WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

by Susan Diamond

Some people say I’m fearless. I say I’m confident. I’m not afraid of the things that frighten other people.

I don’t have a tracking device on my children, and I never bought one of those home security systems for my iPhone where I can see the comings and goings of my mailman or delivery people at my front door.

That’s why I didn’t think twice before setting out alone for a walk around 8:00 Saturday night to get my steps in.

It’s true. I live in a moderately big city with some crime, but I feel safe at all hours.

My route can vary. I like to mix it up, take different streets, and walk through different neighborhoods. My mind was wandering that night as it always does when I took a little detour that night where I don’t often walk.

I passed a church, and the doors were open wide. A service was going on, and I saw people praying. That always makes me feel good. I took a moment to say a little prayer of my own.

I’m sure it must have been a “Thank God” because I was feeling good. And I was about to be feeling even better.

As I passed the church’s doors, I saw a group of young teen-age boys horsing around on the front lawn. And one of them called out to me.

“Mam, would you like to hear us sing?”

I said, “Sure I would. Can I take your picture first?”

I got a hearty “Yes!” and lots of laughter. These boys were having fun.

I also got permission to video their performance. After fumbling around with my technology like the old lady I am, I got into video mode and started recording.

Not exactly a polished performance, but they sang it out with joy. 

The words they were rapping were: You Wanna Be a Boss? You Gotta Pay the Price. It’s a hip hop song by BossMan DLow officially titled “Get in With Me”.  I don’t recommend you google the lyrics or the original music video. It’s meant for young teenage boys and not for the likes of folks like us.

After the performance, I asked some questions. “Who are you? What are you doing here? Why are you looking so fine in matching suits and ties?”

They are part of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church youth group in West Palm Beach Florida. They were ushers at the church earlier in the evening for a wedding. The boys and their group leader were waiting for the bus to pick them up and take them to the reception.

It’s heartwarming to see these high-spirited young men hanging out together with their church community on a Saturday night. We need more good churches like St. Ann’s that keep the church doors open wide.

Dear God, keep your boys safe as they grow into the men You intend for them to be. Bless them and their families, and bless the clergy and lay people who work with youth to lay a strong foundation for spiritual growth and healthy habits.  Amen