This holiday season is the perfect time to remember God’s gift of His Son, Jesus, to mankind so that we may be cleansed from sin and live in eternity with Him. This is the most precious, incomprehensible and substantial gift ever given in human history. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Because Jesus came down from heaven, dwelt among humanity, died on a cross and was resurrected by the Spirit of the Lord, we can live on earth free from the chains of sin and fear of death. Jesus’ sole mission during His first coming was literally to pay the penalty for sin that entered the world because of Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. All humans sinned and continue to sin. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23.
Sin separates. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. This is what the cross is all about – addressing human sin that separates us from God.“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:2.
One may inquire as to why there is such a seemingly harsh penalty for sin. There are so many things that are beyond human understanding that I won’t even attempt to explain. But I would simply say because God is God. He is the one true, eternal, immortal, Judge and King of the ages – He is set apart. He is holy. Thus, as the sole, eternal, immortal Supreme being, He chooses to not live eternally with sinful beings. God calls the shots and makes the rules for His own creation. Per God, there is no remission of sin without the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22.
Here is an illustration of man with the gift of Jesus versus man without the gift of Jesus:
Take note that one is only righteous in the eyes of God when they accept the gift of Jesus (the only righteous one) and His work on the cross. No amount of good deeds, money or religious acts can bring us to God. Jesus is the only bridge to the Father. His blood – shed for the remission of our sins – bridges the gap! Think of this as being clothed in righteousness – wrapped in Jesus. Ephesians 4:22-24. Hallelujah!
On the flip side, there is a separate place reserved for people who are not righteous in the eyes of God because they failed to accept Jesus (and be saved). That place is outside of the presence of the one true Holy God forever. “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others…” 2 Peter 2:4-5.
I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful that God loved us so much to not leave us in such a hopeless state. Humans were doomed, BUT GOD… wanted to be with us so He created a solution to the sin and death problem even before time began – before the foundation of the world was laid. Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. Ephesians 1:4. This was long before any of us ever existed physically in this world – but He knew us!
Jesus was that solution all along. He drank the cup of God’s wrath for sin atoning for past, present and future sins of humans. In the end, Jesus prevails over death, too (which was never part of God’s plan for mankind). Death will be the last enemy to be defeated. 1 Corinthians 15:26. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:15.
God wants us. He wanted us all along y’all – which is why He created us – for Himself. He created us in His image for His glory. Colossians 1:16. The enemy, who is more real than the device you’re reading on, doesn’t want you to know this.
We live in a world that is hostile to the gospel (message of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection) and to God generally, but the truth must be proclaimed. People are lost and spiritual relativism is at an all time high. Everyone is living their “truth” and/or or doing what is “right in their own eyes” as in the days of the judges. But, besides Jesus, there is no other way. Jesus told us: I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:16.
Those of us who accept the gift of Jesus can live in this crazy world knowing that our sins are forgiven and hopeful that we will one day be resurrected just as Jesus was. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20.
Note that ALL will rise – yes, you too! Those who don’t accept God’s gift of Jesus will simply rise to an alternative reality – an eternity without God. There shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” Acts 24:15. I can’t begin to imagine being resurrected and living forever separated from my creator. Scary movies aren’t necessarily my thing, and I’ve watched a few in my days. However, this is by far the scariest thing I’ve ever encountered – and I didn’t even have to see it on film.
I’ve left a season of isolation for a full-time job after 368 days. Yay! An isolation or wilderness season is usually a liminal space, or an in-between place where ordinary life is suspended. The Christian wilderness tends to be a place of tests, trials and learning God’s ways post-deliverance before walking into His (spiritual) promised land. At least this was the case for me.
My wilderness experience began almost immediately after I received new revelation by God. That was followed by the most significant demonic attack I’ve ever faced. As this season comes to a close, I have to admit that it marks a bitter sweet ending of a profound life moment. Work by God entailed exposing and rooting out sin in my life along with things and people that aren’t necessarily sinful or bad, but simply aren’t necessary or helpful for me. He also continues to shower me with love.
While I’ve not been perfectly obedient and I’ve flunked tests along the way, the intimacy and bond built with my Abba Father has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s transcendent beyond human understanding and anything I can articulate. His grace truly abounds – even where I may have lengthened my season due to my own delayed/partial obedience. I’m learning y’all. A bonus has been spending a great deal of time with my rising 88-year-old grandmother and gleaning from her wisdom. Our favorite activities have been seniors water aerobics, thrifting and loving on God through the study of His Word. God is intentional.
