The guys are back! Scott, Pavy, Merk & Bang talk about Drake running to the police with 2 legal "petitions" and how it effects everything, Scott & Pav get into a HEATED argument over Drake & Kendrick perceptions, GNX album review & the guys talk about the "hear n*gga damn" theory.
Scott & Flows breakdown the Bears 30-27 Overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
It’s Survivor Series | #theFBCPod
It’s Survivor Series time, and the Thanksgiving tradition looks to deliver with the New Bloodline vs. OG Bloodline in War Games, but what else can we expect? Will CM Punk tip the scales for the Bloodline, or will Paul Heyman swerve and become the Wiseman for someone else?
Why is Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens unconfirmed for the Survivor Series? Is Chelsea Green headed for History or will she end up like her husband?
Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!
Rejoice Chicago, only 2 more home games left of this.
The Bears took on the Minnesota Vikings in an anticipated NFC North matchup and... once again fell to their opponent. It has become a trend over the course of my career as a beat reporter to report another Bears loss. This one, however, has followed a disturbing trend of late game decisions that have cost the Bears a crucial victory. The final score was 30-27 and it came after Caleb Williams led 3 drives to close the game, get an onside kick, then tie the game. Notable amongst the throws was a bullet to DJ Moore near the end of regulation to set the Bears up in field goal position. Unfortunately, it was all for naught, and the Bears fell to 4-7 on the season with their playoff hopes virtually gone. After the game, we caught up with head coach Matt Eberflus, who expressed frustration with how things played out but praised the “grit” and “determination” of his players. The offense battled back from a two-score deficit to force overtime against the Vikings, and it was due to the effort by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. He finished 32-of-47 for 340 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. He was able to spread the ball around to his skill players with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and Rome Odunze recording 7, 9, 7, and 5 receptions, respectively. Caleb’s footwork was efficient, and his throws were decisive. In a league where young quarterbacks struggle with adjusting to NFL passing “windows”, Caleb routinely found his man in tight spaces and placed it where they had a chance to make a play. As you can assume from the tone of this writing, this is where the good news ends.
Defensively, it was far from the performance you’d expect from such a talented group. Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold went 22-of-34 for 330 yards and looked comfortable all afternoon. The Bears' linebackers routinely plugged the wrong gaps, and the secondary allowed chunk play after chunk play. To make matters worse, the defensive front failed to generate any meaningful pressure. Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington loves to generate pressure with his front four, but they consistently failed in that marker. Normally a team would adjust to this with simulated pressure on blitzing more but the Bears chose to forgo that option. Matt Eberflus was hired with the expectation that, as a defensive-minded coach, he would solidify it and continue the Chicago trend of having an excellent group. However, as the NFL season progresses, it’s becoming evident that this group is nothing more than "bum slayers." For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to defensive units that dominate weak opponents but collapse against competent teams. In back-to-back weeks, the Bears have allowed nearly five yards per carry to starting running backs while playing soft coverage, giving up huge plays in the game’s most crucial moments. The unfortunate highlight of the game was second-year wide receiver Jordan Addison torching the Bears' secondary for eight catches, 162 yards, and a staggering 20+ yard average.
Quarterback Sam Darnold—yes, the six-year journeyman—looked like a man reborn. It didn’t matter the quarter or the field position; Darnold consistently found the open man. Even though several of his throws resembled the infamous meme: “Fuck it, he down there somewhere,” his play was top of the line. While the Bears’ defense struggled, the coaching staff’s decision-making was equally baffling. In the first half, faced with a 4th-and-2, Eberflus opted for a field goal instead of keeping the offense on the field. To make matters worse, right tackle Braxton Jones visibly threw his hands up in frustration, seemingly unhappy with the conservative call. Later in the game, a similar situation arose on a 4th-and-4. This time, the field goal unit rushed onto the field only to be waved off by the offense. Eberflus later took responsibility, claiming he needed to get the play call in earlier. However, to outside observers, this looked like an offense outright ignoring its head coach and taking matters into its own hands. It’s emblematic of the entire Bears season: players and coaches on different wavelengths, resulting in heartbreaking losses. This marks the third game this year (after the Commanders and Packers matchups) where the Bears had late momentum, only to squander it in the end.
