Black History is American History
Luke 9:23-26 states, “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
So, as I mediated on this scripture and how it pertained to Black History Month, this thought was downloaded into my spirit: Black History Month is another opportunity for us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. Really? In what way?
Deny Ourselves-Part 1
Deny the hurt, anger, and disappointment that threatens to overwhelm you when it seems like no one cares or understands your plight as an American citizen. Do not lash out on social media or create a hostile work environment. (I remember being extremely angry with a few co-workers over their feelings toward Black History Month, but I had a lot to learn myself.) As I always say, this is not race specific. Your brothers and sisters’ feelings and point of views matter. Can we answer questions without getting an attitude? Can we discuss the past without being critical? Can we discuss the past without an agenda? Can we discuss the past without intentionally trying to make someone feel bad about the sins of the past? Can we discuss the past without making excuses and trying to uphold shameful behavior? Who cares if slavery was about advancing the economy? Can you acknowledge the fact that owning another person, separating families, selling children, raping women, forcing them to nurse other babies, selling off their loved ones, and lynching their men when they stepped out of line was wrong? Would it be possible for us to agree about that? Oh, I’m sorry. There’s that anger again. Help me, Lord.
Well, I am led to believe that’s exactly what he did. He helped us when he gave us living examples of people who denied themselves. Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery, and she denied herself time and time again when she risked her life to free other slaves. Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery, and he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in New York and Massachusetts. He denied himself to free others. Levi Coffin and his wife Catherine were American Quackers who denied themselves and risked their lives to help fugitive slaves. They didn’t have to do it, but there was a call on their lives. A call to love. A call to save. A call to put someone else’s needs before their own. So, when we deny ourselves, what do we do next?
Oh, that’s right! It’s time to take up our cross! Think about it. Then, go to the father and pray about it.
#Soul Searching Black History Edition#
