A Spiritual Armada

By R. Leland Smith

Throughout recorded history we find that man has struggled to find a sense of lasting peace and contentment. His search has opened many varied avenues of discovery to little avail. Many approaches have held out a glowing promise of peace, false hopes and contentment only to fade in a brief span of time despite his efforts to build a stable fortress to guard against the threat of loss and vanquish this situation has prevailed throughout the centuries despite man's attempts to alter the human condition. This vexation has been made manifest physically, mentally, and spiritually.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 15, 2008
• ISBN: 9781462817641

Book preview

A Spiritual Armada

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

A Spiritual Armada

Ghetto Knights

L. Lazarus Lazar

Little Mahalia

Salvation Through Identity

The Black Hole

The Blind Date

Seize The Challenge

The Errant Herdsman

The Ghetto Gauntlet

The Gleaner

The Identity Quest

The Migrant Flood

The Queen Of S. Holland Rd.

Titus Parity

STATEMENT of DEDICATION

Author Robert Leland Smith

These short stories are written to acknowledge the challenges faced by a minority group, in American Society, who remain in search of life, liberty, justice, in the pursuit of happiness. Though they have become marginalized and exploited by the dominant population, they strive for respect, equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal accesses. Their persistence is strengthened, in spite of, or because of ongoing deceptive practices and hollow promises with which they must yet contend. I only hope that you will become inspired and choose to support their efforts

Dedicated to Wife:

Sandra Louise Smith

and

Children:

Pamela Ruth Bennett

Kimberly Yvonne Brown

Melanie April Smith

Justin Nigel Smith

and

Siblings:

Cynthia Janet Savage

Richard Arthur Smith

and

In Memory of Parents:

Excell Clark Smith

Geneva Williams Smith

and

Siblings:

Charles Sumner Smith

Carl Burkhart Smith

Genevieve Louise Smith

And to All who seek Truth and Justice

To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven

A SPIRITUAL ARMADA

Am I only talking to your hand?

Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh in his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5: 42-45

THE PAIN

Throughout recorded history we find that man has struggled to find a sense of lasting peace and contentment. His search has opened many varied avenues of discovery to little avail. Many approaches have held out a glowing promise of peace, false hopes and contentment only to fade in a brief span of time despite his efforts to build a stable fortress to guard against the threat of loss and vanquish This situation has prevailed throughout the centuries despite man’s attempts to alter the human condition. This vexation has been made manifest physically, mentally, and spiritually.

In the impoverished community of Oakland on Chicago’s South side, the search for tranquility had given way to despair during this life and hope for peace only in the promised ‘Hereafter’! Rev. Isaiah ‘Get-Down’ Giddon had positioned himself as an agent of change. He strived to change the attitudes and behaviors of the many down hearted residents who had given up hope. He worked with them to effect and promote a more substantial improvement in their standard of living. They seemed to have lost faith in the promises, expounded in his sermons, and wanted some tangible evidence for reassurance. The community had become beset with confusion, fears, hatred, anxiety, social conflicts, destruction, and a growing depression. He had strived for months to restore their faith in God’s Word, but with little affect.

Late one evening, before the Sabbath, he knelt to pray and seek the will of God in this matter.

Heavenly Father, my Lord and my God! . . . I come before you… in humble submission… to ask that you strengthen my cause! . . . Touch through me! . . . Love through me! . . . Heal through me! . . . Use me to do Thy will… I pray in Jesus’ name! . . . Show me what must be done… to edify these people… that they may see the Light… and become the vessels you desire… to fulfill your purpose for man… in this place and time! . . . I humbly submit to your will! . . . in Jesus’ name! . . . Amen!

That night he fell into a deep slumber and experienced a vision and a dream. He saw his people as they struggled through decades of chattel slavery, with all sense of identity being stripped away. He witnessed the many hardships and deprivations inflicted upon them and felt their torment and sorrows. He was in a deep and foreboding spirit when he saw a vision of a people who held fast to their desires in spite of hardships. He watched them survive, through eight generations, giving more and receiving less than those who maintained power over their actions. He witnessed the era of legal bondage when laws and codes were put in place to restrict their movements and limit their few freedoms.

The burden seemed to lift as they sustained themselves with limited resources yet succeeded to make contributions and social advancements. Then he viewed his charges of today and realized the extent of deceptions and misdirection they had to contend with. This form of mental slavery had persuaded many to adopt and practice values and methods that violated the laws of God, the laws of Nature, and laws of the present Legal system.

