By Selwyn Duke ——Bio and Archives--October 8, 2012
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“Why would you let those people control your life?”In other words, if we reject something good that can benefit us because someone associated with it once hurt us, aren’t we, in a sense, allowing them to still exercise control over our lives? Aren’t we allowing these people who once victimized us to—again, in a sense—victimize us in perpetuity? Moreover, consider all the implications of letting the ghosts of the past influence our present. If we’re rejecting Christianity because of them, we not only deny ourselves the faith, but also deny it to the children we may have in the future. Likewise, if we let those who once hurt us control our voting decisions, we not only hurt ourselves with bad government, but also the children to whom we will bequeath it. This is much like being a rebellious teenager who, feeling he’s been hurt by his father, smokes or neglects academics because it is contrary to his father’s will. But what is the most significant thing that he really is opposing? Goodness. Truth. And just as he rejects what is good governed by past hurts, so does the voter who lets the lever be pulled by the ghosts of the past. Ironically but sadly, he is responding to those who acted contrary to Truth by acting contrary to Truth himself. As far as the black community goes, we see this phenomenon not just in voting. It’s also apparent when a black youth who studies hard or speaks properly is accused of “acting white” (and jealousy plays a role here, too). The result? Countless black youngsters have lived brutal and often short lives because they’d rather be ridin’ dirty than acting white and nerdy. Of course, though, right is never white (or black)—it’s just right. Having said this, the “I won’t let you control me” perspective isn’t the highest reason to do what’s right. It smacks of ego and pales in comparison to the ethereal beauty of forgiveness. But, perhaps, in some cases, it can be part of a new beginning.
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