Rev. Dr. Clinton Lewis

BAC '15

“Stay Focused: Fix Your Eyes on the Finish”

Key Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV) – “Let us throw off everything that hinders… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”

In a world full of distractions—pressure, pain, pride, and people pulling in different directions—focus is under attack. For Black men especially, the weight of responsibility, expectations, andobstacles can cloud vision and divide attention. But God never called you to be scattered—Hecalled you to be steadfast.

Focus is not just about what you see—it’s about what you set your soul on.

Focus Requires Clearing (Let It Go)

Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easilyentangles…

”Before you can focus forward, you’ve got to clear what’s behind and around you.

Some weights aren’t sins—but they’re still slowing you down. Old habits, toxic relationships,negative thinking—those things can cloud your concentration.

A runner in a race doesn’t carry a backpack full of bricks. Why? Because even if it’s not illegal,it’s impractical. You can’t run your race weighed down by what God told you to release.

So, I encourage you to cut the clutter, drop the distractions, and lose the luggage.

Focus Requires Commitment (Stay in Your Lane)

1 Corinthians 9:24–26 – “…Run in such a way as to get the prize… I do not run like someonerunning aimlessly…”

Focus demands discipline. You can’t chase everything and expect to catch anything. Stay in your lane—comparison kills concentration. Discipline your time, your thoughts, your energy.

Think about a quarterback—he can’t focus on the crowd, the commentators, or even thedefenders too long. His eyes must lock in on the target. One moment of distraction can cost thegame.

Therefore brothers, lock in! Be disciplined in direction, consistent in commitment, persistent inyour pursuits.

Focus Requires Christ (Fix Your Eyes on Him)

Hebrews 12:2 – “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”

Your focus must have a foundation—and that foundation is Jesus. When life gets blurry, Christbrings clarity. When distractions increase, devotion must intensify.

Peter walked on water in Matthew 14—but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus and looked atthe wind, he began to sink. The issue wasn’t the storm—it was the shift in focus. Therefore,focus on the Savior, fix your sight on the Son, and follow with faith, not fear.

Focus Requires Consistency (Don’t Quit Mid-Race)

Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good…”

Brothers, staying focused isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily discipline. There will be days you feel tired, tested, and tempted. But focus says: “I’m not quitting—I’m continuing.”

For example, a man building a house doesn’t stop halfway and expect shelter. Consistency completes what focus starts.

Focus is not about perfection—it’s about direction. 

God isn’t asking you to have it all figured out—He’s asking you to keep your eyes fixed on Him.

You may be surrounded by distractions, but you are called to a divine destination. Stay focused, brothers….Not on the noise—but on the Name above every name.

Not on the pressure—but on the purpose. Not on the problem—but on the Promise. 

Because when your focus is right, your future will follow.

The Brentwood Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc in line with our Senior Kappa initiative is: To recruit, reclaim, and retain members of the Fraternity who are 60 years. of age and older as active, contributing , fully financial brothers, to encourage implementation of that will facilitate their involvement that will-being! 

We also encourage our local chapter committees to involve themselves in community service initiatives that are geared toward senior citizens in their respective service area! Senior Brothers! Nupes, we welcome you to get involved and help promote the ideals of our Noble Klan! 

In 2026 "Good Brothers" know that you can become involved and come back home to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Brentwood Alumni - The National Award Winning  Brentwood Alumni Chapter is a great place to start! 

Look forward to Konnecting Senior Kappa Brothers! 

Yo! Yo!

Brother Ronald "Five O" Ruffin

Delta Pi

Brother Ryan D. Mire, MD

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! 

This month is an opportunity time to shed light on the often-overlooked struggles within our communities and specifically for Black men.  

Mental health is a topic that has long beensilenced by cultural stigma, systemic barriers, and generational trauma.  

However, awareness is a powerful first step toward healing. Mental health awareness can empower Black men to name what they feel—stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma—without shame.  

Awareness creates space for vulnerability in a culture where strength is too often equated with silence. When we recognize that asking for help is nota weakness, but a courageous act of self-care, we begin to shift the narrative not only for ourselves, but for our families and the next generation that are watching us.

Mental health resources are not only available for emotional crisis, but can offer tools to navigate daily stressors—from the weathering of racism and discrimination to financial andfamily pressures.  Increased awareness also allows us to broaden our support networks and peer conversations, which may assist to prevent a mental health crisis.

By breaking the stigma and promoting mental well-being, we can help reduce preventable crises like substance abuse, violence, or suicide, which disproportionately affect Black men and our community at large.  

Awareness isn't just about treatment; it's about prevention,community support, and holistic health. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, my call to action is to break the silence and uplift the voices of Black men, seek assistance if in need, encourage open dialogue with one another, and check-in with those who you may assume are “strong.”  

Brentwood will continue to upliftawareness of mental health in our community in honor of Brother Clyde Poag who was passionate about mental health.