He awoke with a sense of urgency to investigate available options to choose from when leading his charges in the best direction. He sat there on the edge of his bed for a long while before he chose a plan of action. He dressed in casual attire and headed toward Oakenwald Avenue where his old friend Alonzo Wilson operated a grocery store.

Pops Wilson was a retired Social Studies teacher who has a great deal of insight into cultural affairs along with a profound sense of history. The thoughts and visions of slavery crowded Isaiah’s mind as he turned off 43rd Street onto Oakenwald and parked in front of Wilson’s Grocery and Market.

THE PROBLEM

When Rev. Get-Down crossed the threshold into the grocery store, Pops Wilson recognized him and rushed from behind the counter to greet him with a big smile and a brotherly hug.

Where the hell have you been all these weeks? . . . I was just thinking about you this morning! . . . and the work you’ve been doing Pops declared.

Well! . . . That just goes to prove… that great minds work in the same circles! . . . I have a great concern about our condition! . . . and I couldn’t think of anyone better than you… to discuss it with! exclaimed Isaiah.

Sounds like something that we need to deal with! . . . Let’s go in the back where we cannot be disturbed! Pops said as he turned the ‘open’ sign around to read ‘closed’ and bolted the door.

Isaiah entered the living quarters and saw the familiar lounge chairs, the work table with a stack of books and periodicals.

I can see that you are still keeping abreast of the happenings! he remarked in admiration.

Yes! . . . I guess I’m addicted to current event issues! . . . I also have a new plasma TV… a gift from my neighbors! . . . I’ve become a C-SPAN junkie since your last visit. Pops replied.

What I’m really bothered about… has not been disclosed on C-SPAN… or any other program… as far as I know! . . . I’m trying to determine the causes of our present condition… and what we can do to change things! . . . My sermons appear to be falling on deaf ears… or at least apathetic souls! said Isaiah.

Kind’a like a voice crying out in the wilderness… huh? replied Pops.

I’m beginning to believe that talk is not enough! . . . nothing really happens… until an action is taken! . . . Only in our case… a reaction! . . . We all seem to react to some… outstanding… ‘event’ . . . while we ignore common everyday occurrences that keep us suppressed and oppressed… I believe that it’s time to act… and change the nature of our culture! Isaiah declared.

Pops Wilson was quietly thoughtful as he pondered the matter and rested his face in both hands. Rev. Get-Down waited patiently for his response.

I agree! . . . But we must examine the laws ! . . . the laws that govern… our decisions! . . . What laws do we honor and obey? . . . and which laws do we dare to challenge? . . . Now! . . . there are God’s Laws… there are laws of Nature… then there are man’s laws! . . . Man’s laws seem to change with the wind! . . . Opinion polls seem to determine which laws are popular… not that they are right or wrong… only popular… at a given time… and for a particular group or purpose… like a political election! . . . or an economic downturn! . . . Then man has been tampering with the laws of Nature… since the introduction of scientific research! . . . Things have been altered and hybridized… simply because they could be… with both favorable and disastrous effects! . . . But the Laws of God have been unchangeable! . . . They are too far elevated for the mortal mind to transcend! . . . they are simply disobeyed by most! . . . And the few who do try to obey them are silently frowned upon… or held in positions of little effect! . . . The forces of evil… seem to dominate the affairs of man… since the Garden of Eden… until our current state of affairs… whether locally! nationally! or internationally! . . . Where do you want to begin? asked Pops.

Rev. Get-Down smiled and replied, As a servant of God… it is incumbent upon me… to dedicate all that I have to His purposes! . . . I have dedicated my self… my service… and my substance… to carrying out the mission set before us by our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ! . . . he has commissioned all of his followers to go into all nations and teach them, baptize them, and have them to observe all the things God commanded of us! . . . that is our mission! . . . we must find a way to carry it out!

Pops Wilson began to ponder again and Isaiah waited for his response. Is there… no other way? . . . We are a strong… determined… fair-minded people ! . . . though a bit naïve about our identity and our purpose! we need to be re-educated out of our sense of second-class citizenship! . . . we must review our many accomplishments… in order to bolster our self-confidence… and to better realize our abilities… to alter this culture in every respect! said Pops.

Is Jazzbo still around? . . . I remember having a discussion with him… about our influence on this culture… maybe he can shed some light on addressing our concerns! said Rev. Get-Down.