As I reflect, there are things that I would do differently. It has been trial by fire and trial and error to put it bluntly. I mainly wish I’d learned early on not to worry so much about “what’s next?” and “when?”. Being still and sitting at His feet were perfectly fine and correct things to do.
So, I write this as a celebratory post as God ushers me out of the wilderness and into a new season. I hope to encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ who may be in a wilderness season (or about to go into one). Here are 5 major takeaways from my experience:
1.Wilderness Follows New Revelation or Victory
Seasons, pursuant to God’s Kingdom, are governed by revelation and truth not clocks and calendars. As shared above, my wilderness season began almost immediately after receiving new revelation about my identity in Christ. And as the saying goes, “new levels bring on new devils.” This is aligned with Jesus’ experience as well as that of the Israelites after God saved them from Pharaoh and parted the Red Sea. We learn from the Gospels that soon after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, He was led into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights where He was tempted by the devil. Similarly, the Israelites went into the wilderness after God freed the nation from slavery in Egypt. Their disobedience resulted in an extended stay of an additional 38 years following the initial 2 – for a total of 40 years in the wilderness! There are other Biblical examples of wilderness experiences. If you are newly in a wilderness season or suspect that you may be thrusted into one soon, you should be prepared for many aspects of your life to fall apart. Don’t panic.
2. He Knows Where You Are – It’s Right Where He Wants You
Unbeknownst to me, I was right where God wanted me all along. Sometimes I felt forgotten or set aside. I made attempts to free myself, but He closed and locked every single door I tried to pry open relative to work opportunities and even those in pursuit of entrepreneurship. Ultimately, I was stopped in my tracks when a brother in Christ prophetically relayed outright: “God sees you. He is not in a hurry to send a job. He has an opportunity with you and He will use it.”. I share as an aside that the job I have now was handpicked by Him. He will go to great lengths to stop whatever you pursue as well as anyone or anything that may be pursuing you. He sees it as a distraction and His plan for your life will not be thwarted. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21. Listen to the Holy Spirit for strategy regarding your next move. Keep in mind that you are isolated not, not forgotten or set aside. He sees you. He knows. He has you right where He wants you. He’s there with you and will not leave nor forsake you.
3. The Purpose of the Wilderness is to Go Deep
In connection with point #2, God desired to bring me into the deep to penetrate layers far beyond my surface level knowledge – minus distractions. Yes, tests and trials were involved, but I see now that His tests were simply designed to teach me His ways. I really did struggle to understand the purpose of the season and thought of many ways to take matters into my own hands – re: point #2. The struggle ended where I came to realize that He is in control of all things in history and my life. I couldn’t take things into my own hands if I wanted to because I’m in His hands. The control of my life that I thought I had prior to Him stepping in was an illusion all along. My help comes from Him. And it turns out that my propensity to want to control and my self-reliance were actually two of many things He desired to root out of me. You may be frustrated and lack understanding, but remember that the wilderness season is not without purpose. God has taken you under His tutorship and more than likely, He plans to use you mightily! Go deep now because you may never have this opportunity again.
4. Wilderness is Not Punishment
Some days I would convince myself that my wilderness was punishment to rationalize my pain and frustration without taking it out on God. As an aside, He can take whatever you throw at Him – respectfully. Again, the hardest parts were the uncertainty and dealing with sin. But because God is God, sin must be dealt with. There was no way around those horrible things I would have preferred to leave under the rug. Once I changed my perspective, I found the wilderness to be a blessing – and, actually, a time for rest and restoration. In the hard times, remember that God’s Grace, made manifest through Jesus Christ is sufficient to take us through every and any circumstance we have in life. Romans 12:8-10. Further, God’s plans are good and are intended to give us a future hope. Jeremiah 29:11. He causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:24. So, hang in there. Suffering is part of the Christian program.
5. The Season Has to End
Solomon teaches us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time and season for everything under the sun. The sun always shines after the rain and there is nothing new. Trust me when I say that God will continue to provide for you and you will be released in the fullness of time. I found comfort in knowing that I’m not the first child of God to be brought through such a difficult process, and I will not be the last. “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of the old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19.
