Man's Legacies: Halo-Noose-Crown

By R. Leland Smith

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 15, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462817634

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Man’s Legacies

Halo-Noose-Crown

R. Leland Smith

Copyright © 2008 by R. Leland Smith.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

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Contents

The Agitators And The Navigators

Conversations With Oxy Moron

Educate Or Incarcerate

Fruit From The Compost Pile

The Halo, The Noose, The Crown

Man’s Legacies

Pocket Tarnation

Suffer The Guilt Or Share The Glory

The Need Connection

The Silver Key

Tutor-Smith & Get-Down

Vital Signs

Wizdum Points

Word-Up!

THE AGITATORS AND

THE NAVIGATORS

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven… When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men… Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full… 

But when you give your alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you… And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men… Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full… But when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

Matthew 6:1-6

A column of heavy black smoke rose above the SUNRISE C.O.G. I.C as a roaring fire blazed within the Gothic structure. Neighbors poured out of their homes to watch the surprise event. Suddenly there were so many people crowding around the intersection that the Fire Department could not approach close enough to perform its duties. Uniform police had to be summoned to disperse the crowd and allow for the firemen to extinguish the blaze.

By the time the fire was brought under control, the entire edifice was in a state of total destruction. Rumors as to the cause and reason for the fire were being bantered about. These speculations ranged from an act of accidental neglect, to arson on the part of the pastor, or a judgment by God. These speculations gave rise to an extensive investigation by the Police force. The body of the church had become under criticism several weeks before, when Wendell ‘Junior’ Harrison and his wife Beverly left the congregation enraged by their accusations of greed, exploitation and deceptive practices.

The church building had become a landmark in the community and had housed several denominations since its construction during the early 1920s. Rev. Joseph Benson had brought even more recognition to the area as a result of the varying program expansions he promoted. The church, once a quiet sanctuary, had become a marketplace for the sale of books, recorded music, and entertainment promotional. Pastor Benson and his wife, Sister Armeena, were away busily developing relationships with other church pastors committed to the concept of ‘Blessed Prosperity’. They both had been out of town for the past week and had to be notified of the disaster which had befallen the ministry. Church officials were skeptical about the future of their services in the community. Negative attitudes had been brewing for months and membership had become less focused or devoted to church activities.

Wendell Harrison left the other spectators once the fire was under control and went to visit Rev. Get-Down at the Church of Faith, Hope and Charity. He and his wife Beverly had changed their membership when they became disenchanted by the tactics of Rev. Benson. He approached Rev. Get-Down with a frown expression that caused Rev. Get-Down to wonder what he was troubled about.

What is troubling you? . . . You look like someone… carrying a heavy burden! . . . How may I be of service? he asked in his uniquely concerned fashion.

I just witnessed a nightmare! . . . The Sunrise Church… has been destroyed! . . . It has burned completely… to the ground! . . . There is nothing left… but ruins! Wendell exclaimed as he gasped for his breath.

Rev. Get-Down replied, I did see that tower of black smoke over east of there… but I thought it was coming from… that lumber yard! . . . Tell me more… about the church!

Well! . . . The whole thing is gone! . . . The police are making an investigation! . . . Some of the neighbors… suspect arson! . . . I just know… my name is gonna be brought into this mess! . . . But I’m not the only one… who didn’t like what was going on at Sunrise! Wendell pointed out with conviction.

You know what you did… and did not do! . . . Don’t fret over… what might happen! . . . Let the police do their investigation… Then we will know how to deal with this situation! . . . Let’s pray to God… that everything… will work out according to His will! Rev. Get-Down added with a comforting smile.

Still wearing a concerned frown, Wendell said, I just know… someone is going to try and accuse me of something! . . . I’ve been complaining to every body! . . . When Rev. Joe… did what he did to me… I went back to drinking… and hanging out at The Gin House! . . . I told everyone there… about the dirty dealings… going on at Sunrise! . . . Maybe somebody… took advantage of what I had to say… and got their own revenge!

