On this 12th day of Black History Month, we reflect on the importance of preparation, resilience, and the long journey toward victory. Many of the greatest moments in Black history did not happen overnight—they were the result of tireless preparation, sacrifice, and the determination to be ready when the moment came.
This week’s Reed’s Reads of Wisdom Wednesdays takes inspiration from Chapter 5: “Second Encounter” in S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, where Kevin Edwards (Angelo) and Juanita Grayson (Angeline) undergo intense physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual training to prepare for the battles ahead. Their experience mirrors the efforts of Black leaders and communities throughout history who trained, educated, and empowered themselves to overcome oppression, achieve justice, and claim their rightful place in history.
As we reflect on Kevin and Juanita’s journey, we will explore how preparation leads to transformation, why training is necessary before facing great battles, and how Black history is filled with examples of those who understood the importance of readiness before revolution.
Training for the Fight Ahead
In Second Encounter, Kevin and Juanita have spent three weeks training since their arrival in the Village of Memphis. They are still adjusting to the reality that they have been chosen by God to save a world overrun by demons. The training is not easy—Wiseman J pushes them beyond their limits, preparing them for the physical, mental, and spiritual battles they will soon face.
📖 Key Bible Verse on Preparation:"Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle." — Psalm 144:1 (NKJV)
Their rigorous preparation is a reminder that no great victory comes without intense training. In Black history, preparation was key to every major movement:
The Underground Railroad was successful because of careful planning and strategic networks.
The Civil Rights Movement relied on training sessions to prepare activists for peaceful protests, ensuring they were mentally and emotionally equipped for nonviolent resistance.
The Harlem Renaissance was not just an explosion of Black art, but a result of years of education, study, and intentional cultural expression.
Just as Kevin and Juanita train in every aspect of battle before facing their enemies, Black leaders throughout history prepared for their battles long before they stepped onto the battlefield.
The Role of Readiness in Black History
One of the greatest examples of preparation leading to transformation in Black history is Frederick Douglass. Before he escaped slavery, he educated himself—teaching himself to read and write in secret. His preparation not only helped him gain freedom but allowed him to become one of the most powerful voices for abolition.
Likewise, Martin Luther King Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders did not step into protests unprepared. They spent countless hours strategizing, training for nonviolent resistance, and ensuring they were mentally and emotionally ready for the opposition they would face.
In the same way, Kevin and Juanita do not rush into battle unprepared. They are trained to develop physical strength, sharpen their minds, and grow in their spiritual power because victory requires readiness.
📖 Key Bible Verse on Readiness:"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." — Ephesians 6:11 (NKJV)
Just as leaders like Douglass and King prepared before taking action, and Kevin and Juanita trained before fighting demons, we must also prepare for the battles we will face in life.
Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Conditioning
One of the most fascinating aspects of Second Encounter is that Wiseman J does not just train Kevin and Juanita physically—he strengthens them mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He knows that they must be completely prepared if they are to stand against the Demon Master’s army.
This type of holistic training is also evident in Black history:
The Black Church served as a spiritual training ground for resilience, shaping leaders who would go on to fight for justice.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) provided educational empowerment, equipping students with knowledge and confidence before they entered a world of systemic racism.
Athletes like Muhammad Ali understood that training was not just about the body—it was about discipline, mental strength, and the ability to stand firm against opposition.
In every major movement, those who were prepared in every aspect—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—were the ones who changed history.
📖 Key Bible Verse on Strength in Preparation:"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it." — 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)
Kevin and Juanita’s training represents the importance of total preparation, just as those who fought for Black liberation understood that victory was only possible through complete readiness.
Lessons from Second Encounter for Black History Month
1. Training is Essential Before Any Battle
Before fighting injustice, before launching a movement, before stepping onto a battlefield—preparation is key.
Kevin and Juanita could not defeat the Demon Master’s forces without training.
The Civil Rights Movement required extensive preparation to succeed.
Modern activists, leaders, and professionals must also equip themselves with knowledge, faith, and resilience before stepping into the fight for justice.
2. Readiness is a Sign of Strength
Strength is not just about physical ability—it is about being prepared in every way.
The Underground Railroad was effective because those involved were ready for every obstacle.
Harriet Tubman did not just free herself—she prepared herself to free hundreds of others.
Kevin and Juanita’s training is not for themselves alone—it is to save others from darkness.
3. We Must Continue to Prepare for the Future
Black history is filled with stories of resilience, but the fight is not over. We must continue to equip ourselves with knowledge, wisdom, and faith so that future generations can walk in greater freedom.
📖 Key Bible Verse on Preparation for the Future:"The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." — Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)
Final Thought: Are You Preparing for Your Purpose?
Kevin and Juanita’s journey in Second Encounter teaches us that preparation is never wasted. Every hardship, every lesson, every moment of training is for a greater purpose.
So, ask yourself:
What battles are you preparing for?
Are you training yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for what’s ahead?
How can you take inspiration from Black history and equip yourself for success?
📖 Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV)"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
🔥 Continue the Fight—Read More in S.O.L.A.D.™! 🔥
Want to learn more about Kevin and Juanita’s journey of preparation, faith, and battle?
📖 Order your autographed copy of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ today!🔗 www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop
🌟 Train for your purpose. Prepare for your calling. Step into your destiny. 🌟
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