WHY CONTINUE TO SHOW UP FOR THE FIGHT?

This is the tile of a sermon a good friend of mine preached on August 24, 2008 and the three baptist points were:

1. Because my community needs me
2. Because AIN'T nobody else stepping up
3. Because there's more to my fight than meets the eye

The sermon blessed me then and blesses me even now! Thank you Pastor Batson!

As I visit with my neighbors and discuss the things that plague us as a community, contrary to what is being reported in this city, VIOLENT crime is rising in Dallas City Council District Five!

Just tonight, we lost a dedicated and devoted Dallas Police Officer..right INside the corridor of District FIVE!

Just a few weeks ago a body was found murdered..in District FIVE!

Just a few days before that a life was lost in a failed bank robbery attempt...in District FIVE!

And the LIST DOES GROW LONG...

While crime appears to be going down in the city overall (and that is wonderful news), SADLY and NEEDLESSLY it IS on the rise in District FIVE!

I can not adequately express the pain my heart feels when I think about the wife and kids left to mourn the death of Senior Cpl. Norman Smith and countless other lives lost!

When does the bleeding stop? When does the violence stop? When does someone stand up and call for action?

I am reminded of my days in high school when I not only participated in, but led the charge on organizing town hall meetings and teen summits and hosting teen talk shows to address the out of control problem of gang violence in Dallas. As a result of my work around the city, Eazy Street featured me on many occasions as a guest host of his Monday night talk show on 100.3 Jamz titled : What's Goin' On. Positive progress by way of gang truces and a reduction in gang violence came as the result of some strong and successful collaborations.

Once again, violent crime is rising in the youth population (as both the offender and the offended) and once again we will collaborate as a collective community to effect change amongst US!

Again, the question is why continue to show up for the fight?

After others dog you out...
After others question your call...
After others question your motives...
After others attempt to ruin your reputation...

After others sit back and do NOTHING...

I WILL CONTINUE to show up for the fight to make a difference in my community and as David said (sermonic reference) ...don't let the babyface fool you...and I implore you to show up with me and beside me and let's work together to turn OUR community around TODAY!

The need is too great and the future too bright!


Let's Go To Work...