Let’s cross that bridge… when we come to it! . . . God is still in control… and all of this… might prove to be a blessing… for you and the community! . . . You and I need to lend our support… where needed! . . . let’s not forget… that we are ministers to the people! . . . They need us now… more than before! Rev. Get-Down reminded him.

Later that evening, the two of them went to examine the ruins of the church fire. Wendell had mentioned some of the activities which he disapproved of and wanted to see what else had taken place there. Rev. Get-Down was curious about what ministries had been conducted in the name of the Lord. He was amazed at the damage done to the physical structure of the building. He came to realize that there was nothing left to salvage because the destruction was thoroughly complete.

As they moved through the facility Wendell remarked, Look over there! . . . Isn’t that a burned up ATM machine? . . . Pastor Joe said he would install one! . . . And look at that burnt recording equipment! . . . He set that up just before I quit coming here! . . . He opened a recording studio… in his own name… and was using the church as a front! . . . I’ll bet… that’s not all we’re gonna find wrong with his operation!

Rev. Get-Down looked at him and replied, It sounds as if you are… delighted to see this destruction! . . . We must not stand in judgment ! . . . Mankind has been making errors in judgment… since he was given a free will to choose! . . . Greed and vanity… have caused… many good intentioned men… to stray onto a sinful path! . . . They begin thinking that they have the power… to shape life on earth!

Wendell replied with a puzzled grin, Well! . . . Don’t we? . . . Look at all the changes… man has made! . . . There’s no telling what he’ll come up with next!

Rev. Get-Down was quiet for a moment before he replied, God gave man… dominion over earthly things! . . . Nature still prevails! . . . The Sun shapes all life on this earth! . . . It shapes… the seasons of the year! . . . It shapes the nature of plant and animal life! . . . It even shapes the direction of the wind! . . . Naturalists will tell you… that although man has tried to alter the balance of Nature… He has brought about problems to contend with! . . . He has actually confused systems of nature… that threaten his own existence! . . . The Sun helps produce foods for both man and animal… and then causes man and animal… to provide nourishment for… the vegetation they live on! . . . That is the S-U-N! . . . But the S-O-N… Shapes our spirits in life! . . . God is Spirit! . . . And we are to worship Him… in spirit… and in Truth! . . . All things that man may create… will pass away… only what is done through Christ Jesus… will last!

Wendell was thoughtful as he pondered the statement he had just heard. What is all this talk… about prosperity? . . . Why are so many congregations swinging that way?

Man has seldom been satisfied with spiritual blessings alone! . . . He has always sought… and asked for material blessings! . . . He even wants tangible objects… to cling to… and to display as evidence of his relationship… with a higher power! . . . He is not content with only spiritual blessings… until he gains the wisdom… to really know and appreciate… the grace of God! . . . That generally comes… with age… or a deliverance from some severe hardship! Rev. Get-Down exclaimed with a strong conviction.

Wendell Harrison was continuing his rummage through the rubble of the building when he asked, What can the people do… for a church… now that this has happened?

The people… are the church! . . . This structure… was only a place to gather… a place for them to fellowship… and to edify one another! . . . There are many other buildings… where they can gather for worship services! . . . Remember! . . . It is not the structure of the building, . . . but the fellowship… and comradeship developed among the people who gather! Rev. Get-Down declared.

Somewhat puzzled, Wendell asked, What is the purpose of… the organized church… anyhow?

It may serve many purposes… for many reasons… for different people! . . . In my mind… it is to serve as a clinic… for the sin-sick souls! . . . A place for sinners to come… and find a way out of damnation! . . . To study the Word of God… which will make them whole! . . . A place to become renewed… in the spirit… and strengthened to control their fleshly desires… and to resist temptations which lead to corruption… and self-destruction! he replied with compassion.

Do you think… Pastor Joe… knows anything about that? Wendell asked in earnest.

