My father came to America in early 1970's as a poor Armenian car electrician. He was so poor and struggling that he would sleep in the same garage that he worked in during the day to save money. He saved and saved to the point that he was able to get lawyers and begin the process of getting his family who was still in Liberia, Africa to America.

He saved some more income and put a down payment on a home, though it was in the tough Hispanic neighborhood of El Monte Los Angeles. I saw through his example that in America if you work hard and save wisely you can pull yourself out of a desperate economic situation. It will takes years and sweat, but possible in most situations.

This is the message we have to emphasize to blacks, latinos. asians, whites, and all who have live in South Florida who find themselves after many generations and years repeating the values and mind set of a "poverty spirit". If you work hard and live "wisely" you don't have to live in unhealthy dependence on others (to some degree we all depend on others in a healthy way), angry at a supposed system you can't change or overcome.

God can raise you up with His DIVINE wisdom and power to be independent financially and to be a blessing to others. If not possible then the God of scripture doesn't have a real presence in our lives. He is only a wishful idea we go and worship every Sunday who doesn't really help us in our time of need. Why Worship a limited God!!!

Yet the God of scripture is close to us in a real way. This means as a Christians in South Florida we have to be on the forefront of society pushing for the education of our kids, pushing for a hard work ethic (You shall work 6 days and rest on 7th), etc. I don't agree with every view of President Obama, but I do like his message of self responsibility which he reiterated to the NAACP this week:

....... Obama also said, "Overall, there's probably never been less discrimination in America than there is today." Along similar lines, the New York Times headlines its report "Obama Tells Fellow Blacks: 'No Excuses' For Any Failure," and calls Obama's speech a "a fiery sermon to black America" in which he warned "black parents that they must accept their own responsibilities by 'putting away the Xbox and putting our kids to bed at a reasonable hour,' and telling black children that growing up poor is no reason to get bad grades." The Washington Times reports that Obama "mixed in his personal responsibility message that he and his wife have featured as they speak to children and parents." The President called "for 'a new mind-set, a new set of attitudes,'" and "said adults must take responsibility for their children and for their neighbors' children." The Financial Times also says "continued his 'tough love' approach toward the black community, calling on parents to take greater responsibility for their children and asking young people to have ambitions beyond becoming athletes and rap stars."

As Christians we should work in the Urban or Suburban context to help change the mindset and practical work ethics of a people trapped in a "poverty spirit". This change will happen as we emphasize a holistic approach to financial recovery and stability:

1. Pre & Post Secondary Education (college)
   
2. Hard & Honest Work
3. Consistent Savings & Smart Investments
4. Insurance Protection
5. Community Networking
6. Relevant and Competitive Entrepreneurism
7. Legal Protection through legislation & judiciaries
   
8. Most importantly: Christian Spirituality and Ethics (You can't do anything if you dont have the guidance & inner power, it's all day dreaming in the end, therefore we need CHRIST HELP)

But, in the end nothing can every help remedy a situation for a person if they don't take responsibility for their part through confession and make practical changes in their lifestyle through repentance. This was President Obama's message to NAACP, this is the scriptures message to all peoples and this will be my message to South Florida youth and adults taken captive to a "poverty spirit"

Please pray for Oasis Church North Miami and serve with us as we move forward in His Kingdom work,  in JESUS name!!!

Written by :

Jack Hakimian