The African-American society is now at one of the worst points that it is has ever been in history. Critics, media and community publicists all weigh-in and begin blaming and pointing the finger at the cause of our societal and cultural demise. I agree that the liberated black woman movement has definitely caused a shift in how the family structure was traditionally built, but also recognize the desire for a woman to better herself should not be seen as a negative quality. After all it is not her fault that men have lost motivation to better themselves. Despite the varying issues our African-American women possess today, you can often identify one of us (men) as the source of many of their troubles. What questions should we ask of our black men?

1. Why are so many of us not finishing high school and opting to simply underachieve? It is not okay for this trend to continue, especially in a society that is demanding higher qualifications for some of the most basic employment opportunities. There is definitely a specific group of men that are better served pursuing alternative learning and skill development training (trade schools), but this should be the exception to the rule and not the norm. We identify cancer as a disease that eats away at the various portions of a person’s body. Similarly, underachievement is one of the cancerous demonstrations that we as men, are contributing to a society that is already dying a slow death. When men make conscious decisions to live below expectations, it a slap in the face of the many people who came before us. The ones who suffered bled and died for the very things we take for granted. Education, freedom, motivation and strong work ethic are things that used to matter to the ones formerly known as ‘head of the household.’ However, many of us are satisfied at utilizing ‘the white man’ and ‘circumstances of life’ as reasons to continue living as generational underachievers. It is time to man up!

2. Why are so many of us looking for the quick-fix hustle and instant wealth gratification? The media and entertainment industry glorifies the hip-hop movement, sports figures and often associate popularity with money. However, the harsh reality is 99% of men will NEVER make a hit album or play professional sports. I know that we should not try to deflate the dream of our young people and it is not my intention to do so. It is the responsibility of mature African-American men to make sure the younger generation is prepared to be successful in ALL walks of life. It is okay to encourage our young people to excel in football, basketball, baseball, golf, etc. It is also necessary that we balance out their athletic appetite with a healthy dose of academic reality. Unfortunately, our predecessors have dropped the ball in this regard and today’s generation is reaping what was sowed years ago. We are headed down a path that will eventually lead to the African-American male becoming known as Mr. Irrelevant. BLACK MEN, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LET THIS HAPPEN!! It is time to man up!

3. Why are we so quick to make babies, but so slow to commit to taking care of one? In looking at the statistics, it is startling to see the rapid increase of single parent households. According to about.com, there are 14 million single parents who are responsible for raising 21.6 million children. Of the single parents reported, 83.1% are women, while 16.9% are men. What do these statistics tell us? Let’s look more specifically at the African-American community. According to singleblackparents.com, 63% of African-American households are headed by a single parent. Over 85% of the single parents are women and 46% of them have attended college. Well the statistics allow us to see a trend of men who are not solidifying the God-ordained structure of the household. The statistics also show us that contrary to popular belief, almost half of the single parent women have some level of college education. This means that they are still pursuing their dreams despite encountering a bump in the road of life called love masked in the form of a non-committal, immature, unmotivated and irresponsible man. It is amazing how minutes of pleasure lead to the destruction of a child, family and ultimately a society. It is time for men to man up!

Parting Thought – Although white America has seemingly written us off, we serve a God that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think. Hallelujah! Don’t allow the past curses of your family to keep you from living the abundant life that God has called us to live. The African-American family needs strong, black men more than ever. How do we reclaim the family structure that God so lovingly cherishes? Start thinking with your ‘intellectual’ head, start treating women with the same respect you would treat a beloved sister or mother with, start living up to the accountability that God delegated when He designated us head of the household. We are not only basketball players or football players, but we can become influential members of society. There is nothing wrong with becoming a doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur (legal of course) or corporate executive(s). Start dreaming big, but remember that an entire generation will be lost if we continue at our current pace. It is time for men to man up! Amen.

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One of the questions he posed to me that caught me off guard was a simple one “What are you waiting for?” On the surface this may seem like a very basic question, but to me it penetrated deep within my spirit because I received it as a God-inspired question communicated through a human vessel.

Upon regaining my composure I responded humbly “I don’t know!” It was at that moment I realized I have been doing great things, with great intentions, but continue to live life with my “brakes” engaged. “Brakes” serve as a tool of comfort that allows a person to slow down when they feel life is moving too quickly. There is something empowering about being able to control, monitor and guide life in a way that minimizes exposure to hurt, failure and/or rejection. The only problem is you stunt your potential growth, never position yourself to experience the greatness God wants you to have and cuts off the realm of faith we as believers are supposed to operate in. Too many people settle for mediocrity because they don’t want to “release the brakes” and expose themselves to potential failure.

After responding to my friend’s question I immediately recognized opportunities that would give me a chance to “release the brakes.” I’ve already stepped out and moved into new frontiers within the past couple of days. Will you join me? What are you waiting for? Aren’t you tired of mediocrity? Release the brakes!!!

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This is a blast from the past. Please enjoy!

Scripture
After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
I am your shield;
your reward will be very great.” Genesis 15:1

Thought
To understand your bad or difficult circumstances, God’s perspective is vital. Deep trouble and crisis is often the easiest time to hear God speak. One word He always gives in such situations, “Do not be afraid.” Fear is the human reaction toproblems. Hope is God’s reaction.

Prayer
You who takes away all fear, look in love on me today. You know the circumstances that bring fear, frustration, and failure to my life. Only Your word can dispel my fears and deepen my hope. Amen.

This devotional is courtesy of Experiencing God Day By Day Devotional. Please subscribe at Lifeway.com

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I bumped into this last night while multi-tasking and it immediately caught my attention and captured my spirit and worship!

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