The leader of the free word has a new face and its complexion is darker than usual. America must now realize as the rest of the world has already done—people of color are no longer the minority. This however, should be no excuse or reason for blacks or any nationality to have a superior mindset or attitude of bias and bigotry that unfortunately plagued many of the whites over the last three to four hundred years. Many white Christian leaders over the last 20 to 30 years have consistently prophesied and predicted that the next major revival and move of God would indeed actually come through the black church. In my book, No More Excuses, I address the fleeting myths and misnomers that black churches are only profitable for good singing, good ushering and good cooking in the kitchen. Sadly, many of our own blacks in the church have settled and self-satisfyingly gloried in these domestic roles. Perhaps President-elect Obama helps reiterate from a political field and mount that the face of intelligence, articulation, foresight and forethought and integrity-filled competition can also be attributes of people of color.
The success and significance of President-Elect Obama now also brings a lowering of tolerance for apathy and lethargy in the church often found among African American men. He is charging from the political and social stump what we as pastors charge from the pulpits every Sunday— finish school, work hard, delay gratification, and take care of your family and children. There are absolutely no more excuses for black men to wade in self-pity and be non-responsible. There are no more excuse for the black man to be the man he’s always dreamed of being—in the church and in America.
