Today, instead of our usual Sunday School classes we had group discussions about the situations in Baltimore and around the country. It was the start of a great conversation that could have gone on for hours. during the conversation most of us agreed that we, parents, grandparents, and others, have an obligation to teach our young people how to respond when they are stopped or confronted by law enforcement. We need to discipline them and teach them self discipline so that they won't have to be disciplined by the criminal justice system. I'm not sure how Rayvon's mother disciplined him, but I do know that he has self-discipline.
I met Rayvon almost ten years ago. I was in seminary and participating in a cultural immersion trip to Ghana and Ethiopia. Our flight took off around 10:00 p.m. from D.C. I had given Jen the trip as a college graduation gift. We were seated in row 38 seats D and C for the first leg of our flight to Addis Ababa and Rayvon was in seat E. It was the last row of the plane, in seats that did not recline, for a very long flight. As we struggled to get comfortable, we got to know each other. Rayvon was a part of the group from Antioch Baptist Church and he was 13 years old, traveling without his mother and was the youngest person in the group. She had placed him in the good hands of the pastor and his wife and the other church members. There were about 20 or so of us and during the course of the next 21 days, we became an family.
One of the most memorable experiences was on Sunday, July 24, 2005. Our group leader, Dr. Sanders had to preach at the First Baptist Church in Tamale, Ghana. Many of the members of the church only spoke their native language so there was an interpreter for the sermon. After the sermon the congregation asked us to minister to them in song. Rayvon took the lead as we sang 'What a Mighty God We Serve'. During the song many of the members of the church went up to Rayvon and stuck money (in bills) to his forehead and pressed it into his hand. We were told that it was an expression of appreciation. Even without understanding the words, they could see that he was spirit filled. During the trip it was easy to see that his mom had done a great job with him. He was respectful, well mannered and fun loving young man, willing to leave his comfort zone and go halfway around the world to experience an entirely different culture.
Many parents cannot afford to provide the opportunity that Rayvon had. But here in the Richmond metropolitan area there are many free and inexpensive places where we can expose our children to another culture or lifestyle. Spending some extra time and money on a class, camp, or sport is doable when the time (and money spent) on television, video games and the latest version of their favorite phone are curtailed. Bringing our children to church and keeping them actively involved in the ministries is important. But it is more important that they understand the meaning and theology behind what they are singing or praise dancing to.
It hasn't always been easy for Rayvon. He had tried out for and failed to be selected for American Idol five times before he made it to the show. While on the show he has been in the bottom two and was 'saved' to continue for at least five times. But he persevered by the grace of God and always kept a smile on his face, even when he was criticized by the judges for his singing.
This Wednesday, we will know if Rayvon has made it to the final three. The voting is still open on the FOX website and there are options for phone and text voting. Let's support Rayvon with our votes and by watching the show. But also let's support all of our young people with our prayers and words of wisdom or encouragement. If we want different results, we have to do different things, It's time to do a 'New Thing.'