Its not what we know that makes a difference… it is what we do… with what we know… that either pleases or displeases… God! . . . If we operate in the right spirit… God will guide our thoughts and actions! . . . When we give in to… worldly temptations… we are turning away from what God would have us to do! . . . We must learn to pray for guidance… without ceasing! . . . To ask God for the leading of His Holy Spirit in our lives! . . . Then we will know the truth… and the truth will make us free! . . . Free from the power of Satan… and the temptations he uses… to cause us to stray from… the Will of God! . . . We are each sustained… and provided for… by the grace of God! . . . Without His grace… even the Sun… would not shine in a manner… to benefit our existence! Rev. Get-Down proclaimed.

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered! . . . How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! . . . When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away… Through my groaning all day long… For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me; . . . My vitality was drained away as with the fever-heat of summer.

Psalms 32:1-4

A few days later, Rev. Get-Down received a surprise visit by Pastor Joseph Benson and his wife Armeena. They had learned about Wendell Harrison’s connection with the Church of Faith, Hope and Charity and had come to alert Rev. Get-Down not to place any trust in what he had to say.

Reverend! . . . We have come to caution you… about Junior Harrison! . . . He is a foolish young man! . . . He will tell you a lie… as easily as falling off a log! . . . . Do not trust in him! . . . He and his wife Beverly… are both out to undermine our Christian ministries! he declared with a vengeance.

"They are still angry at us… because we used their names… as faithful contributors! . . . Which they were at the time! . . . They objected to their names being posted… on the Contributors Gauge! . . . This was done to encourage others to measure up to them!’ Armeena declared in defense of the accusation.

Have no fear! . . . I place all of my trust… in the Lord! . . . I am keenly aware of the frailty of man! . . . I have walked their paths… and I have learned the folly of following in their footsteps! . . . The Lord alone… guides my steps! . . . But I would caution you both… judge not… that you be not judged! . . . the Harrisons believe that they have been betrayed! . . . They have both accused the two of you! . . . They claim that you exploited them… and used church resources for personal profit! . . . We toured the remains of the church building… and I observed the commercial tools lost there… by that fire! . . . Perhaps the Lord… has allowed this misfortune… to turn you back… into His will! Rev. Get-Down replied.

The Bensons looked at one another and Armeena shouted, What are your trying to say? . . . Can’t you see what’s going on with the Spirit? . . . The Christian church is on a new path! . . . This is the age of Prosperity! . . . Churches are expanding… like never before! . . . We are urged to use technology to grow and expand! . . . Our memberships across the country are growing larger each week! . . . We have just returned from a conference down south! . . . The church is being exalted like never before!

Rev. Get-Down replied in a concerned manner, Is that what you see? . . . I see churches becoming more distant from the Word of God! . . . I see a growth of… Entertainment Centers . . . The Word of God is being minimized… in favor of worldly activities! . . . Technology is a good thing… if used for good purposes! . . . But technology has no morality… it can be used like money… for good or… for evil! . . . The faithful believer… must still choose how to magnify the Word of God! . . . The more worldly the church becomes… the farther it is removed from the Path of Righteousness! . . . The acquisition of money… becomes more important to us than… the salvation of souls! . . . The quest for money… or materialism… breeds Greed! . . . And greed breeds corruption… by deception! . . . We must all return to the ways of Christ! . . . We must shun pride… and seek humility before the eyes of God! . . . He will shape our futures! . . . We are His servants… and must seek… His will for our lives!

Well! . . . we shall all see what God has in store for us! . . . You follow your path… and we’ll follow ours! . . . You listen to that fool if you choose… But we’ll mark out a new path for the believer to walk! Pastor Benson declared.

I bet… that when we talk with Barrel House . . . down at the Gin House… we’re going to learn that Junior had something to do with that fire! . . . Then the Lord will tell us how to handle this thing! Armeena swore in her desperation.

Judge not! . . . that you be not judged! . . . You called Wendell a fool… and I would like to share my thoughts on that! . . . Fools are led by fools… in a procession… thru time and space… that leads to doom! . . . They strut and stagger… on the stage of life…  to impress the naïve… or a kindred sort! . . . They blubber and bluster… in a sea of phrases… devoid of insight or thought… yet steeped in folly! . . . For lack of balance… they lose equilibrium… then stumble and fall… and self-destruct! . . . Keep no company with them! . . . This will keep you… in good standing with God! . . . For the humble stand quietly… and revel in the beauty… of just being… in the service of Love! he concluded with a gentle smile.

