This month being “Black History Month,” I write this meditation not with the intent of giving a litany of events or quotes about America’s dark past. I will allow the bloodstains of history reveal America’s guilt and shame.
However, I do write to tell you that there is hope, that we can believe in.
Although I never felt the pressured water from fire hoses, nor felt the bite of a German Shepherd’s teeth, however witnessing same on TV, as the events where taking place, there is still hope that I can believe in.
Truth of the matter is as a young man, I discovered that nothing in life is free. The salvation that I so freely enjoy cost my Savior His life on Calvary. The right to vote cost thousands their blood, sweat and tears. Standing up for Justice cost Dr. Martin Luther King his life on a balcony in Memphis.
So, as I reflect, I have no choice but to thank God for people who paved the way like Dr. King who was willing to risk his life to combat social injustice and to enhance the welfare of others.
Although, I am able to enjoy and personally witness pieces of Dr. King’s dream to become a reality in life, I also realize that the 21st century continues to be a challenging time.
There is an old Negro spiritual, which says, “We shall overcome someday,” well I am waiting on that someday when my grandchildren, can go to school and not have to worry about whether another child is being taught to be a racist at home. When some of our politicians, no matter where or whom they represent, will be equally representative of all people and not discriminate because of the color of one’s skin. That discrimination whether in school, work place or social event may cease.
Yes, there is a song “we shall overcome someday,” but from the looks of things, so far it appears that we have overcome some hurdles only to be shackled by other obstacles.
Yes, water hoses and dogs may be a thing of the past, but the threats and intimidation of nooses still exists today.
Jim Crow Laws – no…separate and unequal, yes.
Segregation no in most places…but the have and the have not(s) – yes.
Racial profiling, crooked state district attorneys, politicians – yes.
But there is hope that we can believe in.
Jesse Jackson proclaims that we should keep this hope alive.
Barrack Obama likes to refer to it as the audacity of hope.
I challenge you to continue to hope, continue to stand-up for change and continue to do what is right.
Dr. King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man (I will change that to person) is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience but where they stand at times of challenge and controversy.”
He went on to say, “The true neighbor will risk their position, their prestige and even their life for the welfare of others.” Which simple means, don’t just dare to be different but live to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in someone else’s life.
So, the question that I have is…what are YOU going to do to make a difference in our community, the city and country? Your actions as well as your in-actions, will determine the course of future generations.
Christ did not set us free to become an island but to become a community.
Not to disassociate ourselves from others but to build up one another in love. Not to tear down social barriers just so we can be left alone but to tear them down, so we could show people the Light of the World. Show them what true freedom looks like.
This hope happens when you…
Decide to help somebody rise from despair on the wings of hope by putting a little love in your heart.
This is a hope that we can believe in.
This hope happens when you decide to make a difference in our communities, our neighborhood, our cities, state and country, when we put down hatred and pick up love. Respecting the dignity of every human being, regardless of race, ethnicity or social background.
This is hope that we can believe in.
