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Knock Knock. Don’t Open That Door.

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “I don’t get the impression that Jesus was screaming at the devil in the desert trying to keep His courage up in the face of temptation — the likes of which most of us will never see, let alone experience firsthand. At every turn, it was the devil who was way out of his league because when he came calling, Jesus merely let His father answer the door.”

Published

7 years ago

April 5, 2019

Oakland Post

By James A. Washington, Publisher of the Dallas Weekly, NNPA Newswire Contributor

It’s been some time ago, but I heard one of the most powerful sayings a friend of mine used to often say right before he was about to be installed as the new pastor of his own church. “When Satan knocks at the door, let Jesus answer it.”

Maybe you had to be there, but I still find the thought behind this saying absolutely awesome. I try to imagine actually being able to do this. Can you imagine if you really could? I mean what the sinful suggestions would be, the weaknesses of flesh and spirit.

The reality would be that you would see the devil coming from miles away and no matter how slick or innocent the approach, you could never be fooled again. Would you really do as Jesus did in the desert? Would you renounce the promise of riches, fame and power? For you, would it be as easy as, “Away from me Satan!” Matthew 4:10

According to scripture, after three times, the devil left and the angels came to attend to Jesus and soon thereafter He began to preach.

In today’s world, I’m simply asking if you knew where damnation was coming from, would you still live a damned life? The real question I’m asking is, do you know Jesus well enough to ask Him to answer your front door?

When life and the devil deal you a bad hand, can you get the Lord to sit at the table and play it for you? Is your relationship to the Almighty current enough, casual enough, familiar and habitual enough to take His presence in your life for granted? In times of great anxiety, do you need to whisper to God to take over or, are you screaming at the top of your lungs hoping He’ll hear your plight?

I don’t get the impression that Jesus was screaming at the devil in the desert trying to keep His courage up in the face of temptation — the likes of which most of us will never see, let alone experience firsthand. At every turn, it was the devil who was way out of his league because when he came calling, Jesus merely let His father answer the door.

“Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord…Do not put the Lord your God to the test…Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.” Matthew 4:4-11.

I can only imagine, because I’m not there yet (I’m working on it), what it’s like to be able to call upon Jesus so regularly that His presence in my daily life is second nature. I must admit that there are times when I recognize that the turmoil in my life has been or is being manufactured by pure evil. That recognition allows me the privilege to simply tell the devil to back up because I don’t really have time.

If you get my perspective, it’s okay to ask Jesus to handle the situation because your time is better spent trying to do the work He would be proud of. When you’re that busy, I truly believe Jesus doesn’t mind getting the door.

May God bless and keep you always.

Oakland Post

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Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”
The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

By Jana Lang Propel Youth Reporter

Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA) and Youth Alive! came together on Aug. 21 to share with their community all that Black August means to them.

Held on EOBA’s patio at 816 98th Ave. in Deep East Oakland, the two organizations hosted their second annual Black August Experience, featuring a food tasting, financial literacy and mindfulness workshops, and voter registration with the League of Women Voters Oakland (LWV).

Black August is known as a time to uphold the legacy of prisoners who protested their conditions by fasting, fighting, and educating themselves on the economic and political circumstances that contributed to their incarceration.

According to its website, “EOBA is a multi-service youth and community development hub that goes far beyond the ring. While rooted in the discipline of boxing, for nearly 40 years EOBA has also integrated robust programs in workforce development, food justice, afterschool enrichment, financial literacy, mentorship, and wellness.”.

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”

Through Coro California, another leadership organization serving young people across the state for 80 years, they gained a broader understanding of Black August.

EOBA Executive Director Dawna Williams spoke about how much she learned about Black August from the youth who created it. “I let them educate me,” she said. Instead of talking about prison reform and mass incarceration, Williams and youth interns found that Black August meant so much more. “We would have done a disservice if we had just focused on who the people were and what their situation was…We tried to take their message from back in the day and make it relevant to the young people today. What do they need to know?”

Youth interns created and placed posters around the patio to help participants understand how traditional Black foodways, civic engagement, financial literacy, and the power of education are relevant to Black resistance today.

An EOBA member described Black August with Youth ALIVE! as “a whole vibe. “This year we added the Fun Zone for the kids, because you really cannot go wrong with a Fun Zone. I also loved seeing everyone chillin’ in the outdoor lounge, catching some Vitamin D and just enjoying a Friday evening together.”

The food tasting, a popular event from last year, featured traditional Black foods such as black-eyed peas, johnny cakes, and fried chicken. Led by Williams, the tasting included a talk about how these traditional foods were made and why they are forms of Black resilience.

The “‘Plate of History’ was a favorite of the online writers. “Fun, educational, and did I mention delicious? Our Taste of History cook, Angela Southall, served up some good eats while connecting food to history and culture.”

The writer also commended the “League of Women Voters Oakland for their civic leadership and for getting our young people informed, ready, and registered to vote.”

Overall, it was a “good Friday event in East Oakland,” the writer said.

Upcoming Black August events: Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), will host “Black August: The Arc of Liberation” at Oakland City Hall on Sat. Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The websites for East Oakland Boxing Association, Youth Alive! and CORO are sources for this report.

Jana Lang is an Oakland resident, teacher, gardener and poet participating in the Propel News Initiative.

The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts

Is your home EV charging setup ready? Dealerships may not warn you about critical outlet and circuit needs. Find out before you plug in!
The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Dealerships won’t tell you: charging this big battery at home isn’t always simple. Verify your outlet capacity, circuit, and setup before assuming level one or basic outdoor outlets will suffice.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/A9Cd2SspoaQ

#AutoNetwork

The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

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Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts

Don’t get tricked at the dealership! Learn essential car buying secrets to secure the best deal and avoid hidden traps.
The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Before stepping into a dealership, secure bank pre-approval for your financing rate. Then, get the out-the-door price in writing. Never discuss monthly payments until that number is fixed. Test road noise and rear visibility yourself. Decline add-ons with a simple ‘Not today’. Check backseat space with your tallest household member.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/maAOBjO1puY

#AutoNetwork

The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.