Pops Wilson reached for his phone and dialed a number. It was quiet for a long moment before he spoke, Jazzbo! . . . this is Alonzo! . . . Isaiah and I need to talk with you! . . . Yes! . . . yes! . . . We’re trying to sort out some answers about… a movement! . . . we’re in the initial planning stage… and need your input! . . . Yes! . . . can you come down and sit awhile? . . . Good! . . . good! . . . I’ll fix breakfast for you! . . . See ya’ and he turned again to Isaiah with a broad grin. That guy… he’ll never change! . . . Says that he’s been looking for a gig!

They, both chuckled a bit, settled back relaxed and waited for Jazzbo to join them.

THE CHALLENGE

When Jazzbo entered at the rear of the store Isaiah was surprised to see him using a walking stick.

Jazzbo spoke in a raspy voice saying, Whas’up Rev? . . . Ain’t seen you in a coon’s age! . . . How is your work in the community going?"

That’s why I’m here! . . . Wilson and I are developing a plan to address the real problems! . . . We thought you could help! Isaiah responded.

Pops Wilson ushered Jazzbo over to a comfortable seat on the sofa where he could lounge if necessary.

"Well! . . . like its been said… ‘I ain’t got no silver… ain’t got no gold… but whatever I got… I give it to you! . . . is that right?’ he asked with a chuckle.

That’s the most any of us can do! . . . Tell us about how you see our people… our present situation… and how we may improve things! he requested.

Jazzbo leaned back on the sofa and replied in a slow deliberate pace, "We11… as you know… I been in music all of my life! . . . nearly eighty five years now! . . . and I come to know that our people… brought music to what it is! . . . We had no education… and no formal training! . . . God gave us a great gift! . . . creative talent! . . . I learned to play music by ear… those before me… they used whatever they had on hand… to create music! . . . I mean they blew into the necks of bottles… they rattled dry bones… they beat out rhythms on tin tubs or boxes! . . . whatever made a sound… they would use and create music! . . . they beat on their bodies… clapped their hands… stomped their feets… picked up old thrown away instruments… and learned to play them… but best of all… they made songs outta hollers… and shouts! . . . they sang chants to God… they sang words to express their sorrows… they created the Blues! . . . free flowing expressions of how they were feeling… down in their souls! . . . Ragtime! . . . Boogie-Woogie! . . . Swing music to dance to… We had already been shuffling… and buck dancing! . . . .

Our people introduced improvising to this culture! . . . Look at whas’ been happenin’ we developed Be-Bop… Modern Jazz… Rap Music! . . . and the whole world is trying to copy us! . . . Our people have changed everything… from slang talk… to humor… dress style… now we’re entering the mass media! . . . no telling what else… or how far!" he concluded.

Rev. Get-Down and Pops were grinning from ear to ear when Pops said, We can dig you! . . . that’s evidence enough… to show what we can do… without even trying! . . . Just being ourselves! . . . And when you consider… our gains and triumphs… in the sports arenas… we can better realize what we can accomplish… if given full equal rights… equal opportunities… and equal access! . . . God has surely blessed us!

Right ! said Rev. Get-Down, We should be able to turn that level of influence… into a quiet spiritual movement to redirect social values… and respect for our fellowman… to bring about a change in relationships… where man will come to love his neighbor… as he should!

Yeah! . . . but we better start… with our own people! Jazzbo inserted, Let me tell you… about a young man… that breaks my heart!

Rev. Get-Down and Pops Wilson sat back in their chairs to hear what Jazzbo had to tell.

He began, "I had a friend named Ella Mae… well… she adopted three young brothers! . . . Now Ella Mae and her husband… always wanted to out shine everybody… she would put up a big front… and talk real big about… what they had! . . . and what they were gonna do! . . . the neighbors didn’t like all that big talk… and being high-browed… some were really jealous! . . . others just talked about them behind their backs! . . . the three boys grew up under this mess! . . . Ella Mae was a self-centered sort of woman… always trying to see how she could use others… for her benefit! . . . Well! . . . I was busy running the road… from one gig to the other… so I didn’t witness a lot of this… but I was told about what was going on… every time I came to town! . . . The oldest boy joined in the thinking of Ella Mae… he learned her ways… The youngest boy was her ‘baby’ . . . and was excused of all his bad behavior! . . . The middle boy… well… he got caught in the shuffle… he didn’t know just which way to turn… He could never get the recognition of the oldest… and could never get the considerations… that the baby boy got! . . . .