The lone bright spot for Chicago remains Caleb Williams and interim offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. In his short tenure, Brown has transformed the offense, moving away from confusion over play calls and personnel groupings to decisive, effective play. He’s used pre-snap motion to scheme players open and trusted Caleb to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Caleb even noted that, in clutch situations, Brown tells him through the headset: “Go be Superman” and to Caleb’s credit, he’s delivered. Sadly, his Herculean efforts have consistently been undermined by the team’s shortcomings. On special teams, things aren’t any better. Kicker Cairo Santos has struggled with depth and accuracy, with one of his kicks blocked in back-to-back weeks. Such issues crush team morale, and the road ahead only gets tougher.
At this juncture in the season, where do the Bears go from here? With roughly 90 hours until their Thanksgiving matchup, there’s little time to implement meaningful changes. Eberflus commented, “The team will be in tomorrow, we’ll make corrections and go from there.” While this is typical “coach-speak”, he’s not wrong—there’s no luxury of time for reflection or overhaul. However, after Thanksgiving, the organization faces a crucial decision. With playoff hopes nearly extinguished, it’s time to send a clear signal that the culture is changing. That begins with moving on from the head coach. While this move won’t salvage the season, it would demonstrate to players and fans alike that the franchise is serious about developing Caleb Williams and building a winning team. Kevin Warren faces an uphill battle as he seeks to secure funding for a new stadium. A winning team would undoubtedly make that proposition more appealing to taxpayers and city officials. Expecting sympathy and understanding while fielding a subpar product is a fool’s errand—one that I’d hope Warren understands. He and general manager Ryan Poles have the power to salvage what remains of the season and build upon Caleb’s success.
At least, that’s what a good organization would do. But this is the Chicago Bears we’re talking about—so don’t hold your breath.
Jarrett and Brian are back to discuss the Falcons disappointing loss in the Mile High City & search for answers headed into the Bye.
November 21st…
November 21st, 1990, at around 2:21 pm, I was born. It’s been 34 years since that day and birthdays have come and gone, and I’ve experienced them in all kinds of ways—celebrating with friends and family, preferring solitude, and everything in between. In my youth, my birthday felt like a holiday. My mother used to wake me up early and play a personalized happy birthday song from “Captain Zoom.” I’m not sure if the song was a midwestern thing or if other American children remember it but goodness, it made me feel like I was on top of the world. I even remember the first time she played that song and the joy I felt. Unfortunately for me, the song didn’t have a personalization option for the names “Joseph” or “Joe,” so my mother settled on “Joey”, a name I certainly did not go by but the sentiment was still felt. The song would start with these words:
"Hey Joey, it’s your birthday! I’m in charge of the stars, and I’m here to say, Hey Joey, you’re the big star today!"
Never knew who Captain Zoom was or why this character was made for the song, but I didn’t care; it was my day. In those days, after my mother would start playing the song, she’d bring out a cake and my father and brother would join in singing “Happy Birthday.” I would jump out of bed, beaming from ear to ear, feeling a since of joy that most words fail to capture. I’d get ready head to school to hear my classmates would say, “Happy Birthday!”. Nothing could ruin my day. After school, my mother would take the family to a restaurant of my choosing. I usually settled for Red Lobster or some other familiar chain. The hosts would sing “Happy Birthday,” and I’d end the day with a full belly and a grateful heart. It was everything a child could ask for. Decades later, that spark of excitement for my birthday is gone. Birthdays don’t carry the same meaning they did when I was younger I’m not sure if that’s necessarily a bad thing, but it is the reality. Now, when I wake up, I’m not greeted by applause or handed a cake. Today, I woke up and limped to the bathroom as I waited for my Achilles to “warm up”. I coughed out mucus from a lingering bout of laryngitis and squeezed into a polo that doesn’t fit as freely as it did last year. I entered my classroom and started work like it was any other day.
