Know Thyself...

First of all, please accept my humble apologies for the length of time it has taken to submit a new post. The intervening time period has been a most eventful one. I have discovered who I am and who my ancestors were, but I am getting ahead of myself.

You might recall that this blog was created to encourage our people to consider returning to the Motherland or at the very least, visit. I had been working to develop relationships with fine brothers and sisters I met during a trip to Ghana. We worked for months to develop a method that would reduce the cost of making the trip, arrange for the visit to expose one to the cultural and economic opportunities that seemed apparent to me while there and foster a network of our people that might constitute a "bridge" between Africa and those of us in the Diaspora.

Well, long story short, we have found to our disappointment, few of our people have any interest in making the personal and financial investment to make such a trip. However, a wonderful thing happened to me during this effort. I came into contact with some deeply spiritual brothers and sisters in Africa and here in the States.

While in Ghana, one of them took me aside and suggested that I read Deuteronomy 28:15-68 closely. I read it carefully and was astonished to read, in graphic detail, the experiences of my ancestors who were enslaved in Africa and brought to these shores!

Once I got over the shock, he gently suggested that I verify the truth of these prophecies in the Bible. I assured him that I would do so. Once we returned to the States, in addition to trying to  build that "bridge" between Africa and America, I was also devoting a lot of time researching this ancient prophecy written over 3,500 years ago.

I have read more than 12 books on the subject of the African Hebrew Israelites, some of which go back to the 19th Century, shortly after Emancipation Proclamation. Many of our people way back then recognized who they were and tried to alert others, with some success initially. However, over time their efforts fizzled out.

However, lately there seems to be an "awakening" among some of our people as to their true identity. Some are found on street corners with bull horns, shouting and demeaning people. Others found in Flea Markets preaching to any who will listen. None seem very effective in developing a cohesive and constructive ministry that resembles the Most High God. What is being developed seems to more closely resemble the charismatic leaders of these groups, call "camps". Unfortunately, their ministry seems to repel more people than they attract.

Nevertheless, they are located all over the country, especially in urban centers where there is a large black population. The beliefs, teachings, message and deportment varies widely from "camp" to "camp" and from coast to coast. Personally, I am not sure what to make of this confusion, except to recall that "confusion" would be one of the "signs" or "curses" that would "mark" us as the "Israel of God". (Deut. 28:29, 46)

My wife and I have decided to follow the leading of the Most High's spirit and simply continue to study and learn as much as we can about this new found information. Thus, for the past several years we have been reading, researching, studying, listening to elders, praying, meditating, etc. Today, we KNOW who we are. This is not a "leap of faith" or "pie in the sky". This is a spiritual coming into a knowledge of who we are. What an honor to discover, at this late date in my life, that I am part of a nation that is currently in a covenant relationship with the only true God!

So many questions are buzzing around in my head that I am nailing down, one by one. For example, were the ancient Israelites black people? If so, who are these white people in Israel who call themselves "Jews"? What is the status of the Black church, which is regurgitating teachings forced upon our ancestors by the European? According to Scripture, God will only reveal his secrets to Israel. (Amos 3:7) That means whatever was handed to us by the European requires a total review for harmony with Scripture. How long will Israel in exile have to endure these "curses" or are they forever? Why are more and more of our people coming out of the "fog" we have been in for centuries and are listening with comprehension to thought that they are catching Hell in America for a reason? Since we seem to be waking up, what for? What is the purpose for our coming to our senses and realizing our true identity? What does the Most High want from us now? What do we need to do to be reconciled with God? Are we, as Israelites, still under the Law or not? Is the worship of Jesus idolatry?

These are just a few of the questions and issues I am becoming more and more aware of and am currently searching for answers. Meanwhile, I have been moved by God's spirit to start a Bible discussion group at the Public Library. The numbers are small, but their love of God and for one another is huge. As a group we have made many breakthroughs and are learning something new it seems almost every week. However, these new things learned lead to other questions and so the reading, researching, studying, etc. continues in our search for truth.

I am writing this in November 2014 and have much to share. I promise to provide more information soon. Meanwhile, please offer any comments, questions, observations or thoughts. Peace and love.