In the meantime, pray and fast, intercede for others, obey (timely) and stay in the Word. Finally, remember what James taught us – to count it all joy! James 1:2-4.
As for me, I’ll be singing into my new season with joy and gladness in my heart eagerly awaiting to learn more details of God’s perfect plan for my life.
One September afternoon about a year ago, I reviewed my notes for class and began to draft points in response to various water-related news pieces shared with me the previous week. I was to discuss briefly with my law students the cause and extent of America’s (and the world’s) seemingly endless water issues and injustices like drought, floods, dam failures and drinking water contamination. I would also say if I thought there were viable solutions for the problems and future challenges to come.
At this time, the Holy Spirit had already been ministering to me about my role as a teacher and a scholar. This Ecclesiastes passage had been the theme of my work: The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
– Ecclesiastes 12:12-13, NKJV
My default answer was to pivot to the normal rhetoric and attribute troubles to quickly changing climatic and weather patterns and human causes, especially climate change, greed and resource mismanagement. But as I was readying myself, I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit. I knew then that something was missing. I looked over to the book shelf to find a stack of pocket-sized Declarations of Independence that had been left behind by the professor who occupied the office before me. There were just enough for all 28 students. This was divinely orchestrated by God. Nothing happens by chance.
I made remarks at the start of class and proceeded to pass out the pocket-sized resource. It was fitting since we had already reviewed relevant U.S. constitutional authorities for federal water regulation in a previous session. That day we reviewed our nation’s Declaration which lays out that the people’s rights are divine in origin, sacred and unalienable, while governments are human in origin, answerable to the people and dependent entirely on their consent. Per the Founding Fathers, humans, when failure occurs, would need a standard by which to judge our actions and course correct. That standard is God – the God of the Bible. Of course, the U.S. has never met God’s standard. It has perpetually used God and the Bible to pursue evil endeavors to the detriment of certain people groups – and it still does to this very day. This ia certainly a topic for another day.
Because this was not a Christian university, I thought of how to subtly nail the point about God into the equation without “going too far.” Surely, I couldn’t mention Jesus by name. Or rather, I was too afraid to do so. As an aside, I do believe that the Declaration had less to do with theology than it had to do with America’s appeal to rebel against Great Britain. Nonetheless, the document reveals something about the founding principles of America. To prevent confusion of my position, I’ll say here that I fully believe in the separation of church and state. It is necessary.
I say this to say, I was reminded of this instance in light of the latest news of the fires in Hawaii and along the West Coast and Canada, earthquakes in Morocco, floods in Libya and South Africa and countless other disasters that are taking place around the world daily. The issue of the day in my community is drought and saltwater intrusion. We are set to receive 36 million gallons of water per day for an indefinite period of time. That indefinite period of time, as I see it, is until God decides to send enough water by rain or snowmelt.
The point that I tried to make indirectly to my students that day is one that I can freely and clearly say today: The solutions of men almost always lead to more ruin, misery, death, destruction and war. It is past time to have a real conversation about the true collective spiritual and moral condition of humanity. The heart of man is desperately wicked and beyond cure. It’s above us. Something way more powerful (and invisible) is at play.
Our problems, whether brought on by humans or by nature, are simply symptoms of a greater problem. In fact, every problem humanity has faced throughout history, be it social injustice, greed, slavery, etc., stems from this one underlying problem: sin and death. As long as we are cut off from God, we will fail. That failure is inevitable. God has been gracious enough to reveal that to us in His Word. In the end, those who destroy the earth will be destroyed just before He makes all things new.
We should certainly do everything we can to prepare for and solve societal problems, including climate issues, to the best of our human abilities and wisdom as long as we are here on earth. But the disasters we experience and/or bear witness to are sure to increase in frequency and accelerate. That is a promise. Thankfully, God has not left us hopeless and without a savior in this changing climate. So the good news is that we don’t have to weather this storm alone. We have hope in which we can rest in the present trying times and those to come.
I renounced my membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on April 4, 2023. I am scheduled to be expelled from the organization during Boule 2024. I now write this blog to share insights about my experience per God’s will.
For those who know me know that I am a pretty private person so this public declaration is out of the norm for me. My plan was to tip out the back door quietly with one finger up. But God would not have it that way. He relayed that I should leave the organization with the same energy with which I joined – publicly. This is far greater than me.
