My Dungeons Shook is a James Baldwin essay dedicated to his namesake nephew. A recurring theme in Diasporic literature has an elder providing advice e.g. sage wisdom to a protégé that informs descent into manhood. Earlier versions in this genre include the book of Proverbs written by Solomon to his son.
Another modern and particularly popular iteration was written by Ta Nahisi Coates sharing his anxiety of living in these United States with his son. Freedom for the Jailer is dedicated to relatives that I would share with understanding that mothers and grandmothers already talk with girls and boys, warning them that they must be smart about problems that causes trouble. Because bad trouble could lead to jail.
Jail is where no one wants to land because not only will you be locked up, but your dreams will be locked up with you. Strange things happen in jail and no Black man can afford the risk of long-term incarceration. The jailers just don’t care.
One jailer that didn’t care had the tables turned. One night after midnight, an earthquake opened the doors to the jail and broke the chains. Sworn to duty, the jailer almost took his life as he assumed the prisoners had escaped. The prisoner named Paul shouted “We’re here, do no harm!”
The jailer took the prisoner to his home and received Christ that night. The jailer was freed.
Black people have been jailed for 400 years. The jailer must be freed so we can be freed. Sons, grandsons and friends: Here are five concepts that will support your successful career, better your life and keep you free.
i] We were always taught that Education was key to success in America. My mother went to her grave believing that the opportunity to move up was bound to being better prepared. Education is life giving. One learns and even what he doesn’t know gets revealed as he continues to learn.
Unfortunately, decades into the 21st century, the workplace and economy conceded the need for both academic and skill-based education for workplace success. Market forces have not managed to bring down the cost of a college education. This is a spurious combination in the light of falling demand as a result of the fear of long-term debt and layoffs of college-educated middle management in many sectors.
ii] The second tenet certainly falls in tandem with the first. Reflect on this statement: Hard work is an emblem to those around you. Humility is an emblem to God. Today there is constant temptation to cut corners and to take the ‘easy’ route. Those around you are influenced by your example. They will take cues from your performance. The Lord will give you favor to lead.
The world has grown comfortable with those who bully others and steamroll themselves to the top. Paul’s advice about leadership explains it well. A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable. He must know what he’s talking about, not be overfond of wine, not pushy but gentle, not thin-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and having their respect.
[I Tim. 3:2-4 MSG]
iii] Charity begins with you, sharing with and loving on others with no expectation of return. The entire earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (which includes all of your little stuff too). There’s no need to hoard. The love of God is free. God is love.
iv] Your closest friend will let you down. Jesus never will.
This includes your wife; cherish her anyway. The better you know Jesus, the less likely you will feel disappointed. Spend time with him.
v] Learn the value and virtue of patience. Especially with yourself. Everyone has trials and various kinds of drama, but will you outlast it? “. . . trouble don’t last always” Will you demeanor and temperament be an example to peers and co-workers? Are you mindful that the Lord is always watching?
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