This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in America if individuals cannot read, they are doomed to experience socio-economic failure. Therefore, in America socio-economic success is housed in an individual’s ability to read and comprehend. In fact, the ability to read and comprehend is one of the basic building block tenets of American society, and this is why we have a mass universal free educational system. Unfortunately, in the Black community our children are not being taught how to read and comprehend. Yet, it is scientifically researched and empirically recorded that most Blacks only read at an eighth-grade level. Unfortunately, during slavery teaching Blacks how to read was against the law. Thus, the problem is not the distance we have come, but the distance we must go. If schools only teach our children how to read and comprehend that’s (90%) of their educational development. Hence, problem solving is conditioned by an individual’s ability to read and comprehend. Therefore, let’s get real, reading and educational development produce spiritual enlightenment, instruction, correction, and wisdom in a scientific technological world. In the twenty-first century, there is absolutely no excuse for not having the ability to read and comprehend. This is a back-to-school editorial. For example, the editorial writer learned how to read in church (Sunday School) at the age of three. From learning at an early age how to developmentally read and intellectually understand, and most of all, spiritually comprehend the Bible gave me a God conscience. Hence, the editorial writer earned degrees in education, theology, and a PhD in sociology from Syracuse University from learning how to read attending Sunday (church) school. Thus: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). God utilizes several methods for individuals to spiritually understand the Word of God: “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” (Luke 11: 28). America, know this: God is not a respecter of personal socio-economic statuses, including skin-color.
Individuals can get away with breaking man’s laws, but no individual can escape the penalty of breaking God’s law (s), because: “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the heart.” (Proverbs 21: 2). Therefore: “so that they are without excuse, because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were they thankful; but became vain in their own imaginations, and their foolish hearts was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1: 21-22). America, if individuals cannot read, they will never understand this scripture. In fact, if individuals cannot read, hear, understand, and see the spiritual things of God with the eyes of their minds, they are doomed to become fools. God’s spiritual laws and man’s laws are different. God spiritually reveals to individuals his laws. On the other hand, individuals must be able to read and logically understand manmade laws. For example, individuals must be able to read traffic signs. This is why ignorance of the law is no excuse. Parents let’s get right with God and our children by teaching them to read and comprehend, starting with the Bible. Sadly, too many Black children are growing-up without knowing how to read and comprehend by five. Reading helps an individual learn to become his/her best friend. Therefore: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18: 24). God bless our children’s educational development. Amen.