For the sake of space, time and putting deep intimate details aside, I will lay this out as concisely as possible. However, this is still a rather long piece. The most important thing is that I share God’s truths which prompted my decision to renounce. My hope is that you will bear with me until the end.
My Experience
I have been a professing Christian for practically all my life. I was born into a believing family and was baptized at the age of 7. I routinely attended church on Sundays (sometimes twice) and occasionally went to Bible study on Wednesday nights. I served at times as a choir member, usher, and a youth praise dancer. I loved, listened to and sang “church music” believing this to be worship to God. I had a general grasp of God’s role and sovereignty in my life and would often speak of His goodness. I was sure to give Him all the glory, honor and praise after major accomplishments. As far as I knew, I was committed to Jesus. I checked all the boxes. Think superficial Christian and/or cultural Christianity 101.
What I lacked, and honestly took for granted, was the most pertinent piece of the puzzle – an intimate relationship with my Abba Father. I was ignorant of His Word. I had limited knowledge of His unchanging nature, character, attributes, uncompromising truth about sin and His eternal plan for the ages. I lacked true appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice for me and proper understanding of what that means for my life. I recently learned that God did not desire the “works” of which I describe here. He wanted my heart – in complete faith, love, surrenderance and obedience to Him.
Unfortunately, I was blinded by the god of this age when I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (hereafter AKA) in Fall 2006 under the guise of sisterhood, good works and community service. It was my sophomore year of college. I was in pursuit of a network which AKA could furnish and somewhere to belong. I was discovering myself like many young college women.
I was intensely involved in the sorority in 2006-2008. I was last active in 2008. I was certainly not what one would call a super soror. Over the years, I made attempts to reactivate my membership to no avail. Despite my inactive status, I could often be found decked out in pink and green, strolling at probates, founder’s day and other events with my head high, pinky up, mirror higher and chanting or singing of how deep Alpha (personified) was down in my heart. Unbeknownst to me, God was not impressed that I had pledged my allegiance, obedience, faith, love, fidelity and trust to a false god – an idol; a counterfeit. This was so even with a half-hearted commitment to AKA. I would later learn about spiritual purity.
Confrontation in Brief
Following a radical encounter with God through His Holy Spirit in June 2022, my life changed in the most profound way. Long story short, I got saved. God began to show me His heart and to reveal the issues of mine layer by layer. The ultimate choice laid before me was to have the full power and force of the Holy Spirit or to keep the presence of unclean spirits I had accumulated and enthroned in my heart over the years, including that of AKA.
AKA was first raised as an issue of idolatry through a trusted family member within a day or two of God’s initial visit to me. Unfortunately, I did not receive what that family member shared. However, God persisted. He continued to visit me in dreams, in what seemed like random occurrences throughout my days and in my prayer time over a period of 10 months. I will not outline every single detail here, but I will share the final revelation that brought the matter to a close – which was confirmed by subsequent events. Taking all revelations together, I reckoned with the fact that I was guilty of the sin of idolatry, and other sins by association, before the eyes of the Lord.
I had a vivid dream on February 19, 2023 wherein I was a spectator at a location near a large body of water – like a lake. It was an initiation setting, except the ceremony took place outside in broad daylight. There was a large group of women marching in rising flood waters and singing AKA songs. The one song I can recall has lyrics that say: “AKA is deep, deep, deep, deep down in my heart…” The group was too large for me to count numbers. Each woman had on a Delta Sigma Theta shirt and carried a single candle stick. Irrespective of whether the women could swim, they marched down a set of stairs and into the large body of water never to be seen again. It was implicitly clear that they were not going down to be baptized. I gleaned from the atmosphere that darkness was present. This dream was followed by AKA-related dreams wherein I was tested in terms of who I would choose to serve “this day” – God or AKA. I acknowledge here that not all dreams are from God. These, however, were confirmed to be.
While ironic, God showed off a bit of His character with the AKAs in Delta shirts twist. He is no respecter of persons. This includes man-made/ man-centered organizations. He also has a great sense of humor. I found this dream to be fascinating since the setting was completely opposite of what happens in real life from a process perspective, though it is certainly symbolic of Godly truth. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.Luke 8:17.
Bear in mind that God deals with His children individually and personally. See Biblical examples for illustration. How He communicates with and gives revelation to me is not how He may speak with the next person.
