations throughout the United States and is also live streamed. One can hear the live stream by clicking HERE and further clicking the "Listen Live" tab. 

CURE (Center For Urban Renewal And Education) is dedicated to delivering a message of hope and renewal to the Black community which has been devastated by misinformation, inept social and political policy and inaction of the church. Through its national network of thousands of pastors and churches, CURE seeks to bring wholeness and healing to the community by delivering solutions to the problems facing Black America and the Black family in particularly.  

If you aren't able to tune into the live program, don't worry, the program will be rebroadcast at 3 PM and 11 PM (CST) on the same station and will be available at the same links.  The host for this program is CURE Director of Outreach and Education Mr. Lonnie Poindexter who is also an experienced radio and outreach personality.

Once again, phone lines will be open. Questions and comments are welcomed during the live airing of the broadcast. Please call (866)963-2037.  In addition, please state that you are a reader of The Dunamis Word.

Blessed! 

Update: 

Click Here for the link to the Cure America Broadcast from Dec. 2nd. 2013.     

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Homosexuality & Moral Harm

Everyone Has Rights!

Let me first say that violating the basic rights of any human being should not be upheld. Every person, qualified for a job should be able to work. Every sick person, should have adequate health care. In most instances, no one should be discriminated against in housing and basic access to the essentials services of life and living. (Just in case you want to know why I say "in most instances" well, that's because I believe that child molesters shouldn't live next to schools and parks where children play etc...I think solid moral arguments can be used to justify those sorts of things)  However, what is in question here, is not simply a matter of rights, it is a matter of normalizing, endorsing and even favoring certain types of "politically acceptable" behaviors that have moral implications.

The problem is this: When certain types of what could be considered immoral behavior are accepted as normal or moral, one must review the basis upon which other forms of behavior are excluded or considered to be immoral.

Politics & Morality

Have you ever herd someone say, "You can't legislate morality"? The fact is that someone's morality is being legislated every day in the courts. What can't be established through the courts and legislative system is objective morality itself. Court and legislative standards are subject to change because they are products of men dealing in specific times and eras.  

The political and legislative arena is the primary venue in which proponents of the homosexual agenda have created a space for the acceptance of homosexual practices. Many of their leaders are deeply politically connected. However, what they know is that political intervention only goes so far. A society must be retrained and re-educated if the desire is to normalize things that have questionable moral implications. Therefore, the rise of the homo-agenda in efforts such as GLSEN's  ALLY Week, and the ominous and deceptive "It Gets Better" campaign, go a step further, catering to the youth and playing on the emotions of individuals seeking to condemn opponents of homosexuality by associating them with bias and discrimination and thus illiciting an overtly emotional response.

Family Re-Engineering

Some years ago, instead of announcing layoffs, many major corporations said that they were going through a  "corporate re-engineering". This was the "new socially sensitive" way to say that they were laying off good employees while at the same time placing a greater burden on the remaining employees who would be retained for the same amount of money. In the meantime the corporations would also keep the savings in salaries and benefits as a result of the layoffs using it to pad the bottom line of the balance sheet. In fact some CEO's were hired with the express mission of cutting the corporate workforce and causing the company to "operate more efficiently". Although some companies benefited as a result, all it really was, was an attempt to increase company stock prices and dividends for its shareholders at the expense and cost of everyone else. 

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An Interview With The Pastor

Recently one of our regular commenters Enochwalked, asked me some rather profound questions. As I was in the process of answering, the Lord said make this a main post so that the church can see. I hope you enjoy this and your comments are more than welcome. Thank you Elder for posing these serious and timely questions.

Enochwalked: What is your "holy opinion" on this article? The Washington Post Condition Of The Black Family.

Pastor Burnett: Well brother, there is a lot that could be said, but I would first say that the breakdown of the black family should not solely be laid at the feet of the black family. What the article didn't address is Johnson's welfare program which was fashioned to give broken families and single mothers incentives for children and conversely for failure of the family. I mean anytime you tell a family they can have so much money permanently (until the child is 18) if they have a child and no father is in the home, what do you expect to see?

Then she didn't mention the failed "War On Drugs" which was a way to get the black youth both under control and off the streets leaving our neighborhoods to slick undercover pimps, bullys and available preachers.

Then she failed to mention the failure of the educational system, during the same period of time, in adjusting and finding ways to educate black youth against the backdrop of their changing culture.

This is what I call the "perfect storm" against the black family and it had all the tools and power that it was designed to have. Why do you think mandatory minimum sentencing still exists even though MOST law enforcement officials know the disparity and problems that it creates? This stuff was designed to do what it did and our families suffer as a result of over 30 years of failed policies and plans and the weak backbone of a extremely weak church who though that it could shout and dance itself through every problem that it experienced...That is and was the problem. Total failure to connect, adapt, change, move and become the clarion institution that would set the pace for change instead of merely responding to others as they make changes.

Where is the black church? Are we in front of issues? Some are. I certainly try to be in my community, but all too often we are second responders IF we respond at all.

So far as unemployment was concerned, one of the major culprit's has been governmental policy. You see in major industrial cities across America, factories got up and got out because it was cheaper to do business elsewhere. This was why some of our black men and families, who were factory workers were devastated and cities began to change. We sill see the effects of this today in places like Detroit, LA, and New York.

So yes the statistics are devastating and very revealing but I believe they are highly incomplete.

Enochwalked: Is SIN the major reason that we have lost the black family--husband and wife structure? We have more prosperity today but we have raised children who are reprobates and do not know the LORD!