They lumbered along… like most of us… but were keeping up the pretense! . . . the older boy was unsteady… always trying to get a step ahead of Ella Mae… and to outshine whoever he thought was making headway! . . . the baby boy got mixed up with the street crowd and started using drugs and… whatever else was in vogue! . . . that middle boy became more and more confused… frustrated… and unsure of himself! . . . he was looking for support… but no support was coming! . . . he tried to imitate the older boy for a while… but couldn’t measure up… so he followed after the baby boy and got into a lot of trouble… they both did time! . . . The older son even denied any blood relationship with them! . . . now… we don’t really know about that! . . . anyway! . . . .

The baby boy, Anton Lamont… asked me to show him a better way… Cause I’d been around the world more than anyone he knew! . . . I tried to convince him… to change his life around… to develop his talents! . . . he said that he was a Chess Champ… in two or three states! . . . But he couldn’t seem to realize that… he had to choose a way! . . . Ella Mae died and left him unprepared! . . . he was still looking for someone to baby him! . . . now he is in the middle age… has children scattered about… so do the other two boys… but they have their crosses to bear also! . . . Anton discovered that he has M.S… and now he’s given up ! . . . .

That’s the kind of problems too many of our people find themselves in… wanting to have a better life… but unprepared… or unwilling… to do what it takes ! . . . to make the right choices! . . . that’s our challenge! . . . we have the talent… the creative ability… but the wrong strategy!" he concluded.

Rev. Get-Down spoke saying, You have described a real-life situation… that illustrates what happens when we fail to value our human relationships… We seek after material gains… at the risk of losing everything of real importance… our kinships… and brotherhood… and obedience to the Word of God! . . . it is written that the sins of the father… will be visited upon the sons… until the third and fourth generations… we must intervene… and bring all to repentance!

THE POWER

It appears that we have failed in every generation… to evaluate our situation… and then develop a comprehensive plan to first check! . . . then correct! . . . and to redirect our behaviors… whereby we can overcome… these values traps we find ourselves in ! said Pops Wilson.

You both are right! said Rev. Get-Down, "I have been misleading my loyal followers… by not embracing all of the Bible truths! . . . We must return to the teachings of both Old and New Testaments! . . . to discover who we are… and what God has in store for us! . . .

We must honor the Holy days… and respect and value only what God has commanded us to respect and value! . . . Man’s law has caused us to stray from the teachings of the prophets… and follow after modern day shysters who manipulate the Word for material gains! . . . We cannot serve both God and mammon! . . . The Holy Spirit has led me… to this discussion… to confirm that my thoughts about returning… to honor the Sabbath Day on Saturday… rather than Sunday… is a correct thought which must be carried out… if I hope to redirect my followers along the right path!"

We have always had the power… at our disposal… but we failed to recognize it and apply it in our own behalf… rather than looking to others… who… like Ella Mae… caused us to envy other things which only had the appearance good! said Pops.

I’ve been considering how to help our people differentiate their choices… between man’s laws which are political thoughts, . . . God’s Laws which are moral thoughts… and Natural laws which are human at best! . . . We must reestablish God’s Laws as the most desirable… and to become regarded as the highest laws for our betterment. declared Rev. Get-Down.

He then looked at his watch and said, I have scheduled our first ever Saturday Sabbath… at the Church of Faith, Hope and Charity and must leave you now! . . . I thank both of you for sharing your thoughts! . . . They shall become manifest in our planning… but now I must alert the congregation to the change in focus!

THE WAY

When Rev. Get-Down arrived at the Church of Faith Hope and Charity he was greeted by his son Alaric Scott who seemed anxious to disclose a report. They went into the Pastor’s Quarters to discuss their thoughts.

Alaric spoke first saying, Dad! . . . I think that I have a fresh idea on how to get our movement started! . . . I’ve been in touch with a few of my college chums… and they seem eager to break from the routine of following the corporate flow… only to gain personal status… and influence… to become some sort of celebrity! . . . they want to make meaningful contributions which are contrary to our cultural depravity! . . . that will elevate the community to what it should be… you know! . . . To reach its potential… and not simply be grateful for ‘hand-me-down’ economics!

Rev. Get-Down smiled and replied, That’s great to hear! . . . I’ve also been talking with a couple of old chums! . . . And we’ll need the support and enthusiasm… of young men and women to form a sort of… ‘spiritual armada’ to confront our declining, stricken communities… and to generate a renewal in both spirit and enthusiasm!

Alaric reached into his briefcase and pulled out a tattered journal and handed it to his father.