For the past few years, my birthdays have gone like they did this morning. It’s probably because my birth date was relatively unknown to my colleagues or students—not by design but simply because I didn’t bother to tell anyone. Birthdays began to feel like more of a hassle than something I should honor or celebrate. I’d go to work, come home, and the day would end like any other—wrapped in monotony. This year, though, was different. A few friends who knew my birthday shared it with my colleagues, and I got some “Happy Birthday” shouts in the hallways and texts on my phone. Later in the day, my juniors and seniors (I teach high school) sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and for the first time in over a decade, I felt “something” again. Their singing reminded me of something I’d forgotten—what it feels to have that spark I had as a child. And it felt good. But as I basked in that joy, the Lutheran in me kicked in. Was I being too selfish by centering the day on myself? Should I shun this attention I’m getting? I’m not any more important than the person besides me. After all, from a scientific perspective, this day is no different from any other. My journey around the sun spans another year, but a year is simply a human construct, a way to measure the passing of moments. Also, from a Christian perspective, every day should be joyous because God has allowed you to see another. As St. James the Just wrote:
"Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:13-15)
Even without a theological lens, this idea is logical. Life is fleeting and the only moment you have is now. So, this morning, as I reflected on my birthday, I asked myself: Should I be grateful for the time I’ve had, or is it okay to miss the days when birthdays felt like holidays? Even now, as I sit alone in my classroom hours after my colleagues have gone home, I ask myself: “Now what?” What is the purpose of my birthday? What is the point of waking up early to do the same job I’ve done for years? What’s the meaning behind it all? Last year, these questions depressed me. I mourned the loss of the “spark” I had as a child and the joy I once felt. But today, my students changed everything. They reminded me of that spark, and they helped me realize something profound: The spark never left. I chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the negatives and uncertainty of life. Yes, growing older comes with its challenges. The things I once did effortlessly, like sprinting without stretching, are behind me. But what I’ve gained in return is perspective. I have this moment before me, and I need to rejoice and be glad in it. I was given another year of life, and it was done purposefully.
The question I’m going to continue to interrogate daily is what I will do with what I’ve been given. Who knows how long we have on this earth? But while I am here, I have a job to do. I see my life as a groundskeeper’s task. Imagine a beautiful building surrounded by lush grass and perfectly trimmed shrubs. It maintains its brilliance because of the hard work of the groundskeepers. My life is like that lawn—I must take care of my body, mind, and soul, making the most of the time I’ve been given. Why? Because someone is always watching. As my students left my classroom today, they said, “We love you, Mr. Lewis.” In that moment, I remembered the strong Christian teaching that my life is not my own:
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)
I exist to help the person opposite me. I exist to keep up with and maintain what I have been given. You never know whose life you will inspire or who will be forever changed by the example you set. Not everyone shares the same religious beliefs, and some may have different understandings of service to others. But there is undeniable logic in a life that seeks to help those around you. If you take care of the person near you and they do the same, a cycle begins—one where no one has to carry the weight of life’s uncertainties alone. Imagine a world where everyone looks out for one another. Isolation fades, fear diminishes, and love becomes the foundation of our existence. Today, my students reminded me that the spark of my life has not faded. I only need to seek it out to find it. I’m thankful for the lesson they taught me, and tonight, I’m going to go home, order the largest pizza known to humankind, and stuff my face. Why? Because I’m thankful the Good Lord Jesus gave me another year. Peace.