The Bensons left with a pair of disconcerted attitudes. They seemed hell-bent on being right in their views despite what others had to say. They were convinced that prosperity would befall them as they worked with others who shared a desire for prosperity.

The following weekend witnessed another fire. This time The Gin House was set ablaze after closing time. It was declared an arson fire when evidence was discovered leading to the Bensons. The Fire Inspector found a souvenir bracelet given to Armeena by the Days Inn Motel in Atlanta Georgia during the Christian Conference she attended. They both pleaded guilty yet tried to justify their action by accusing Wendell Harrison and his cohorts of torching the Sunrise Church. Without sufficient evidence, their charge was disregarded.

Wendell and Beverly Harrison praised the Lord for their deliverance and committed themselves to walk in the ways of the Lord. They joined a youth ministry with The Church of Faith, Hope and Charity and trained to become missionaries within the community outreach services.

SELAH

"A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished… To show partiality is not good, . . . Because for a piece of bread a man will transgress… A man with an evil eye hastens his wealth, . . . And does not know that want will come upon him… He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor… 

Than he who flatters with the tongue."

Proverbs 28:20-23

CONVERSATIONS WITH

OXY MORON

And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose… For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren;

Romans 8:28-29

IN OUR SEARCH FOR TRUTH, WE COME ACROSS OUR ALTER EGO CONVERSING WITH A COLLEGE PROFESSOR WHO IS WAITING IN LINE AT A LOCAL CARWASH.

PROFESSOR

Sir you look strangely familiar to me! . . . Have we met before? . . . Perhaps we attended a class or two together.

OXY

Not hardly! . . . . I had the goods fortune to drop out of school during my adolescent years… when I was intolerant of any process I felt was designed to make me mediocre! . . . I probably resemble a lot of others though… who were duped into believing this system intended to prepare them for excellence.

PROFESSOR

There is a great deal of truth in what you say… however… by what quirk of fate did you acquire so much insight at such an early age? . . . Was it by parental guidance? . . . or mentoring? . . . Or perhaps by a chance encounter with someone with wisdom?

OXY

I was born of Mother Earth in the heart of Africa! . . . I was sired by Everyman who tilled the soil and prayed for a higher fulfillment… . was it by instinct?

PROFESSOR

What tribe do you come from? . . . and just what is your… name?

OXY

I have been known by many names… some significant… some grand! . . . yet others not worthy of mention here… Most recently… I was accused of being a BLACK RACIST! . . .  Which is a pointedly foolish idea! . . . so now I answer to the name… OXY MORON… My tribe is all who struggle for truth and justice in this world!

PROFESSOR

I can sense that you are a well educated person! . . . how did you achieve that?

OXY

Through reading… And questioning… and examining… by taking nothing on face value! . . . I question everything! . . . from the slightest scientific discovery… to the most profound accepted philosophical concept… they are but fodder for my brain… I read nearly everything… at least once! . . . if it offers a ring of truth

. . . . I will read it again… if not, it is dumped post-haste! . . . Those things which I find rooted in integrity and respect for truth… I will eagerly embrace for closer examination… some books I will come to cherish… not because they were acclaimed by some scholastic world… but simply because they are sincere attempts to put forth truth!

PROFESSOR

What course of study did you formulate? . . . and just how did you proceed?

OXY

At the beginning… just random reading! . . . searching! . . .  Not even knowing what to look for! . . . Then finally I detected a series of contradictions based upon lies and fabrications… And convenient omissions… or exaggerations! . . . I discovered that many of the historical claims and assertions made by European writers were ill-founded and based upon social or political expediency… and seriously lacked proper research! . . . a system of reports based upon hearsay… and self-aggrandizement!

PROFESSOR

And how could you be certain whether a particular point was a fabrication or not? . . . What evidence did you use?