This is a compilation of notes and concepts that I maintained… during my university and corporate experiences… share it with your chums… We all want to be on the same page… as we move forward! . . . if we are going to beat the ‘man’ at his own game… we must understand how the game is played! he explained.

Rev. Get-Down took the journal saying, "Thanks! . . . but this will only scratch the surface! . . . what we are about to undertake… will require much more than simple understandings… we must strengthen our faith… because we are not seeking only material victory… we are seeking a spiritual victory… and spiritual victories do not just happen! . . . They are dependent upon one’s faith in God! . . . Apart from the indwelling power of His Word, all efforts to live a victorious Christian life are doomed to failure!

Yes Dad! . . . I know that! . . . That is why we are following your lead… we realize that you will provide spiritual guidance… what my group can do is help to clarify our steps in coping with… corporate opposition! said Alaric.

Well… advise your group to be prepared for… a series of prayers… and fasting! . . . We don’t want to become the ‘blind leading the blind’ . . . because we all know where that leaves us! he replied with a grin.

As they moved into the sanctuary, they were accompanied by the young evangelist team and other young community residents who were committed to bring about changes for the good of the community.

Rev. Get-Down remarked, Christians can sense the presence of God, . . . not only in our trials, but also in our day-to-day activities! . . . Although we cannot see Him… we know through faith… that He is with us!

Alaric added aloud, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart… and lean not unto thine own understanding! . . . In all thy ways… acknowledge Him… and He shall direct thy paths!

As they entered the sanctuary a small group of believers were singing ‘It’s a high-way to hea-ven… none can walk up there… but the pure in heart! . . . Its a high-way to hea-ven… I am walking up the King’s Highway! . . . My way gets brighter! . . . my load gets lighter! . . . Walking up the King’s Highway! . . . there’s joy in knowing… with Him I’m going! . . . Walking up the King’s Highway!’

When Rev. Get-Down took the podium he addressed the congregation with "The book of Ephesians, chapter 1:12 and 13 reads, ‘The first qualification for… our… spiritual conversion is the new birth… a true conversion… whereby we become God’s children! . . . equipped by the Holy Spirit… to victoriously claim His promises!’ . . . We must be on guard against the… more subtle temptations of laziness, . . . desire for recognition, . . . concern about what others may think… or with-holding what should be given to God’s ministry! . . .  Depending upon human resources and reasoning… and physical strength… before committing ones self to the Lord’s work! . . . reveals a lack of faith, in God’s ability to fulfill His promises! . . .  .

Unbelief in God’s sufficiency keeps many from experiencing… the fulfillment of His abundant promises! . . . Those whom God uses recognize that He is the One who places His leaders in positions of authority… Regardless of their shortcomings! . . . And He is able to accomplish His work through them… Rather than criticize those who are in authority over us… God desires that we pray for and encourage them! . . .  .

We are not organized… to over-throw any one… or any thing! . . . we are joined together to serve our fellowman… by showing the Way! . . . which is a better way! . . . We all face times of impatience! . . . And discouragement! . . . but we are to govern our lives according to God’s Word… rather than our feelings! . . . ‘God is Love, . . . and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God… and God in him!’ . . .  .

God will give us victory over sin… when our heart’s desire is… to allow Him to control our thoughts… our words… and our actions! . . . We must daily praise the Lord! . . . Acceptable praise… is more than words! . . . more than gifts! . . . It also means… living daily to please Him! . . . Believe and receive God’s love gift… into your hearts… And let Him express His will through you! . . . The Lord brings the poor and needy… and often the unloving… into our lives… to give us an opportunity to express His love through us! . . . .

May we live each day… as unto the Lord… and may our children be drawn to Him… through our example! . . . A failure to separate themselves from… the bad influences of the world… has kept many Christians… from fulfilling the will of God! . . . Christ intercedes in prayer… for all who pray to the Father… through him.! . . . There is room for only one Lord in our lives… we must decide who that lord will be!. Through faith we win the victory… over the ‘giants’ in our lives! . . . Jealousy! . . . greed! hatred! . . . lust… And other works of the flesh! . . . Faith in God enables us to rise above our fears… and ward off temptations! . . . God speaks to us through His Word… But we must have ‘ears to hear’ . . . and a willingness to obey! . . . .

When we fail to listen to God… we begin to listen to the wrong voices! . . . When we fail to listen to God… we are easily deceived! . . . when we fail to listen to God… we’re expressing pride… and independence! . . . When we