What Goes Around Come Around

Last night was one of the most liberating moments of my life. As I pushed through the fast pumping heart in my chest, the fear in my mind, and the anxiety in my body, I confronted some people who did my family wrong (including my friends and family back in North Carolina). As they say in the old movie flicks from the 1930s and 1940s, I "let them have it." Yep, I could have cussed them out but I didn't. I gave them what us Williams-Overtons-Royals do best, we strip you down with "the sword of our mouths." I didn't relent. I didn't hesitate. I negated the "soft-spoken" scriptures I was indoctrinated for years telling me to "turn the other cheek." Hell no. I got in their faces and confronted with the truth. Of course, they all ran like a bunch of b-----s but that's what they are to the core. They look shooting at people but don't like getting shot. It felt good, an action I haven't done in over a decade. As they peeled off in their expensive European car, I told them what the old schools used to tell us on Fisher St. in Raleigh NC, "what goes around comes around. The same way you do people is what's gonna be done to you." In their arrogance, they scoffed at my words but anyone who knows David Overton, they'll tell you, when I mark you, that mark doesn't wear off. I'm not talking about people curses on people, roots, and all that other voodoo-like stuff like these people have been doing to my loved ones, I'm talking opening a path for God's vengeance to pour down on them like acid rain. A lot of Christian people hold onto this teaching that's actually in the Bible, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I shall repay." Indeed that's true but how is God turning the tables on one of his creations doing is other creations knowingly wrong? He uses other people to exact his revenge on them. For the first time ever, I was used as "instrument" of judgment and boy, it felt good (there's still one more person I've got to make their pay day turn into a no pay due day). You see, my friends (I haven't said that in a while, apologies), as I've shared before, karma is real. When we do people dirty, dirt is coming right back into your life to bury you. Sometimes it'll come from other people used to make your life a living s----y hell. Sometimes, the same people you s-----d on in the past may become your boss one day to stop your gravy train of laziness at work. Karma is real and if you're not careful, it'll come back to haunt you. It may last a few minutes. For some people I know, it's gonna last for them until they breathe their last breath. People love to dish out but can't take s---t. Look at what the people of Babylon did to Daniel. They lie on him, falsely accuse him, and change laws to get him executed. But Daniel was vindicated once King Darius saw what was really going on. The same people that tried to s--t on Daniel got a chance to make their first and last visit to the lion's den. Not only them but their families as well (one thing we must remember is that people who're connected to us will suffer the same fate when karma strikes). Or what about Haman punk a$$ plot against Mordecai? This dude set up gallows for this dude but ended up visiting his rat trap himself. This is the perfect time of the year when people you see s----ing on people are the ones getting s----ed on. They are reaping what they sow. And God ain't doing a dog on thing to stop no matter how much people praying and fasting to stop it. When you mess with His kids, retribution shall be ordered and served. I just wanted to let whoever is out there reading this blog to know that. You're not forgotten and the blood that was spilled swiftly by the actions of evil people; know that you will be avenged. Hell, God might use you to be the instrument of judgement to get them back (I'm not talking through violence but verbal and literary advocacy).

Til next time.........."The Wolverine"

Listen To The Old Schools

I'm glad for the jobs I've worked in my recent work history. I've had the pleasure of taking in a lot people whom I refer to as the old schools. What are old schools? These are people both men and women who experienced things a newer generation hasn't. They have a lot of wisdom, insight, retrospect, and intellect new schools don't have. They go another route when they see danger rising rather than a younger dude who's inquisitive will keep on and get maimed. From handling finances, to treating your family right, to beating you down at the pool hall to help increase your acumen; they are priceless. Solomon said it best that we should never take down the landmarks our predecessors set. We are to look on them and listen to them even when it feels like they are telling us what's wrong with us instead of our accomplishments. This is what they are hear for to tighten our shot group and make us better. They are our groomers and shapers. I think many of us avoid being around them because they're always teaching us about some aspect of life mainly from their own experiences. Life on life as J'son would say. However, these are teachable moments we need to grasp because in these times we're living in, they are few, few, and in between. They can teach us a thing or two about how to be better husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, business people, students, etc. Me, even in my thirties, I'm around a lot of old schools. When I talk to my dad he'll spend about 2 hours telling me what and what not to do in my family life. My godfather will always tell me to take pictures because every part of life is precious and time is something we don't get back. My first and one year ahead of me cousin always tells me to live life to the fullest the way God instructs you to do. Even old schools at my job will share with you some jokes that most won't get but see hilarious! We need to stop stopping our ears to what they are saying and listen. Get our heads out of our third point of contact and listen. Whether they cuss like sailors or respectful in all their manners, dig through the coals to find the diamonds they hold. God is the giver of all wisdom and knowledge and He uses many people to store them. Let's not be like Balaam who refused to listen to a dumb donkey trying to keep us from doing something stupid. Let's not be like Rehoboam who listened to his peers rather than his elders concerning important issues. Let's be like Paul who sat at the feet of Gamaliel and learned many things about life from him. Let's be like Moses when his father-in-law Jethro was spitting game to him on how to structure leadership within the people of Israel. Let's be like Solomon who sat by the bedside of his dying father David to hear his experiences, wisdom, and the need to love God before anything or anyone else. These are the treasures of the old schools still hear today. They may walk a little slower than us and may be a bit frugal, but we will learn how to live well and long as them. They may seem strict and old fashioned in how they handle situations but look at the respect many give them. Some of them may be in the gutter but the pearls they hold inside and share with us will make our lives smooth as butter. They may walk with a gangster lean or tell dry jokes but I assure you they'll bless your life beyond measure. They are our mentors and warn us that history repeats itself; that those who experience will not get lucky if they don't listen to their instructions. So much to say about them. I thank God for the old schools in my life. You should be thankful, too. If you don't have any, well, I know what to ask God for concerning you. We need wisdom because it's the principal thing, ya heard?! Listen to the old schools, my friends. TRUST!!! snap, snap (rich Valley girl voice)

Special thanks to William "Dad O" Overton, Kevin Holt, Pastors "Q & C" Scott, Al McAllister, Jermaine "Lavar" Carmichael, My parents and Pastors "A&A" Scott, Starnes & Starnes, Beenie Freeney, Big Sam, and my music teacher William "Bassman" Mayo. You all have impacted my life in a major way.

Til next time, dgwo

Reference:
Exodus 18
Numbers 22:22-35
1st Kings 2:1-4
1st Kings 12
Proverbs 22:28
Acts 22:3