Think Faster Than You Walk

"You need to think faster than you walk 

if you ever expect to get where you're going."

I think most kids you see downtown couldn't run if you leveled a pistol and shot at them.  They have earbuds shoved so far into their ears as to have a direct connection to what little brain matter they seemingly possess; they probably wouldn't even hear the shot.  And, the crotch of their jeans is down around their knees which prohibits any long strides, required when trying to outrun a bullet, without grabbing a handful of the waistband and trying to run with one hand attached to your front button and zipper, not to mention their tennis shoes with the laces untied and dangling.  God forbid they accidentally knock off their sports cap which their subculture dictates the need to leave tags hanging off so they look all the part of Minnie Pearl (my sincere apologies to Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, God rest her soul).  No, you can't wear the cap with a suit, especially in an office environment, and when you do wear it, the bill of that cap is supposed to have a curl to it, and you have to stop wearing it sideways when you reach the age of thirty.  None of this is a fashion statement; it's more of a non-fashion statement.  But, then, isn't this is a generation of, "I'm not expecting to get anywhere in life, so why try?"  

As always, some of our young people are without guidance as they grow up.  Without quality role models they are taught by others that it is okay not to accept the responsibility for their own shortcomings; not to think faster than they can walk.  For them it becomes obvious that society is to blame for them being a  generation of losers and dumbasses that don't have the fortitude, much less the testicles, to even give responsibility half a chance.  Unfortunately, to some extent, this is true.  But, regardless, you can't constantly deny responsibility and call yourselves men or women.  Perhaps this is why some kids have chosen to be neither... or both. 

Speaking as a man, men don't use guns to intimidate.  Men don't leave their unborn babies and not take ownership for having a child and doing right by it.  Men don't sell drugs to kids, and men don't feel a need to belong to a gang just to "fit in" and feel macho.  Perhaps what they need to ask themselves is, "What kind of a real man needs a gang to bolster their manhood or lack thereof?"

And women, not to be forgotten, they're the ones on the arm of these, so-called, "men."  I'd think any intelligent woman would have to ask herself, "What does hanging with this 'man' this say about me?"  And, after the first four or five kids with still no prospects for a husband, I also think you'd be asking, "Why in God's name do I keep doing this to myself?  Why do I hate myself this much?"

Life is more than just shucking and jiving down the street until you get so old that you begin to look really stupid doing it; when it gets to the point that everyone you know is laughing at you behind your back.  This is the old balding guy that takes what little hair he has and puts it into a thin, gray, ponytail.  We've all seen how silly this looks on a mature adult, and have probably made some comment about him being lost in the sixties.  This is the tail end of a circular life path that goes nowhere because they have refused to use their God-given brains before taking each step.  They began their journey by not really thinking where their life was going and not really caring.  If you can't think faster than you can walk, how do you ever expect to get where you're going?  If your path is a circle then it really isn't a path at all, it's a track, and if you can't learn to concentrate on where you're putting one foot in front of the other you will never be able to get off this track to nowhere.

I think for most young people in inner-cities, it would seem they're satisfied to be what their government wants them to be; forever on the government dole, with little or no self-respect except that which the government allows them, and little or no prospect for a future.  It is another unfortunate reality that this kind of entitlement mentality is becoming pervasive outside of these poor communities as well.  Political parties use these people to great advantage.  Some people are fine with being used.

The next time you think about declaring that you're nobody's bitch, remember who you have chosen to belong to.  The next time you grab that welfare check, remember that someone is buying your vote.  The next time you use those food stamps think about the definition of a whore and ask how much, or how little, cash you're accepting to be one.  And, if you're voting to allow this kind of philosophy to flourish, at least have the balls to accept responsibility for the higher taxes, crime, energy, food, gas, and medical costs, just to name a few of the non-benefits.  If they have you convinced that it's okay to facilitate this kind of thinking, aren't you simply paying money for the right to be their whore?  Who does that?

Churchill: Madam, would you sleep with me for five million pounds?
Socialite: My goodness, Mr. Churchill. Well, I suppose… we would have to discuss terms, of course.
Churchill: Would you sleep with me for five pounds?
Socialite: Mr. Churchill, what kind of woman do you think I am?
Churchill: Madam, we’ve established that. Now we are haggling about price.

This all sounds pretty harsh... and it should.  Life is all about choices; your choices, not society's.  Do not fall for the political bullshit being spoon-fed to you; bullshit that keeps you humpin' the leg of "the man" while you're convincing yourself that you're not.  There comes a point when its time to stand up and admit a whore is a whore, and come to grips with just who your pimp really is.  Or, you can just say no.  No more!  There are plenty of people out there that will help you rise above it all, and if that fails, try faith.

All men fall.  Pope Francis even admits to failings.  But God forgives all sin if you just trust in your faith.  Don't ever let anyone convince you that you're a loser and can't ever amount to more than you are.  Concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other, one step at a time.  Begin to think about each step and you will finally begin a path that leads somewhere, and not just in the hopeless circle that others want to keep you on.

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteers as lead Chaplain and Chaplain Program Liaison, at the regional medical center.