The Whole Counsel of God
With all of this in mind, I was sent on a search of the scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15. I reviewed the whole counsel of God which concerns all things necessary for His glory, salvation, faith and life. God’s whole counsel is here for us to know and experience Him in His written Word. To this end, I firmly believe that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
On idolatry, He commands: You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. Exodus 20:3-5.New Testament admonitions relative to idolators follow. Thus, the commandment against idolatry transcends covenants, testaments and dispensations – which concern God’s word to His people during a certain time period.
I will note here that the word “before” in this context encompasses the terms beside or in opposition to in addition to its English meaning. Before has further been interpreted to mean to have no false god to the face of God. The idea is that gods should not be ordered per an inferiority ranking system. Example: 1, 2, 3 and so on. The Bible warns against the practice of mixing worship of gods/idols with that of the one true God.
I ultimately conclude that God’s Word is Supreme. No exceptions were granted for AKA in 1908 or ever. He does not care that AKA is “in” and widely accepted in modern day culture. Idolatry is idolatry. Consider that the organization’s 115 years of existence are not even one single day to the Lord. But beloved be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8. AKA and its works are nothing but a vapor; a fleeting moment just like passing human life. All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers and its flower falls away. But the Word of the Lord stands forever. 1 Peter 1:24.
AKA is anti-Christ in Nature
AKA by its very nature offers a secular alternative to Christian fellowship. It promotes sisterhood and fosters service through human principles and wisdom. Its moral code (constitution, bylaws and/or rituals) does not purport to outright represent AKA as a Christian organization. However, its moral code adopts Bible verses as well as Biblical practices and symbolism which creates a presumption of organizational righteousness.
As an example, Bible verses are amended and tailored to the organization in direct violation of God’s command to not add or subtract from His Word. Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19. Acknowledgement of an eternal spirit in organizational rituals and prayer is often used to show the organization as God-serving or doing God’s work. Prayer is sparsely offered – in the name of Jesus, too. A chaplain is often incorporated within chapter structures depending on preference. Members who profess to know, love, obey and serve God often use these points to defend their AKA membership. I was once one of them.
When the altar of AKA was destroyed from my heart, I threw away all of my paraphernalia, including the moral code. But God brought me to a place to remember aspects of my own intake process. Based on that and a ritual document that I was able to find by a google search, I share these extracted passages as examples of troubling recitations made during the pledge process:
Prayer: “Open then my eyes O God, that I may behold the wondrous works of this great organization. Make me understand the ideals and purposes of this sisterhood so that I may continue the great work so nobly begun. Take from me any selfishness and lack of purpose which could keep me from following the ideals for the organization. Awaken within me holy desires, inspire me with a new enthusiasm of the revered founders and grant me wisdom and strength that I may render service to all mankind. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
Words changed from Psalm 119:18, a prayer offered by King David which reads: “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things of your law.” Prayer continues to ask God to awaken holy desires, not for His purposes, but for AKA’s revered (worshiped) founders. In the end, the prayer is offered up in the name of Jesus.
Recital: “I shall keep in my heart these words: Set a guard over my mouth: keep watch over the doors of my lips.”
Similar to Psalm 141:3 which reads: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Here David petitioned God for help so that he may not sin against God. He did not ask for help for the purpose of protecting interests of a secret society.
Prayer:
“Eternal Spirit, we yearn for a better understanding of spiritual things and a closer walk with Thee, that we may interpret aright the times in which we live. We long to be able to minister according to Thy will, to people who are trouble and burdened with the cares of the world. Instill into the hearts of Thy servants each day, fresh confidence in Thy goodness. Deliver us from fear and worry that we may deal confidently with the fears and worries of others. Strengthen our faith and increase our capacity for sympathy and understanding. Make us glad to bear one another’s burdens; and be grateful for opportunities of fulfilling thus the law of eternal life.”
Song Lyrics: “I think that I shall never know Another love that thrills me so, Dwells in my heart by day and night As my love for A.K.A. I think that I need never fear Where hearts are loyal, true and dear. Secure I am at work, at play Of such are these – the A.K.A. I think when I shall come to die There’ll be no need of fear or sigh, For if I’ve been an A.K.A. Life owes me naughtI’ve lived my day.”