Welcome to hell, Chicago
I’m going to state the obvious: The Chicago Bears’ season is unraveling. What started as a promising 4-2 campaign with hopes for the playoffs, cheers of a competitive culture and a renewal of interest by the fans has spiraled into a skid that highlights the franchise’s longstanding issues. Perhaps none of these issues is more glaring than their inability to shed the “little brother” label when it comes to their storied “rivalry” with the Green Bay Packers. For the past 10 years, the rivalry has had a consistent setting; most years, Bears fans wait with anticipation for that autumn matchup against the Packers with thoughts of revenge on their minds. For Packers fans, it’s a tune-up game where they get to remind their “little brothers” about who is in control of this rivalry. Unfortunately for residents of the Windy City, the Big Brothers have reminded the Bears over and over about their place within this history.
Sunday’s 20-19 loss marked the Bears’ 11th consecutive defeat in the series, the longest streak in the history of a matchup that was once far more balanced. At this point, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to even call this a “rivalry.” After all, what defines a rival? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a rival is “one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess.” In the NFL, teams strive for a division title, a conference championship, and ultimately, the Super Bowl. While you can occasionally bypass a divisional crown to achieve the other two, the goal is to secure all three—a mark of a truly competitive franchise. In a true rivalry, both teams act as barriers to each other’s success, fighting to achieve these shared goals. But when it comes to Bears-Packers, what have the Bears accomplished? Since 2014, they’ve claimed just one division title and beaten the Packers only twice. Meanwhile, Green Bay has consistently made the playoffs and relegated the Bears to irrelevance within the NFC North. For all intents and purposes, this isn’t a rivalry anymore. The numbers make that clear. The Packers now lead the all-time series 108-95-6, a commanding margin that reflects not just a recent trend but a seismic shift in dominance over the decades. The brutal truth is that the Bears haven’t beaten Green Bay in their last 10 attempts and rivalries thrive on competition, but this one feels more akin to an annual asswhooping than a rivalry.
This trend and these losses have left some unanswered questions: Where is the leadership? Where is the accountability? As with any struggle in sports, there comes a point when blame needs to be assigned. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, viewed as the future of the franchise, has shown flashes of brilliance but his development remains inconsistent—a reflection of the instability surrounding him. One week, he dazzles with performances like his four-touchdown outing against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The next, he struggles with bad habits, such as holding onto the ball too long or failing to take his checkdowns, as seen in the November 10th loss to the New England Patriots. While this inconsistency led to the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, one wonders about the decisions that went into hiring Waldron in the first place . In Caleb’s first game without Waldron, he displayed impressive poise, clutch decision-making, and determination, sparking hope that he might still develop into the player Chicago desperately needs. But was his inconsistency simply a product of Waldron’s poor coaching, or does it point to deeper rot within the organization? That’s where head coach Matt Eberflus comes into focus. Under Eberflus’ leadership, the Bears’ flaws have only become more pronounced. Caleb’s struggles aren’t the first time this has happened to a young Quarterback. Justin Fields went through a similar process during his team, including struggles from the offensive coordinator role. So, when you add Justin’s & Caleb’s inconsistent development, it all reflects back on Eberflus’ decisions. Whether it’s questionable hirings, puzzling personnel groupings, or baffling in-game calls, the blame logically necessitates his inclusion. His puzzling decisions have been obvious during this current season. In Week 8’s loss against the Washington Commanders, Eberflus inexplicably allowed Washington to gain extra yards late in the game, setting up room for an improbable Hail Mary that stunned them. Then, in Sunday’s loss to Green Bay, he burned precious time by opting for a 40 plus yard field goal instead of trusting his offense to gain more yards for a closer attempt—or better yet, a touchdown.
“Tough Times don’t last, Tough People do” - Matt Eberflus
The Bears’ issues increasingly point to Eberflus’ struggles as a head coach, and these cannot be ignored any longer. For Chicago to move forward, the leadership at the top must be held accountable. The question now should not be whether Eberflus can right the ship, it should be about who can replace him so that the Bears can become a true contender because 3 years of Eberflus’s direction have failed to produce it.
