TREE

by D. Simmons

Black bodies swinging In the southern breeze, strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees, I would say strange fruit indeed. This poignant observation was a song recorded in 1939 about human life, black life and the Jim Crow south is both heart wrenching and incendiary. The song "Strange Fruit" had multiple recordings; it's most famous rendition was released by Billie Holiday. It was a protest "against the inhumanity of racism" written by Abel Meerpol (graduate of DeWitt Clinton H.S in Bronx, New York where Countee Cullen, James Baldwin, Stan Lee and Ralph Lauren are also alumni) who wrote it after seeing a photograph of a lynching, as reported by NPR Music.

The poplar trees are mostly in Southern states, they are strong and their flowers are both male and female; they have strong sturdy trunks to support the male and female "strange fruit". Trees, the poplar tree in particular, are supposed to be a fragrant reminder of our deep roots and ability to withstand harsh conditions. They were, in reality, the tool of used by evil to kill, to denigrate and to break the spirit of any Negro who thought s/he wanted to be free. Is freedom only truly actualized at the murdering hands of the oppressor?

We know and understand that there is nothing new under the sun; today, we as a people are still hanging from trees. The world moves along minding their business ignoring the injustices and the nooses continue. We cry out, we pray, we march, we sing and now we hashtag; bodies are still swinging. We are tired. We are tired of the funerals for our children; tired because there are doctors, teachers, architects, pilots, golfers, swimmers and gymnasts who the world will never know. In the midst of the struggle, mothers are grieving over the executions of their children and husbands. In this struggle, mothers are dying figuratively and literally: the question I put before you is, as a people of faith what do we do? In these moments together, let's explore freedom from a faith perspective and consider a call to action.

Tree appears 287 times in the King James Version of the bible and poplar twice. Hosea, 4:13 talks about sacrificing under oaks, poplars and elms. Trees give us context to the story, these trees are ceremonial and strong; yet, they were used by unfaithful people to bring a pleasant shade while they did evil. The people were burning incense and asking advice of idols: this was the whoredom/prostitution/unfaithfulness to God. Hosea, whose name means salvation, was instructed by God to marry Gomer, a whore. His personal life was linked to the message of faithfulness and an illustration of the relationship between God and people. When we think about freedom and everything going on in the world, what message is our life sending? Have we prayed and fasted to hear a word and a call to action from God or are we allowing whoredom to rein. I believe this nation and we as a people, have relied on whores like false prophets (church leaders who lack integrity and want the spotlight versus justice and God's will) and today's wealthy politicians (much like the biblical kings) to lead us. The result is moral and spiritual degradation; this is not freedom. Freedom is to live without fear, being able to be open, honest and having the ability to be safe while living in a cooperative supportive environment. It, for me, only occurs where there is solid moral ground and a spiritual base.

Lack of freedom is the continuous struggle and in 2015, this is the American noose by which we hang. What is it that we need to do to be free? Hosea was instructed by God and even when it seemed strange, he followed the plan; thus, the lesson of repentance, redemption and restoration" insight.org/resources/bible/Hosea.html What is the plan that God has for you?

As we continue to examine the allegory of "Strange Fruit", it sheds light on the divide between America and God. American history is one of people who used the word of God for genocide, like Pharaoh, hearts were hardened and our people suffered. We were hung from the poplar trees; fruit on display for everyone. Galatians 5:13-23 tells us we are called to be free, love our neighbor and not live in discord and hatred. We are to show ourselves as "the fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control". How do we reconcile being on display and persecuted with the mandate to show our fruit? Evil continues in this land; we have been massacred in our churches, gunned down in the streets across this nation by people who are supposed to protect us and we are dying in custody under mysterious circumstances. We are still an oppressed people who are supposed to be free. God says love, flesh says, "now is the time for a Nat Turner worthy uprising". In a concerted, collective intentional matter, we need to make our requests to God. If and when He says move, then we need to surround the enemy, sound the proverbial trumpets and believe that the walls will come down. Surround the enemy by taking over seats in the legislature, infiltrating the blue racist gangs and self-correcting degenerate behavior (stealing, killing and petty crimes within the community). The work is plentiful, what sound will you make in the revolution? The genocide of the late 1800's and early 1900's was the byproduct of slavery of black and brown people; a part of the unreconciled differences in this country's history. We are suffering today because genocide is prevalent today, they have just found new and improved ways to execute. Our collective freedom is an illusion and for some, our faith has been shaken. In your anger, do not sin.

Recognize that we are like sheep among wolves; as a result, we need to be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). We need to stand firm in our faith and like a tree-stand tall. Educating ourselves and our children will ensure we have deep roots (Jeremiah 17:8). As we maneuver through this American nightmare, we need to exhibit fruits of the spirit, know the role that God would have for us, give voice to the struggle, offer solutions to our families and our community and declare, in our actions and our strategy so loudly, that #blacklivesmatter we cannot be ignored. The plain vision of one man was written to declare that there is strange fruit in the land and there was a woman who ran with that revelation as she lifted her voice in song. Daughter, your gifts will make room for you to exalt His name, fight this battle and run this race. Seek God and all else will be added.

Deirdre Simmons, PHR, SHRM-CP, entrepreneur, past president f SHRM Gateway, and most important role-wife, began Cast Your Net on the Right Side #NowWhat non-profit to bring a relationSHIPS dialogue to the community. This God-given vision provides biblically based practical instruction for men and women on everyday living while edifying participants.  There are 2 other business under the cast your net brand: Cast Your Net Travel and Smoove Stones.

This graduate of Purdue University is also an EEO Advisor, has a certification in HR and is currently enrolled at UCONN.

The former Deirdre Cash has been married to chef, trainer, chaplain, Minister Jerry Simmons for 6 1/2 years.  She has worked as a servant leader in several ministries however, wife is her first ministry.