Pastor Burnett: Brother sin is the major reason, but as I said there is enough sin in places that caused sin in the streets that we see today. I'm trying to say this, we see the symptoms of the sins that were either placed upon our communities or that our communities chose.

Example, Hip-Hop (which I will be doing a full series on in a very short period of time)arose during the same time period that the black family broke down. Why was it so appealing to the masses of youth? It became the father than many youth never knew. It became the mother that many youth were not familiar with. It was the place, to express, communicate and sound off because people weren't being listened to. It developed it's own culture and part of that culture was to teach and reteach and because converted Muslims saw it as a way to gain an audience the message became mixed with Islam, resurrected Egyptology, Human deism and other ideologies right under our nose.

Some churches simply said turn the music off, while others told the participants and hip-hop aspirants to simply send them a tithe check, but they did not battle the "spirit" within the music or deal with the message itself. We failed to teach and train or even accept young unwed mothers and young men wanting to be gangsta's until it was almost too late to redeem them and their children were too old.

So yes, sin is at the root, but the church and establishment will not escape the judgement of God for their dereliction of duty to defend the weak and poor.

Enochwalked: Who or what failed to bring the Black Family to the conditions we have today ([do] you see this problem in both Black Christians and Black unbelievers)?

Pastor Burnett: Church leadership failed to adequately respond through the development of a message. I'm not talking about a "ministry". Some churches have over 200 ministries for everything and everybody in the church. I'm takling about a general direction and prescribed path for the people, neighborhoods and community to follow.

We say, "daughter/son, get off the street and stop sellin' drugs." But how much money have we spent to help them stop sellin' drugs? I'm not talking about church welfare. I'm talking about creating and developing life skill sets that will on point teach and train these young men and ladies to be free from what they are doing, that will recreate "life" for them and their community. So that's ministry and service. Not jumping on some stage and saying...SAY YES LAWD! Don't get me wrong, I do that and love to do that in the service, but I also do the other and do that first, even when I'm hoarse.

Then look at this, we've got Grammy winning singers and musicians almost everywhere. I want to see the day, where we take that Grammy winnin' set, set up a stage in the heart of a troubled community on a Saturday morning, take turns singing, preaching and witnessing all day until Saturday night and do it regularly without selling tickets, asking for news coverage or any of the other things that come with celebrity. Just do it to serve God. and DON'T collect an offering....uuuhhhoo...That costs money.....

Where we at? We gotta pay da bills...Nothing wrong with that, but I preach hard right now for free and do sing as the Lord gives me utterance--uuhhmm---But when will we really get serious about taking our resource, whatever that resource is, and placing it into souls? Not when the cameras are rolling, but when the tears are flowing...that's what we need and that's what the community needs to see of us.

Enochwalked: Where has the Black Church been on this in the past 10, 20, 30, 40 years? You have been in this longer than me.

Pastor Burnett: Now I ain't that old my brutha...;) but let me show you what I see...

The church has been intoxicated and enamoured with flesh, popularity, seeking cars, houses, boats, prosperity, conference hoppin', following Pastors who are not doing anything for the community or the church but collecting an offering for themselves, getting mortgages that they couldn't afford and callin' it a blessing, comparing their salvation to others so they could have an excuse for weakness, covering each others sins with money and associations, having illicit affairs, emotional upheavals, and total spiritual inconsistencies.

I'm not through...

As my man Melvin at Pulpit Pimps said (regarding T.D. Jakes) they have been "Repositioning themselves further away from God", calling their sins as though they are not what they are, finding new ways to NOT preach the righteousness and holiness of God, seeking singing contracts, becoming motivational speakers, leaving substantive issues at the door, and trying to be as inclusive as possible as not to offend anyone.

I admit, I had elements of some of those things when I started off on my own. I thought being in the crowed was going to build my 10,000 member church. (FYI- I DO NOT have a 10,000 member church) I came to a resolution and conclusion that ONLY God was in control of his church and HE will build it as HE sees fit, and if I wanted to be a part of HIS plan, then all I had to do was take my place and be fit and ready for the Lord's use. I'm glad I made that decision.

Enochwalked: "Can(men of God like us) we turn this around? We may not see it in our lifetime but with the help of God, maybe in our childrens time. I am 37 with 2 sons ages almost 5 and 3 and another due in the spring. I have accepted the fact that my generation is LOST! I am looking to save my children's generation!"

Pastor Burnett: Brother, like Jimmy V said, "Don't ever give up!" and like James Moore sung, "It ain't over until God says it's over." There is great power in standing in the gap, even if you're just one.

Remember Mary and Martha when Jesus came to them in John 11 what did Martha say?

"21-Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died."

What did Jesus respond?

"23-Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again."

Then Martha does something that many of us do. Put things so far off in the future until we can't hardly see it. She says,

"24-Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

She talks about a blessing that is beyond her present ability. She equates the resolution of things with the end of the world, which was representative of the Jewish thought of "The last day".

But what did Jesus respond?

"25-Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26-And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"

He indicated that what she was looking for resided in ONE person, and that person was him. Next thing you know Lazarus was outta that grave and the disciples were taking the "death identity" (grave clothes) off of him.

What am I saying? What we need is in Jesus and what we need is here right now. In order to change the church for us and our children it will take some bold steps taken in the trail of the Master as he guides and leads our steps. It's just gettin good now. The righteous will rise while the sinner is revealed and cast out.

To them that read this, if you're not equipped get the equipment you need, leave small arguments for the small minded and most of all stay tuned and stay on your post wherever you may be.

Blessed!

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