OXY

I examined authentic documents… artifacts… and source materials… I visited Europe, Asia, and Africa! . . . and I talked with people who had nothing to gain by false disclosure… It was in the works of Asians and Africans where I found any real continuity between what was proclaimed… and available evidence to substantially validate the assertions… The chronicles left by centuries of rulers in both places… rang true to the known conditions and assembled artifacts… while European accounts which were fabricated at much later dates… were all too often slanted and contrived to discredit the grandeur and achievements of what they considered…  or hoped to establish in the minds of the readers… as lesser cultures.

PROFESSOR

Should I follow your line of reasoning… I would reach the conclusion that all of my work at the college is ill-founded and thereby not worthy of all the attention and acclaim we afford it… that my work is of little value!

OXY

All work has a measure of worth… if only in the exercise of some discipline in acquiring the knowledge it provides… but it is true that most of it is… ill-founded! . . . especially if it is Eurocentric… It is what Carter G, Woodson attributed to the miss-education of the Negro! . . . in fact… It constitutes the miss-education of all peoples! . . . We must grind its lies and fabrications into the dust… under the heels of scrutiny.

PROFESSOR

Is that the work that you have chosen as your career?

OXY

Most certainly! . . . I strive to uncover falsehoods on every occasion! . . . but I have no career! . . . as you can see… I am a simple street person… on my way from one place… to another place… it is only by chance… let us say… That we engaged in conversation… and you were gracious enough to listen to my point of view.

PROFESSOR

Well! . . . I must admit… that you gave me something to think about! . . . chance encounter or not… you are a most unforgettable person!

OXY

I hope that I didn’t disrupt your day… after all… I’m a moron… but I am not a fool!

LATER THAT EVENING AS HE WAS PASSING THE NIGHT CLUB SECTION, HE CAME ACROSS KOOL BREEZE, THE LOCAL PIMP AND HUSTLER.

II

OXY

Good evening Breeze! . . . How is the… ladies’ man doing tonight?

BREEZE

You know me! . . . I keeps my games up tight! . . . Can I help you with a little… female company… tonight?

OXY

Thank you for the offer… but I’ve never had any trouble attracting female companionship! . . . you see… I approach each and every one of them… with respect! . . . I’ve found that they appreciate… R .E .S .P .E .C .T!!!

BREEZE

Yeah! . . . I know! . . . you have to take what you can get! . . . but I can set you up… with some choice broads! ,,,,,you know… young sweet… and tender meat!

OXY

I understand exactly what you are trying to promote! . . . However… I’m not interested in… broads! . . . As you put it… I deal with women… all types… and I respect and love them all! . . . young and old! . . . tall and short!, . . . fat and thin! . . . light and dark complexions… ultra-feminine and matronly. I have dispelled all of my biases! . . . that gives me a lot of latitude.

BREEZE

In my business… I have to specialize! . . . or not do any profitable business… if my girls don’t meet their quotas… I have to apply pressure! . . . and persuasive tactics… you know!

OXY

That’s the point where we differ! . . . what you propose is demeaning to both yourself and the woman! . . . you are reduced to functioning as a cold-blooded merchant… and the woman to nothing more than a marketable commodity! . . . you both end up as losers! . . . You without any sense of humanity and she without a shred of dignity!

BREEZE

I’ve heard that same old line before… but I didn’t invent this business! . . . the way I see it… I’m providing a service! . . . one that is greatly appreciated… I might add!

OXY

Its not a question of who invented the business… or whether its an appreciated service! . . . it’s a matter of choosing to make a positive rather than a negative contribution within your community! . . . Contributions that foster and encourage respect for human-kind! . . . Now! . . . please don’t misunderstand my intentions! . . . I have no personal dislike for you… or the women in your charge… I have a great disdain for anything which demeans, . . . diminishes, . . . or denigrates my fellowman… especially if the perceived benefits are only of a temporal nature… and at the expense of human dignities!

BREEZE

I don’t hold any negative vibes toward you… but we’re all in this business by choice! . . . when things