February has been designated Black History month here in the United States. The history of black people in America has been a tough one on all fronts. Even as I write those words it seems so understated that it is insulting. A blog like this begins on thin ice. The racial history of blacks in America seems to put every one's teeth on edge. It is one of shame and degradation. I watch black and white footage on the history channel and I cringe. How could anyone think any of that was OK? I have watched enough and read enough to make me experience a wide range of emotions. I have gone from shock to shame to sadness to outrage and finally to awe. Suffering is a wild card in the human condition. Pain can move into a person and make them brittle so their whole being seems fragile to the touch. It can make others as hard as stone or prickly like a cactus so no one can ever get close. But profound suffering can also make someone soft and deep and strong. I have seen it and have felt it. My friend Marshall Brandon is soft and deep and strong. Marshall is a black man and the closest black friend I have ever had. We have talked enough of his life that I know a little of the pain he has endured. Much of that pain was caused by people with my skin color and it was caused simply because of the difference in shade between him and them. The pain that bounced around in my friend's life could have done all kinds of things to him. Instead of making him bitter or brittle it has made him as much like Jesus as anyone I know. I know there are other races that have suffered. I have American Indian blood in my veins. But African Americans suffered deep and long. The fact that they are not all bitter and brittle is amazing to me. I celebrate Black History month because all around me are people who have suffered and their suffering has made them deep and strong. If you are white I would encourage you to spend this month praying that the pain that has bounced around in the black race for 400 years here in America would continue to make your neighbors strong and soft and deep. Pray for them. Pray for yourself. Pray for forgiveness as a country. Pray for redemption of a race. Pray for a friend like mine where you can see it up close and then thank our Savior who suffered and by his stripes provided healing for us all.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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11 comments:
God does not see color.
He created everyone just the way he chose for them to be from before the womb. It has to insult our God when even one of his creation is thought of or treated other than one of his own. It comes down to the heart doesn't it? Really, if we just know about Jesus and read about Jesus and walk away not having a true relationship with him are we Christ followers? People are exposed for what is in their hearts first before the living God then before those they come in contact with daily including those in their own homes and what is taught to their children. Out of ones mouth comes what is deep in their heart. It can not be masked or hidden. Honor the Creator see as he sees and love as he loves.
Amen to the last comment.
I feel very blessed that my earthly father taught me love and acceptance of all people all through my childhood. I love how Christ demonstrated that while He was here on earth.
And I love Pastor Brandon! His sermon this past Sunday was encouraging and filled with the Holy Spirit. I appreciate his heart and passion for the Lord.
We are blessed to have him here at HCC.
I was fortunate to grow up with a diverse group of friends - me, the Southern Baptist white girl; Cheryl, an evangelical black girl; Julie, a Jewish girl; and MeiKu, a Korean boy. We visited each other's churches and synagogue - went to VBS, revivals, services at the synagogue and assorted outreach events. As an adult, I've been fortunate to teach in the inner city, where disparity in the educational setting is still very much apparent. Does it matter to me the color of my students' skins - absolutely not! Does it matter that all students have equal access to excellent teaching - definitely! I'm grateful that the Lord blessed me with an upbringing that led to a loving heart.
A beautiful post.
Am looking forward to hearing Dr. John Perkins in March. My prayer is that HCC will be well represented, so we may all learn from this godly man who with grace, love and courage has been fighting against racism and for a coming together of the races in a meaningful way for so long.
Here is the history of Black History Month:
What we now call Black History Month originated in 1926, founded by Carter G Woodson as Negro History Week. The month of February was selected in deference to Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln who were both born in that month.
The son of a slave, Carter G Woodson was born in New Canton, Virginia on December 19, 1875. He began high school at the age of 20 and then proceeded to study at Berea College, the University of Chicago, the Sorbonne, and Harvard University, where he earned a Ph.D. in 1912.
Carter G Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 to train Black historians and to collect, preserve, and publish documents on Black life and Black people. He also founded the Journal of Negro History (1916), Associated Publishers (1922), and the Negro Bulletin (1937). Woodson spent his life working to educate all people about the vast contributions made by Black men and women throughout history. Mr. Woodson died on April 3, 1950 and Black History Month is his legacy.
Written by Mary Bellis
New here,
I'm just browsing sites for the children of Haiti.
I'm doing this for a non-profit haiti organization that devotes themselves to
building oppurtunities for the kids in haiti. If anyone here wants to donate then then please do so here:
[url=http://universallearningcentre.org]Donate to Haiti[/url] or Help Haiti
They provide children in Haiti a positive learning environment.
Yes, they are legitimate.
Anything would be appreciated
The race of African American people want Haiti to know that we have not forgotten them. They are part of our Black History. (The media coverage is now to BET as others networks have move to the next most newsworthy item I am blessed to know there are people in HCC who appreciated my culture and me as a person with strong opinions, deep convictions, and a heart for God.
I'm not so sure that "God does not see color." In fact, I think it was part of His plan from the beginning for there to be immense diversity. When the people were disobeying God's command to fill the earth and started building the tower of Babel, He intervened because (for one reason, at least) they were supposed to be going out and diversifying. The people were disobeying His command. One way God's glory is best displayed is when people of diverse backgrounds come together in unity; without each other we are dysfunctional.
When I'm talking to a male friend, I wouldn't say something like, "You know, John, I don't even see you as a male. You're just like one of us!" Likewise, we shouldn't say things like "Shawn, I don't even see you as a black person. You're just like one of us." That's insulting, and the fact of the matter is that Shawn is an African-American and it's a beautiful thing. Being a black man is part of his identity, and we can rejoice in that fact. My point is, I'm not so sure that we should be quick to say that "God does not see color."
Amen to the first and second posts. There will be NO discussion of these things in heanev. Why? Because the focus will be on the Lamb Who was slain. All this stuff is still focused on man. And I hate when the church succumbs to stuff created by man.
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