That withstanding, pinning all the blame on Eberflus would miss the bigger picture. This team is a product of General Manager Ryan Poles’ vision. He entered the offseason with significant resources—ample cap space and draft capital—but the roster still feels incomplete. Poles opted to pursue high value skill players while ignoring the glaring holes on the offensive and defensive line. Those costly decisions have been apparent during this recent skid. The patchwork offensive he produced cannot protect Williams consistently, with them allowing a season high NINE sacks against the New England Patriots, which was coming off a 6 sack performance the week before. On the defensive side of the ball, the lack of interior pressure has allowed this talented defense to fold in critical moments. In their matchup against the Packers, their only sack came when Jordan Love scrambled towards the end zone, after he failed to find an open receiver.
This isn’t just about losing to Green Bay. It’s about what those losses represent. Rivalries are supposed to bring out the best in a team, to push them to rise above their limitations. Instead, the Packers games have become a microcosm of everything wrong with the Bears: poor execution, questionable leadership, and a glaring lack of identity. I’ve stated this numerous times during my time covering this team: Chicago deserves better. Bears fans, who hold the Bears to near religious significance in their hearts, deserve a team that matches their passion and resilience. Instead, they’ve been left with a franchise that can’t seem to get out of its own way. The clock is ticking for Poles and Eberflus. If they can’t right the ship soon, this season will end up being another tick in the hamster wheel from hell.
To break free from this frustrating cycle, the Bears need more than just tweaks—they need wholesale change. They need new leadership, a bold vision, and an unflinching commitment to accountability. While the Bears have slid into the role of lovable losers, their divisional rivals are moving in the opposite direction. The Detroit Lions, once the league's perennial punchline, have transformed into a powerhouse, poised to secure another division title and even contend for a Super Bowl. The Packers remain a consistent threat, and the Vikings—despite losing their first-round quarterback to injury—have rallied behind Sam Darnold and clawed their way into playoff contention.
These realities should light a fire under Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren. Brought in to usher the franchise into a new era, Warren must recognize that the transformation begins with assembling a staff that shares his passion, vision, and sense of urgency. Right now, GM Ryan Poles and HC Matt Eberflus have delivered a product that feels more like a relic of the past than a step toward a brighter future. The only question left now is simple: What will Kevin Warren do to turn this franchise around?
On this week's episode we bring on the host of Who Are You podcast Connor. We chop it up about the aftermath of the election, wild stories from working pest control, odd sexual advances, some Presidential conspiracy theories and more. Also we get into some voicemails.
Jarrett and Brian break down the loss in New Orleans and preview their matchup with Bo Nix and the surprise Denver Broncos.
This week on Summer Sessions Scott, Bang, Pav & Merk give their final thoughts on the election & what it means for everybody, the guys remember Quincy Jones, Denzel ending his career by joining the MCU & much more.
On this weeks episode RAOP we give live updates on the Election (lol). Also we chop it up about the Hot Boys Reunion, Lil Wayne Getting a key to New Orleans, Kodak Black being on dat dope again, Jaguars scaring the hoes and a lot more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.
Flows is sick once again so I'm Not Gon Hold You co-host J.R. Bang joins Scott to recap the Bears worst loss of the season, why Matt Eberflus & Shane Waldron need to go, why the locker room has quit on coaching & why this isn't even rock bottom yet.
Long Term Storytelling | #theFBCPod
Long-term storytelling has been missing from wrestling, but we have seen a major return this week.
- The OG Bloodline is back but with some caveats.
- The Wyatt Sicks aims at the person who put one of the members in a prime but embarrassing position.
- The New Day may be no more.
- The Hurt Syndicate is back
The Piledriver is back in a major way! What over old school moves need to return? #CampBeKnowin: We have a new number one contender and a new belt coming to the E.
Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!
