Black Men Table Talk (BMTT) of the Central Valley is currently meeting Wednesday Nights 6PM - 8PM via Zoom. At the beginning of each session each participant is provided the opportunity to voluntarily "Check In". Those who check in share how they are feeling spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and physically. They then communicate to the group any needs or expectations they have for the group any particular night. Following check in there is a spontaneous and collaborative effort to read outloud the BMTT rules. We then have a moment of silence to ground ourselves and prepare our minds for conversation and group process.
On Wednesday, August 5th facilitator Gida Maaza, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) shared with the group a Native American parable as a precursor to 5-minutes silence. Below is the parable of the two Wolves
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
After hearing this parable I attempted to sit quietly and gather my thoughts. Almost instantly I was reminded of the spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-12) myself and others persons who profess Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord fight daily.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Church in Galatia talks in detail about this internal battle. We are reminded of the freedom we have in Jesus Christ to choose between right and wrong (Galatians 5:1), the significance of having genuine faith that expressed through love (5:6), cautioned not to use our free will to satisfy the appetite of our flesh, but instead to engage, establish and maintain relationships characterized by service and love to one another. After describing in vivid detail what it looks like to feed the appetite of the flesh (5:17-21) the Apostle instructs followers of Jesus Christ to choose to "walk by the Spirit" resulting in a life and relationships characterized "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (5:22 - 23).
Everyday presents new challenges for each us. We all have are own moral compassess, beliefs, values and ethics. Regardless of race, culture or socio economic status most sane people in their right minds have a internal sense of right and wrong, good and evil...
What's your take on the Story of two wolves? What are you struggling with today? In recovery oriented settings it is said often that as part of the human experience we all have our "hurts, habits, and hangups." Everyday we are making choices that having a lasting impact and influence not only in our lives, but in the lives of others, and the generations that follow us. What or who you feed today may have long lasting implications. I am reminded of the infamous quote:
What I enjoyed most about the August 5th BMTT discussion was the honesty, transparency, support, accountability, and encouragement offered by each participant. This last week I have been more intentional about feeding my spirit the highest quality meals possible:
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me
1 Corinthians 15:10
If you would like to be apart of Black Men Table Talk of the Central Valley Email group facilitator DaRell Murray at 1rell559@gmail.com or Gidai Maaza at gmaaza23@gmail.com for Zoom link.
BE ENCOURAGED!!!
About Jamal Jones, LMFT
Jamal is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Private Practice. He obtained his Masters of Science degree in Counseling: Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. He is a former Division 1 student athlete, pastor, men’s ministry leader, regional director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and Fresno State football team Chaplain. Jamal is experienced working with individuals who struggle with serious mental illness, substance abuse, addictions, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, perpetrators, victims and families of domestic violence and other crimes. you can learn more about Jamal and his practice at www.centralvalleychristiancounsel.com
Thank you Jamal for the recap and authentic heart!
Your welcome Keita. Grateful for you and the brotherhood. Stay Encouraged!
Thank you Jamal for this recap and your heart felt words. Yes, it is and honor to be with a great group of guys.