Antonio Neal
Songs of the Father
RM Reynolds

God has a sense of humor. Theres a hearty laugh when his children enact life plans that are contrary to His will. The purpose of each breathing individual was designed before the time in which entry to the world was designated. The course in fulfilling the predetermine destiny may involve varies routes and sometimes harsh realities to gauge the appropriate direction for those individuals who are steadfast on their plans and not Gods.

Oblivious to the significance of his love for music that often propelled him to break the rules of his strict religious childhood by sneaking to listen to the quiet storm, Antonio Neals father had to force him to sing with his brothers and sisters in church (not to the Joe Jackson extent). The average person wouldve taken the hint that music was their purpose in life if they often risked becoming friendly with the belt to hear the sounds of The OJays, Al Green, The Isley Brothers, and Debarge. But not young Antonio Neal, his love for music was overshadowed by a stronger, more in depth love for sports and of coursegirls.

I was the kid walking down the street with a basketball and backpack. The kid youd see on the bus with a basketball, the kid watching tapes of Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley if you came to my house. says Antonio Neal. Totally engulfed in sport s on the collegiate level, not making it his career wasnt a concern or a question for Antonio who parlayed his basketball talent into a full athletic scholarship-what other confirmation did he need? His life was centered on the sport he loved. Even humble at that stage in his life, Antonio suggest that although he may have not had the skill to perform in the NBA, he was certain that he was going to be able to provide for his family by playing overseas.

God allows us to enjoy the other talents that he blesses us with for a season, but when the time arises for the superior talent to take its place at the forefront of our lives, He expects us to submit from subtle urges of un-fulfillment and/or vivid revelations. As like others have done, Antonio Neal had discovered total fulfillment and was wholeheartedly invested in one of his other talents. As the saying goes, there is always a warning before the storm.

On a break for school, Antonios mother practically had to beg him to attend church with her. He had a reason not to want to attend. It wasnt due to the routine of church; it had more to do with the Man of God, the Prophet who was going to be there. Unbeknownst to Antonio, the inner most workings of him couldve possibly sense what was about to be said thus causing a natural response of hesitation, but this is just a thought. According to Antonio, he was concerned that the Man of God was going to expose his unrighteous college life. The Prophet walked up to me without saying hello and told me that my influence, resources, and wealth were not coming through basketball, says Antonio. Antonio rationalized the 64.5 of height and the 35ft vertical God had given him-basketball had to be the answer. I dont like this man, Antonio laughs after remembering his first thoughts of the Prophets words.
To read more about this article, purchase the February 2008 Issue.