Ignorance VS Action
"...so that by his own words he may be judged, and Negroes the world over may be informed and inspired, for truth, brought to light, forces conviction, and a state of conviction inspires action."
- Amy Jacques-Garvey
This statement was made by Marcus Garvey's wife as an explanation of why she produced a book which included Garvey's philosophies and opinions. If you can at all relate to or have some understanding of the plight of Blacks throughout history and particularly during Marcus Garvey's time (early 1900's), you can fully grasp the meaning and importance of what was being said in the quote. (Take some time now to ponder this idea)
Yet, if I take the liberty of changing this quote to make a spiritual application, we then see how profound this statement really is; especially when pertaining to the plight of not only Blacks, but all mankind.
"...so that by God's own words we may be judged, and people the world over may be informed and inspired, for truth, brought to light, forces conviction, and a state of conviction inspires action."
Conviction is often perceived as something negative when it is actually very much the antithesis. It is a blessing. But these blessings are hindered due to ignorance. For if we are ignorant, what confidence or peace have we in living? If confidently we do live, void of the truth, we are confidently wrong and hopelessly lost. You see, this process works in a circular manner. What happens to us when we are exposed to truth? We can be alarmed, hurt, relieved, amazed, inspired, and so on. No matter what the response or reaction, truth carries with it freedom; freedom from ignorance and the many fruits that ignorance bears. Along with freedom comes responsibility. This is the heart of conviction, which then causes us to take action FIRST in our own personal lives THEN take action to help free others. How do we help free others?...By exposing them to the truth, which starts this whole process over again. So, take advantage of the opportunity and responsibility to bring truth to light; for yourself and for others (remembering that there is ALWAYS more to be learned). And when conviction comes, don't ignore it or fight it, but, with the grace of God, act accordingly.
-HEC3
2 comments:
Hamp, I had to read it three times! Of course, the fact that I am drowsy from my cold medication did not help.
I think you missed your calling. You should be writing philosphy books!
Conviction is something I am always trying to avoid. As long as I am "ignorant" by choice or by the lack of evidence, I don't have to do anything. But once I am convicted, my excuse for doing nothing is no longer valid.
Really a deep thought.
This is such an interesting topic because lately my husband has been feeling conviction about actions his friends have been taking lately. He really doesn't know what to do about it. The mere fact that he is not ignorant of what is going on proves that his conviction is just and that God is asking him to step up to the plate and do something about it. Your state gives validity to how he is feeling. Deep!!!!
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