Fear will cripple and kill every dream, vision and desire. If you want more in life and from life then you have to make a conscious decision to not allow things that are said, things that you feel, things you think, what you see, your past, your family, your friend and your foes speak louder than your ability to be great!

Jeremiah 1:5 (GNT): “I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

~Pastor Brenda G Jones

“Black Families Matter!” There is an alarming crisis and epidemic that has eroded the African-American families for years. The EXODUS of the father. It’s very hard for me to stand and write regarding this crisis without having a level of compassion for the same men who I am posting about – the FATHER!

Growing up in a home without a father as well, I think that I have a word or two to say. Black men have struggled for centuries to discover their identity, but in their exploration their families have suffered. Now, we can go back and forth about the history of our people and our struggle here in white america; which has it contributory factors regarding this topic. However, I wish not to dwell on the past at this time (there is always time for that), but rather focus on the present and the future of what is – what some are saying is a crisis. Well, I agree, but I also believe we are surpassing the crisis and is attempting to evolve, erect and re-envision our place and our families. Can the black man come home again? Yes! Please let me say that NOT ALL black men have left their families and I salute those who have remained the pillars of their homes. It’s not always easy and I am sure it wasn’t always your option to stay (if we were to be real for a second), but you stood in spite of all that opposed you and challenged who and what your are. I salute you!

So, when we discuss the “FATHER FACTOR,” we’re looking at things that are considered to be after affects or aftermath from the father not being in the home. The U.S. Census Bureau states that 19.7 million children in America (1 in 4) live without a father. In black homes, stats are higher compared to white home. In white homes, 74.3% are with fathers, but in black homes, only 38.7% have fathers in their home. YIKES! These stats are crazy and scary. However, again, I believe that we’re “attempting to evolve, erect and re-envision our place and our families.” It’s time to come home! In dealing with the “FATHER FACTOR,” we’re saying that there are factors in which we can’t ignore when you, the father is not in the home.

FATHER FACTORS:

1. Your child is 4x more likely to live in poverty
2. Your child is 7x more likely to become pregnant as a teen
3. Your child is 2x more likely to drop out of school
4. Your child is more likely to do and/or sell drugs
5. Your child is more likely to commit a crime
6. Your child is more like to face abuse and/or neglect

***Please note that these stats changes in the positive even if a father is not directly in the home, but is very active and involved in their child’s life. ****

Jeremiah 29:11 we’re here to help eliminate these factors and bring fathers, father figures, mentors, big brothers, and uncles back to the black family, black community and the church. The reality is that we CAN NOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!!!

The FATHER FACTOR created factors and if a factor was created, then it can be eliminated!

WELCOME BACK HOME!!

~Pastor Brenda G Jones

Jeremiah 29:11 – COMING SOON!!