Pledge: “To thee, O Alpha Kappa Alpha! We pledge our hearts, our minds, our strength; To foster thy teachings, Obey thy laws, And make thee Supreme in Service to All mankind O, Alpha Kappa Alpha We greet thee.”
Poem: “And God said, I’ll make a woman, A woman of substance, A woman or pride, A woman who is able to put petty things aside, A woman of integrity, A woman of love, A woman who is worthy of The treasures from above, A woman who is genuine, A leader in every way. God said I’ll make a woman, I’ll call her AKA.”
Scripture reading: Ruth 1:16-17 – Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following you; for wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried, The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.
The reality is that I entered into a covenant relationship with AKA. I passed through various degrees of ritual wherein my exclusive allegiance, obedience, faith, trust, fidelity, and love was pledged to the organization. I promised, amongst other things, to give my heart, mind and strength to AKA; to bring honor to the name of AKA; to glorify its founders and “reverence AKA forever and a day”; to place blind faith and trust in the bonds of sisterhood with no reservations; to be committed and devoted to AKA forever; to live life anew by showing “the way” and penetrating darkness in the world with the light of AKA; and, finally, to be obedient to the laws governing the organization and so on. Submission and subjugation to the highest authority of AKA is proven by kneeling in the presence of to-be sisters and presumably the eternal spirit prayed to in ritual. In the end, I agreed to wear AKA symbols with pride.
There was/is a lot of reciting, chanting and singing involved as a byproduct of organizational practices. The recitations, singing and chanting go beyond a display of organizational pride or merely honoring AKA as an organization or its founders for having done something good in the world. Specifically, singing and chanting to AKA (personified) or to/about its founders arguably rises to the level of ancestral worship in light of other organizational aspects. Also, it is nothing other than self-worship when members boast about their own looks, abilities or accomplishments to the exclusion of God.
All aspects considered, these are clear examples of taking the pure essence of God’s Word/His heart and mixing and merging it with other types of worship practices. By centering good works/community service and reciting Bible verses, in totality or partially, idolatry is often justified by directing attention to God in an indirect way. The Bible warns: Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Colossians 2:8. “…Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”2 Timothy 3:5.
God opened my eyes to see that the initiation specifically sets in motion a spiritual reality that too often goes unnoticed. This is because most people are spiritually blind. He revealed that the eternal spirit referenced in rituals is not His Holy Spirit. The candle lit and placed on the table (an altar) during initiation represents something that is not of Him. Whether beckoning the spirit of the AKA god, Ethel, or an associated false god, like Atlas, it is not harmless and certainly not something to be taken lightly. This is where the spirit of the age directly collides with the Spirit of God. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12.
Former AKA and researcher Gail Y. King found that mysticism and occult connection is present in organizational processes broadly. Other researchers affirmed findings that AKA is rooted in evil origins (Masonic ties), invokes a false god (Ethel et al.; Greek and/or Egyptian deities) and purports to be the light – to the exclusion of God’s one true light. All of this is hidden in plain sight as illustrated in works like those of Gail Y. King’s Greek-Letter Organizations: Offspring of Abomination; Jerrod Smith’s The True Alpha and Omega; and Cheryl V. Riley’s Rituals = 666: The Demonic Deception of Black Greek-Letter Organizations. I have come to appreciate the conclusion reached that AKA and other Divine 9 organizations’ oaths, rituals, and practices are simply an abomination to God, with rituals of ancient Babylon and Egypt origin – like crossing the burning sands – rising to a special level of disdain.
As an example of parallel Egyptian symbolism, I was bound together by rope with women on my line as part of our probate performance. We wore outfits to resemble prisoners. We ultimately crossed from bondage and darkness into the light of AKA. When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.
Contrary to popular belief, the Gospel message of Jesus is not one of sisterhood; personal success, improvement and self-growth; climbing the latter, community service for the benefit of all mankind or “good works” – the message of Jesus is simply the cross. It is a message of hope and reconciliation between sinners and the one true Holy God. To try and overlap the message of AKA and Jesus promotes a false Gospel of good works. The Apostle Paul warns against this in Galatians 1.