Pierce Rob and Chris talk about the return of the OG Bloodline, a new mid-card championship for the women's division, and more wrestling from 2008.
I was always taught that America was a special nation. We were “given” a land rich with resources and filled with diverse groups working hard for the betterment of the country and our planet. I love the idea of America. I truly want to believe that this is the “land of the free.” I want to believe this is a nation modeled on the teachings of Jesus. When I hear the national anthem, I want to feel that same spirit of patriotism that flows so easily through many Americans. I want to feel proud that this land is “my land” and that it was made for “you and me.” In theory, America should be the greatest country on earth—one that embraces the richness of its land and celebrates the diversity of its people.
But the problem with this view is that this version of America…does not exist.
To illustrate, let’s consider a story.
Imagine a massive, muddy hole in the ground with three people trapped inside. The walls are too slick and high to climb, leaving them desperate, calling out for anyone who might hear. After what feels like an eternity, a ladder finally appears, descending from above. The three look at each other, stunned by this glimmer of hope, yet uncertain if the ladder is sturdy enough to carry them to safety. One of them volunteers to test it, stepping out carefully. As he climbs higher, his heart races with a mix of fear and anticipation. Finally, he reaches the top and pulls himself out, feeling the warmth and freedom of the world above.
But as he stands there, basking in his newfound freedom, a flicker of doubt crosses his mind. He wonders, What if they come up too? What if there’s not enough space or opportunity for us all? That initial sense of liberation shifts to something darker—a fear that his freedom might somehow be diminished if others share it. And so, he does the unthinkable: he pulls the ladder up, leaving the others behind, ensuring he’s the lone escapee.
It’s a tragic story, isn’t it? You might be thinking, If he just let the others climb up, they could all find freedom together! Most people who hear this story likely feel the same way. The sad truth, however, is that this is the story of America. Rather than welcoming others with open arms and using our diversity to build a richer, more inclusive society, we consistently do the opposite. We have used the lives and labor of others to enrich ourselves, regardless of the cost to those left behind. The America enshrined in the second paragraph of our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is, in many ways, a fairy tale, as distant and mythical as the great stories of ancient gods.
For every step forward this country takes, there seems to be a step back—a negative reaction that chips away at progress. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was an incredible piece of legislation that protected the voting rights of millions of Americans, yet in its wake, voter suppression has resurged. In 2015, the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage, granting many Americans the freedom to marry who they love. But soon after, we saw protections for the LGBTQ+ community erode in various ways. This is what America is: the land of the see-saw. For every progression we gain, there’s an action taken to erode it.
Progress in America is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth. It moves forward, reaches a peak, but inevitably swings back in the other direction. This back-and-forth motion keeps us in a state of oscillation rather than true advancement. It gives us just enough hope to believe in change, only to have our hearts ripped out when the counter-reaction comes.
This pattern holds a special and negative place in my heart because of my upbringing in the American Christian church. It’s a trauma that started from my early days in Sunday School. As a child I was taught in church to love our neighbor and pray for those who are against us. I was taught to trust our pastors, trust the church, and pray for our elected leaders because, in the end, the church is led by the Lord and God has a plan for our “blessed” nation. I believed them and I trusted in this church and nation. I saw my country to be a beautiful place that, while it struggled in the past, is turning around and becoming a nation built on love and respect. So, when I heard these sayings in Sunday School, I took them to heart. These sayings and phrases sounded so good on the surface, but as I grew in age, I slowly realized that they failed to acknowledge the poison that has been within the church and this country since its inception
Take, for instance, the founding fathers. They hold a special place in our society, and we revere them for the actions they took to secure our freedom from the hands of the British. If we stopped at the surface, that would be a correct outlook but what the founding fathers did came at the cost of black and native lives. The land that they built came on the backs of slave labor and the land they stole was taken from people(s) who had lived here for thousands of years. The Christian leaders like Jonathan Edwards and others spread the Gospel in this land and spoke so highly of God’s redeeming love but maintained slave ownership. Rather than talk about our leaders and founders in the complex light of truth, we refer to them simply as “people of a different time” Yet, these “leaders” valued the oppression of people of a certain color over manumission. When the first nations people rose up to protect themselves, the crushed their rebellion and sequestered them to reservations. They gave African slaves the Bible as a means to “save” their souls but conveniently omitted any Biblical reference to liberation. This is indicative of what this nation has always been. It’s not the “land of the free” but rather a home for the privileged. Here, people are not created equal; instead, the many are subservient to the few who have more.
