In the popular children’s story, Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall and had a great fall. Since Humpty’s fall was too severe, all the King’s horses and men could not put him together again. Similar to Humpty, our nation’s future is on “the wall,” so to speak. It is confronted with a plethora of challenges such as crime, inequality and civil unrest. To avoid a Humpty Dumpty type fall, the critical questions to be asked are: How can we save America’s future? How can the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. be revitalized to help save America’s future? What makes Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr. the ideal candidate to lead the National Baptist Convention to help save America’s future?

In Dr. Ben and Candy Carson’s new book on, “One Nation: What we can all do to save America’s future,” they suggest the following: (1) Take a quick and decisive action to change our nation. This includes everyone’s involvement such as businesses, political parties, educational institutions, churches and news media. (2) Incorporate prayerful action constantly to address the challenges of today’s world. (3) Seek to understand each person’s values, and have candid discourse about volatile issues. (4) Equip ourselves with a basic knowledge of American History; stay abreast of current events and understand the events with respect to history. (5) Don’t sit idly by and expect somebody to take action for you. (6) Rediscover the basic fundamentals of manners, morality and common sense. (7) Be encouraged and join the battle to save our nation so we can provide a good future for our children.

In line with Carson’s suggestions, Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr. is taking a decisive action to revitalize the National Baptist Convention. Holmes has pastored First Timothy Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla. respectively for 37 years, served as president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education for 10 years and president of the Congress of Christian Education for the Florida General Baptist Convention for six years. Drawing on his proven experience in effectively leading, facilitating, guiding and managing a number of Christian and other organizations with measurable results, Holmes seeks to become the next president of the National Baptist Convention and execute his “12 Point Vision Action Plan.” In one of Holmes’ action plan statements, Holmes says that, “We will target several urban and rural cities with a strategic plan that will create job training programs, faith-based schools, retirement homes, homes for first-time homeowners, grocery stores, mental health clinics/hospitals and financial institutions.”

Giving our communities a strategic plan to rise up to the motto, “One nation under God with liberty and justice for all,” Holmes enlists your prayers and support for the presidency of the National Baptist Convention. On September 1 – 5, the election for the 18th president of the convention will be held during the 134th annual session in New Orleans, La. Each church, district association or state convention (entity) will be eligible to cast up to five votes to elect the new president. However, the convention, a critical part of our nation, can not afford to do the same practices and get the same results. We need a more vibrant National Baptist Convention presence and programs.

To save America’s future, therefore, it will require all citizens working together in a collaborative, respectful and supportive manner. As in every great movement such as the transformation of the National Baptist Convention, it will take a dedicated, experienced and passionate person to motivate and lead people in resolving the needs of the various communities. Throughout the country, many pastors have recognized and echoed that Holmes has “talked the talk and walked the walk.” He has successfully developed ministries highlighted in his action plan to revitalize the National Baptist Convention. Holmes believes that in this millennium “the convention must have a stronger voice and compelling vision that will save, strengthen and sustain Black Baptist churches; and specifically, provide programs, services and ministries that will meet the needs of these churches.” Holmes believes that the Lord, Jesus Christ, has uniquely prepared him to serve “For such a time as this.”

If you are eligible to vote at the convention as a church, district association or state convention, let’s give Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes Jr. a chance. To learn more about Holmes’ presidency for the National Baptist Convention or order the book on, “How to revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., visit Authorhouse.com; Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble or call AuthorHouse Book Order Hotline at 1-888-280-7715. The book is written to serve as a model to support the needs of the churches affiliated with the convention. All proceeds will benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities affiliated with the convention.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of seven books, “Education Questions to be Answered,” “Current Issues and Answers in Education,” “How to Eradicate Hazing,” “Professional Career Paths” “Your Answers to Education Questions” “How to Revitalize the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.” and “Completing the Dissertation.” He is publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator and district superintendent. He can be reached at [email protected]