Neighborhood Uncles: Joshua's Mistake

Last week’s discussion on Brother empowerMENt was like a ripple effect, with each issue, housed another impact that served as the precursor to another profound effect.  The topic was centered around the absence of community paternal figures, often dubbed, “Neighborhood Uncles.” To provide a little more context, these were the elderly gentlemen, elderly used lightly, who weren’t afraid to address communal destructive behaviors and hold other males accountable.  These were also the men who served in multiple capacities such as, the neighborhood barber, mechanic, farmer, teacher, store owner; in fact, the list could go on and on.  In total transparency, these same paternal figures could have served as the local drug dealer or addict.   Interestingly, enough, their occupation and/or life choices never veered too far from the common goal of family and community.   Often times, their advice was sandwich in a harsh, yet, a relatable tone of, “I am telling you this because I love you” or “I am doing this so you won’t have to learn the hard way.” These same figures were those who local politicians would meet with to create “community support.”  With such a powerful presence, one can’t help but wonder, where have they gone.   What is the cause of their absence?  After all, these were the paternal figures present when the biological ones were not.

Without giving away the full discussion, there were inferences that were very similar to stories or events of the past.  As the saying goes, “what goes around comes around,” could not be more evident than the parallelism of many great leaders and of course, their common mistake. Hearing our special guest, “Uncle Marcus” give account, insight, and perspective to the absence of paternal figures, the reference of Joshua came to mine.   Joshua of Nun, according to the Hebrew (Holy) Bible of the Abrahamic Faiths, Joshua was one of the twelve spies of Israel sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.  Joshua’s account was impeccable; so much so, it was vital in granting him entrance into the promised land and later the leadership of the chosen people (The full story can be found in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua). In examining the life of Joshua, it would be impossible to not learn of his predecessor, Moses.  See, the events of surrounding Moses’ birth are very similar to that of the Messiah’s.   Even more so, Moses played a key role in understanding the presence, power, and the receiving of the Messiah (That too, can be found in Exodus).  As it relates to Joshua, Moses intentionally developed and groomed Joshua for leadership.  

Joshua was considered one of the greatest leaders and warriors of the scriptures. I mean, the guy was so awesome that he has a book in the bible name after him and a host of songs.   In all fairness, though an exceptional leader, he failed to be a “Neighborhood Uncle” for his people; he failed to be for others what his elders were for him.  This same narrative is happening today.   The “Neighborhood Uncles” are depleting and new “Uncles” are not being groomed to carry the mission. Understandably, there are several different variables that may hinder the progression of development, but we can’t ignore the “Neighborhood Uncles” unique ability to impose on one’s life.   There was a power that these paternal figures possessed to “make” us stop and listen. With the void of these positions, the power is lessening, and it is saddening to know that there is a possibility that “Neighborhood Uncles” could permanently fade away. However, there is always an “if.”

If we would return to the stoops and alleys of our spiritual community and receive these individuals, lessons can be learned, and training can take place. We have to return to humility and humanity.  There needs to be a reinstatement of the generational hierarchy of respect.  We have become so liberated that we confuse equality and reverence with nobility and wisdom.  There is a need to return and listen, to watch and take notes, to embrace and receive; but most importantly, we need unity, love, and kindness.  We must find the existing paternal figures within our networks and glean; one day, the onus will be upon the next generation.