Get High on Life

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 3, 1999

By HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / March 3, 1999

This past Friday, I was privileged to be invited to speak at the East New Orleans Educational Center. The occasion was the celebration of blackhistory. The program was titled: “Black History, America’s History.” Forthe life of me, I couldn’t figure out how I was picked to be one of the speakers. “Maybe they think I’m black!” I thought. Regardless, I wasexcited to go to the center on Marais Street. I firmly believe that God haspurposed everything in my life.

When I arrived, I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness of the building. It was immaculate! The lady who invited me was Mrs. Griffin,who everyone affectionately called “Mother.” She was 79 years old andproud of it. She was the co-chairperson with Mrs. Richard.The center is for young people who have trouble functioning in a regular school environment. They are ordered by the court or school board toattend. The group of approximately 60 students was co-ed. The principal,Mrs. Coulon, and her staff evidently do an excellent job re-directing youngpeople into a more responsible, productive lifestyle.

I noticed on the agenda that two speakers were listed – Mr. ChrissellRhone and myself. Mr. Rhone is a teacher in the Orleans school system andalso a minister. I spoke first and shared about a couple of my heroes -Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson. Mr. Rhone followed. Believe me, theysaved the best for last! Mr. Rhone was a big, joyful, black man who had once taught at the center.He was in command from the start. “Most of you consider yourself childrenof God,” he said. “If so, than that makes you children of the King of Kings.In other words, you young men are princes and you young ladies are princesses. Let me challenge you to walk as royalty – to walk withintegrity – with honor – to be a reflection of the King.”He continued with what princes and princesses do not do. “Princes don’tpierce their ears and wear earrings. In fact, according to the Bible, onlyslaves wore earrings to brand them as slaves forever. Princes don’t walkaround with their pants below their hips with their underwear showing.

They walk upright, dress decently, and carry themselves as godly representatives. Princes and princesses don’t get tattoos. That is alsoagainst the Scriptures. The Bible says not to mark or pierce your bodies.Children of the King don’t use vulgarity.”When Mr. Rhone finished, I knew why I was invited. I needed to hear hismessage so that I could pass it on.

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

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