Riverfront development is in full swing, with works in progress at ritzy Cottage Hill development with its $300,000 and up price tag per unit, the Hilltop Arms Condo Renovation Project, and the so-called alleyway, which was at one time served as an unloading dock for the railroad. Developers plan to give the alleyway a New Orleans style feel for Entertainment purposes. Vacant warehouses, old appliance and furniture stores maybe transforming into new pricey shops, boutiques, and candle lit eateries. Critics of gentrification fear displacement of low-income residents, by wealthy, upscale tenants. Those who fear the changes, say that the low-income residents won’t be able to afford the new amenities. Proponents argue that a face-lift for the city is overdue, and is appropriately inviting for visitors, and professionals, utilizing our precious Embassy Suite Hotel, the magnificent, all new Renaissance Hotel and Spa, and the Convention Center.

Supporters say that by gentrifying the area, neighborhoods increase in property value, and research as shown a significant reduction in crime. They say, that renovations and upgrades will be a welcome addition to low-income residents, giving them incentive and motivation to seek prosperity. I agree. Downtown Montgomery, the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, is rich in culture. Downtown Montgomery is a place where our history is solid, and our future is secure. African Americans have gained new hope, and a revitalized spirit, in the wake of a promising leader such as Barack Obama, who is in the process of gentrifying these United States of America. Join in the movement forward, and help Montgomery become a light to the world.

While completing the Saturday morning ritual of most African-American brothers of self-respect, visiting the barbershop, the conversation of authority verses power became the morning topic. My visits to “The Black Man Country Club”, Quality Cuts Barbershop are always intriguing. We discuss politics, community affairs, sports, relationships, ASU and religion. However on the topic of religion many times we must leave agreeing to disagree. One of the barbers once posed the question, “Which would you rather have, authority or power?” This lingered in my thoughts. Some of the brothers present said they would rather have power because one who has possession of it is the master of outcomes and situations. But it was the concept of others present that authority was more important due to the fact that one who asserts power has reinforcements from agencies greater than themselves, or the ability to ensure that the decisions of the one asserting power is carried through. I left the shop that day in serious thought on this matter and attempted to seek what was more important.

 These thoughts led me to Matthew 17:19 where Jesus had given his disciples

authority to work in and on his behalf in his absence. However, this “authority” was put to the test when a man brought his son to be healed from epileptic seizures. These disciples had been given authority, but had not the power to produce the effects of deliverance from the illness. Each of us who follow not the flesh but the Spirit of God has been endowed with authority to reach all that God has planned for our destiny. If we seek to have the power to fulfill God’s permissive will for our lives, we must practice personal sacrifice to reach our goals.

 After Jesus returned from an evangelistic trip, the disciples asked why they couldn’t heal the boy of his illness. Jesus offered three ways for people of authority to get power: stronger faith, fasting and prayer. We must be mindful that fasting is completely withholding food and what satisfies human flesh. Withholding sex, drugs, and alcohol is not fasting! God honors sacrifice from His people who He has given dominion/authorityover all the Earth. However, selfishness of the human heart and vanity of human flesh has caused us to only believe what we can merely see with our eyes, but we must see with eyes of the Spirit of God! 

 “You gotta see it, before you see it or you never will see it!”

                 – Pastor Drew Shread of Detroit

 By the blood of Jesus Christ we have been given the authority to be joint heirs with Him but we must make an effort to receive the power needed from the Holy Ghost to fulfill every dream that God has planted in our destiny! So it is my belief that we already have the authority given by God to see and walk in our destiny, but we must seek the Holy Spirit for the power to reach our goals. We must constantly stay connected to the power source so that we can have the power to call into existence those things that once were only figments of our imagination. So let’s go forth in the authority and power that’s alive in each of us. Carpe’ diem – seize the moment!