The most disheartening aspect of America is how it’s poor revere those who oppress them. Many of the poor and middle class would rather live under the yoke of injustice than do everything in their power to eradicate it. It reminds me of the story of the Israelites in the Torah. After hundreds of years under Egyptian oppression, YHWH set them free. Yet this joy of freedom was short-lived, as many soon complained to Moses about their hardships. They said, “Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” The Egyptians were their captors, but because the concept of radical freedom was so frightening, they would rather live under oppression.
This mindset brings us to where we are now. Donald Trump has won the presidency again, and for a large section of the country, there is happiness that their chosen leader has returned. Meanwhile, in the Trump campaign, there are promises of large-scale deportation operations, and phrases like “taking our country back” resonate more than calls to love and embrace your neighbor. Many respond to this by saying we should “worry about our own country first.” Some may even express sadness at how others’ lives are affected but will prioritize Americans as they define them, rather than extending compassion to all within our borders. It’s puzzling for a nation that claims such high ideals of love, and even more confusing when this is purportedly a “Christian” nation.
In some ways, I agree. America is a Christian nation in the same sense as the Roman Empire was during the height of the Catholic Church’s power. We elect leaders who speak of the Gospel and profess their love for God. Many donate to charity and attend worship regularly. From this perspective, it is indeed a “Christian” nation. However, alongside this declaration lies a disturbing truth: America is also a godless nation. While its ideals are lofty, its actions resemble those of nations we deem “terroristic.” Our culture prioritizes power and wealth over love and generosity. Success is measured in dollar amounts, not in the lives we uplift. America is a home of religion but often to people who have never truly encountered the God they believe they serve.
So, where does this leave us?
From my perspective, we face a choice. We can give in to the desire to insulate ourselves from others and focus only on our own needs. This is, after all, the most American thing we could do. It’s easy, requiring little work or sacrifice, and comes naturally. But our other option is to press on. It’s not a flashy or glamorous option, and it can feel like starting from scratch. Many people will help those around them until the lack of progress depresses them, and they retreat into their own realities.
Yet, every so often, there’s a moment when the tide starts to shift, and real change takes root. A life of service can transform someone who is struggling. An act of selflessness can ripple beyond your lifetime, touching lives in ways you may never see. Yes, evil will continue to propagate, but in its wake are those who need help. Some will accept your help and go on to help others, while others will take the help and pull up the ladder behind them, saving only themselves. This truth is hard, but it is no reason to stop serving. Instead, it is a call to press on even harder.
While I don’t understand this country’s decisions or where its future lies, I know that as a child, many people went out of their way to ensure I grew up loved. Though my heart is heavy with the reality we live in, I know that, like all things, evil has a time limit. I will do what I can to share the gift of love and service because one day, light will shine further, and there will be those who need others to serve them. So, I’m going to make sure I let the ladder down with you and raise up everyone around me and I hope you will too.
Scott & Flows breakdown probably one of the worst Bears losses in recent memory, has the team quit on Flus? how will Ryan Poles respond? & more
On this weeks episode of RAOP we talk about politicians pandering for votes, Wayans Bros returning to the Scary Movie franchise, Perkioo doing the hot tag for Lil Durk, making $25 haircuts great again, Onlyfans girls saving a community and a ton more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.