THERE IS A B.A.L.M. IN MONROE

(Applying a SPIRITUAL solution to a SOCIAL problem)

Written By: Mr. Marion Obafemi and inspired by God

I have been inspired with a collaborative plan of action that every citizen, elected or appointed official, clergyman, and organization can participate in to help improve the image of Monroe while inspiring at-risk males to take more responsibility for their actions and respect the lives and property of others. While good law enforcement will always be a vital element and key factor to help lower our violent crime and murder rate statistics, the burden of accomplishing this goal is not only theirs to bear. The balanced approach I am proposing evenly distributes and shifts some of the responsibility to those individuals who commit the crimes, their families, schools, social service and mental health agencies, elected and appointed officials, fraternal and religious groups, and other benevolent organizations.

My plan is called There is a B.A.L.M. (Balanced Approach to Lower the

violent crime and Murder rate) in Monroe. The application of the

B.A.L.M. will display the precision of a surgeon performing an operation and will be guided by the compassion illustrated in the parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to address this concern. Because just as the wounded man in that familiar passage of scripture was stripped of his clothes (v. 30), these (at-risk) young men have apparently been deprived of basic human dignity as they intentionally wear their pants loosely, allowing their underwear (and in some cases, their buttocks) to be exposed for public view while showing no signs of embarrassment. Many of them lack the covering of a wholesome family structure that could provide a buffer to protect them from the alluring call of gangs, drugs, and the criminal element that lurks in the streets. A single mother heads the majority of their households, and they rarely have a healthy relationship with their fathers or other strong male figures that

could positively influence their perspectives on life, basic manhood

principles, and the duties of being a good citizen. The scripture

mentions that the man “fell” (tripped over something he did not see)

among “thieves” (people who disguise themselves to hide their true

intentions) suggesting that he was in that condition due to his

failure to detect or recognize the factors that would ultimately

contribute to his fall (v. 30). While in this predicament, they are

exposed and vulnerable targets for the fiery darts of wicked

influences that hide themselves behind the beat and in the lyrics of

rap songs that glorify violence promote the disrespect of women,

while endorsing gang and drug culture.

The B.A.L.M. (Balanced Approach to Lower violent crime and

Murder rate) in Monroe initiative will serve as our means to right

the wrongs of (some) leaders in the religious and political community.

Many of whom have traditionally passed by on the other side of the

road, leaving them in that condition (as the priest and the Levite did

in that parable, v. 31-32). It is not the intention of this project

to pass judgment upon anyone but to:

1. Approach these (mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically)

wounded young men with love, respect, and compassion by engaging them where they are and gently guiding them toward a better path to

productivity and fulfillment of their purpose in life through this

initiative (v. 33);

2. Apply the B.A.L.M. (Balanced Approach to Lower the violent crime

and Murder rate) in Monroe to their “wounds” by administering the plan

of action to address their needs and concerns;

3. Bound them up by linking them to the proper community resources and support systems to fortify our efforts to provide better opportunities

for alternative and positive outcomes as The Good Samaritan did in

hopes of them becoming a productive citizen (v. 34).

For more details, call (318) 418-9162. Thanks for reading these words.