RACE AND HEROES

Know the name Ken Hutcherson?

Ken is a huge former linebacker known in the NFL as "The Hutch".  He has a heart that is even bigger than his form.  After football, Ken went to Bible college and in 1985 he began Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington.  He's been their pastor ever since.

The Hutch is an exemplary example of a man who was born in the racially hostile South (being born in Anniston, Alabama in 1952) who has  overcome prejudice.  He chose to put God first and be filled with the Spirit rather than bitterness.  Then God honored Ken's choices and has used his life to draw many others to Himself.  THERE'S a life with satisfaction.

Did Ken need a strong arm to insert himself into his life position?  He didn't need a Sharpton/Jackson strong arm.  The Hutch needed the power from above; none can stand against that power.

So the Hutch bowed, offered his life, asked for direction, and got it.  To be a child of God is to have hope.  To be followers of Sharpton/Jackson is to think you have no hope apart from the power they offer.  They stir the pot for profit.

Much has been made of the race remarks by the President last Friday.  People go ga-ga over his "emotional honesty" in sharing feelings about hearing a door lock click and watching a lady clutch her purse.  That IS hurtful.

But if he felt that rejection and would not want other black youth to suffer...wouldn't it be helpful for him to explain how he overcame the feelings?  After all, the President's story is mostly written, and we know that even though he COULD have been Trayvon, he WASN'T.  Why?  Obviously the President made choices that actually end up proving what a great country we have because his path ended up at the tippy top.  His is not a hopeless story.  So what were the application points from his remarks?  What hope did he offer?

The President told law enforcement to hold trainings to reduce mistrust (profiling).  He said we should examine laws to see if they are designed to encourage tragedies like the one in Florida.  He said we should THINK how to bolster/reinforce African-American boys.  And he said we should soul search about race.

THE PRESIDENT MAY HAVE MISSED A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY TO NOT SPEAK DIRECTLY TO BLACK YOUTH.  Most of his application points are directed at other segments of society.  And frankly, the other segments have dealt with race.  Proof?

Many places around the globe still have slavery (including Northern Africa, China, North Korea and others). Even the American Indian had slaves; they went to war with other tribes to gain captives.  Who else in all the world has fought a war to free slaves?  Who structured their laws to repair what injustices had been done to their citizens?  The United States of America.

Here are a few race reflections:

1.  Yes, we pull our purses close and would be spooked by an approaching trio of black youth.    If we are not to feel threatened, then blacks should do something about the violence numbers.  Whites cannot change statistics in the black community.

We hear that blacks (only 13% of the nation's population) are involved in over 50% of the murders.  LISTEN TO DR. KING'S WISDOM.  Dr. King would be appalled at the numbers out of Chicago.  Why are we talking about Florida when Chicago is murder central for black youth?

2.  If we believe that solid citizens learn their civility at home, then MARRY the mothers of your children and live together in a family unit.  When God ordains a unit like the family, there is a reason.  Government's "good intentions" have destroyed the black father as head of his household.

3.  If you don't want to be profiled, then pull up your pants and lose the gang identification.  Think it's unfair that a hoodie is considered profile-worthy?  Even if it is unfair, dress to protect yourself and consider it a small price to pay to live in the best country in the world.

4.  One-third of the current black population has been aborted since the 1973 Roe-Wade decision.  The regard for life comes from the awareness that we are all made in the image of God.  When we come to know how intricately God made us, how much He went out of His way to include us, and that He has a plan to prosper us...then our love for God overpowers all other opinions.  Self worth is not affected by what others say, but what the Maker of all the races says.  Consider His word to build self-esteem.

The interesting thing about this can of worms is that President Obama could have done more than just speak melancholy delight.  He could have inspired!  And he could DO something about their unemployment, which is the omnipresent need for these kids.  Our minority youth need heroes and a lifeline to show them how to do life and the wisdom to know there is a way to flourish even in poverty.  It is the poverty of the spirit that eats away at the bone.

Ken Hutcherson is hero material but how many even know of him?  With a record of getting things right, perhaps men like The Hutch deserve a listening ear...