AKA – A Modern Day Golden Calf
The story of the golden calf in Exodus 23 nicely illustrates what is at play when God is thrown into the mix of AKA rituals – as an afterthought. After the children of Israel had been delivered from Egypt, they ignorantly or impatiently built a golden calf and worshipped it. They merged worship of the golden calf with worship of the Lord. Exodus 23:5 reads: So when Aaron saw it (the golden calf) he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. Thus, they made a calf for themselves to which they gave to it credit that was due to God. God’s anger was aroused. People lost their lives. For their idolatry and other sin, that generation of Israelites died in the wilderness and did not enter the promised land. Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? Hebrews 3:17.
The Bible contains many examples of sneaky instances of mixing worship. Another example is where Moses warned the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 16:21-22: You shall not plant for yourself any tree, as a wood image, near the altar which you build for yourself to Yahweh your God. You shall not set up a sacred pillar, which Yahweh your God hates.
One other example is the story of the Strange Fire in Leviticus 10. The sum is that God told the Israelites how they were to worship Him. But the priests Nadab and Abihu added to God’s agenda by worshiping their way. The lesson here is that God gets to tell us how to worship Him, not the other way around.
Somehow, history always has a way of repeating itself. What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again. There is nothing new under the sun.Ecclesiastes 1:9.
AKA Idolatry Results in Associated Sin: Self Worship, Pride + Double-Mindedness
If it was not bad enough to be found guilty of idolatry, I learned that the sin of self-worship and pride crept into my heart by association with AKA. I cannot recall the number of times that I flipped my hair, chanted about being a pretty girl or boasted about controlling my own destiny. This, too, is a form of idolatry in the eyes of God. God does not tolerate any other gods before Him, and that includes me. Pride (and self-worship) is nothing other than sin. In his pride the wicked man does not seek God because in all man’s thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4. God opposes the proud.
The harsh reality is that the value systems of AKA and God ARE mutually exclusive. That is, they cannot be lived at the same time without double-mindedness being at a person’s core. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. Matthew 6:24.There is no lukewarm, neutral or in between.
Here is my attempt to illustration this point:
Conclusion
I was once that spiritually blind, deaf and dumb Christian professing to love God with my mouth while at the same time centering a false god. I understand that where there is greater revelation, there is greater responsibility. Now that I know Truth, I must live it. To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48 So, my days of toting the pink and green banner and strolling around the golden calf of AKA are over. My deepest desire and ultimate life goal is to please my audience of One, leading people, especially young women to covet Jesus, not AKA.
I prayerfully encourage any Christian reader to consider this blog with spiritual eyes. Proper understanding can only be gained by the Spirit. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12.
God desires for all of His children to have the full riches of complete understanding. Colossians 2:2.
I recently finished a first complete read of the Old Testament of the Bible. I’d kept track of the many names for God and was completely astonished by Him and all that He is. He’s literally everything – and He offers Himself to us freely through His Son, Jesus.
During my second in-depth study (in progress) I couldn’t help but to be even more fascinated having paused in Exodus 3 where God reveals Himself as I AM – Yahweh. The gist of the story is that Moses encountered God in a burning bush in the wilderness of Midian. God began to prepare Moses to deliver the children of Israel from the hand of Pharaoh leading them out of slavery in Egypt. The children would journey to Canaan – the promised land.
Moses was previously rejected as a self-appointed deliverer 40 years before (Exodus 2:14), so he was rightly concerned that the children would be skeptical of his supposed God-appointment as deliverer. Moses said to God: “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them. “The God of your fathers has sent me to you and they say to me, What is His name? What shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”Exodus 3:13-14
God’s reply to Moses speaks volumes. God essentially made a grand introduction of Himself to Moses and an announcement of what He is. God revealed Himself for the first time as independent and self-existent. There was never a time that God did not exist and there will never be a time when He ceases to exist. He relies upon nothing for life or existence. He doesn’t need anyone or anything because life is in Him. God is incomparable. The only way that He can be defined is by Himself. There is no equivalent for God except for God Himself. Consider this:
God = ?
God = God
By introduction God was simply relaying to Moses that He Is… whatever the children of Israel would need at any given time. He proved Himself along the journey from Egypt through the wilderness for 40 years to the promised land of Canaan.
Today, God still proves Himself to be whatever His people need at any moment. God announces Himself over and over again in His word. He invites anyone who is interested to know Him by experience. “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.”Psalm 34:8
What do you need God to be in your life? A healer, a friend, a father? Love? Do you need wisdom, a defender or forgiveness? See a list below of Yahweh God’s names as revealed in the Bible.
