Year after year, the insults are delivered, yet the language is rarely different. I frequently ponder who these individuals are and whether they think they are making a difference. They are not incorrect when they state that immorality, lack of education, and fatherlessness are the main causes of the issues, but they are not adding to what we already know.
I met an internet warrior, or whatever you want to call these complainers, a few years ago, and he asked me, “Pastor Brooks, what then should I do?” To which I immediately replied, “Come on down to 66th and King Drive and mentor one of my kids.” “That’s not,” he responded, laughing.
I could only shake my head at his denseness. I think we’ve become a society where we sit back and expect others, the government, or institutions to make sweeping societal changes. But the reality is that lasting changes often take place by focusing on the individual and strengthening each one to the best of their abilities. Mentoring is a proven, key way to achieve this. And it is far too underrated in our society.
I know more than anyone that mentoring can be difficult and sometimes thankless work. It can also require a lot of one’s time. But it can also be one of the most rewarding and even life-changing experiences. I know because I have witnessed this over and over at Project H.O.O.D., my community center.
