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Yesterday morning I woke up, acknowledged God and began to prepare for my day. I scrolled through a few Instagram alerts (@thesmokingprophet), expressed some concerns to God and then read the following:
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS:
Set a watch for unauthorized intrusions into your life and circumstances, and stay protected. Beware of schemes and scams at this time. If you will stand on the firm ground of righteousness and truth, you will be able to discern both good and evil, says the Lord. I will show you when evil intentions are present. Your connection to Me is vital.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
I posted it to IG as I often do and while writing the caption for it my heart began to flow. This week I only planned to post Purpose VS Ambition, yet here I am…
BELIEVE NONE OF WHAT YOU HEAR & HALF OF WHAT YOU SEE
I read an article about Samuel Dubose, the Ohio resident fatally shot July 19th by University of Cincinnati campus police officer Ray Tensing. More specifically the article headlines him as “an unarmed black man,” I intentionally made no reference to Dubose’s race because I believe a man’s soul has no color.
In reading, I found myself focusing more on the nature of Dubose’s character versus the implications and circumstances surrounding his death. He was a victim, yet the article vilified him. Here’s an excerpt:
Goodrich said Tensing asked Dubose for his license “multiple times” but Dubose instead “produced a bottle of alcohol from inside the car, handing it” to Tensing, “but was unable to produce a driver’s license.” Tensing asked Dubose to exit the car, but Dubose refused, Goodrich said.
Nobles III, Wilborn P. (2015, Cincinnatians seek answers in cop shooting of unarmed black man. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com
On July 29th, I viewed the body cam video Tensing wore during the fatal encounter. Dubose was asked to present his license multiple times and while looking through the car a bottle became visible to Tensing. Tensing inquired about it prompting Dubose to immediately disclose what it was while handing it over to Tensing. From the excerpt above, one would believe Dubose’s behavior was erratic or he was some sort of degenerate. Here’s another example:
Dubose is the father of numerous children, perhaps more than 12, according to news reports. According to the Enquirer, Dubose has been charged “more than 75 times in Hamilton County,” including driving without a license, joyriding, having windows tinted too dark and misdemeanor drug possession. An assault charge in 2013 was dismissed. He’s faced eviction seven times, and he had his license suspended indefinitely in January by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the paper said.
Nobles III, Wilborn P. (2015, Cincinnatians seek answers in cop shooting of unarmed black man. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com
Clearly, the focus isn’t on a man being killed or his life being stripped from his alleged “numerous children.” Rather it defames his character and subconsciously distorts the reader’s view. We then begin to think maybe this act was justified or question did he deserve what happened? It essentially desensitizes the reader…don’t believe me read the article, then check out the video for yourself.
FOR THERE IS NOTHING HIDDEN THAT WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED, AND NOTHING CONCEALED THAT WILL NOT BE KNOWN OR BROUGHT OUT INTO THE OPEN.
Luke 8:17 NIV
I’m an agent of change, progression and hope, so I wouldn’t be myself to point out the obvious error and not provide a solution. God is concerned about us, from the least to the greatest person, from the most miniscule to the most grandiose matter…He cares. He promised to show us evil intentions and bring to light every dark matter…this disclosure only requires our trust.
We can’t solely rely on the news and media to report accurately. Granted there is a certain level of trust allowed towards the integrity of the media & hope for factual reporting, but this isn’t always the case. Pictures are photoshopped, frames are easily manipulated, and video editing goes undetected to untrained eye. Some don’t even produce objective stories, instead they passably present agenda based ones. Others choose to knowingly report inaccurately and even blatantly lie for a “greater story.”
Deceptions, schemes & scams come in many forms and packages. Some are obvious, some are subtle. So how do you know what to believe? To distinguish between the good and bad we must rely on God. His Word, freshly spoken or written, discerns the thoughts and intents of men (Hebrews 4:12).
MY LAST REGARDS
Amid all that is taking place, don’t trust everything you see and take time to research all matters. Move close to God and allow Him to reveal hidden things to you. As believers we must not forget God in all that is going on…remember He cares. Avoid the trap of being led by your emotions, this only brings trouble (Romans 8:6). Don’t allow your light to dim with hate, this causes inner darkness. Don’t allow your love to become cold, your love is the greatest power you have…it’s the fuel behind every resource God has given you‼️‼️ Wear ❤️ in all you do (Colossians 3:14). Only those that are pure in heart stand a chance as seeing God (Matthew 5:8). The one that commits the worst evil still deserves God’s affections and redemption is available for all until that last breath (Ezekiel 18).
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:12-13 NIV
Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
Proverbs 19:2 NLT
FEATURED IMAGE PHOTO CREDIT: FLICKR/THESMOKINGPROPHET
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