The Legacy of our Brothers and Sisters

President Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

I lived during the era of despicable racism and marginalization against Black Americans. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “dream” has not entirely come to pass but today I am grateful for the progress that has been made to right the wrongs and show gratitude for the contributions and legacy of African Americans whose sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.

My devotion from the app, Lectio 365, celebrated Coretta Scott King (Martin Luther King’s wife) on Monday, January 30th, 2006 – the date she died. Coretta was a true hero of faith and the First Lady of the American Civil Rights Movement. She and her husband were extraordinary examples of fearless heroes of justice.

I love how Holy Spirit nudges me to pay attention to details. After that devotion, while eating lunch, I turned on the TV and “The View” had several spokespersons discussing the upcoming Super Bowl after the day before’s NFC and AFC playoff games.

When Super Bowl LVII kicks off in Arizona on February 12th, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts will make history. For the first time ever, two Black starting quarterbacks will play against each other in the championship.

It was especially inspiring when the show played the video of Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills, making his first public comments after the cardiac arrest he suffered at the Bills game on January 2nd. Damar said that he was waiting until he was mentally, physically, and spiritually ready to speak out.

He expressed appreciation for the love and support of everyone and thanked God because he knew that it was a direct example of God using him as a vessel to share His love and passion with the whole world.

I applaud all the efforts that have gone forth to rectify the horrors of racism and marginalization. It is up to this generation to operate in the Fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is time we speak up more about respect, honor, and dignity for all mankind.

The issues have been uncovered and the kindness and love-others issues should cause each of us to do a self-analysis. We can no longer close our eyes and hope that everything’s gonna’ be alright. We can’t just let others “fight the good fight” or to offer a mediocre prayer. It’s about all of us speaking up and out about daily choices.

We can resist the ugliness of disenfranchising others. Period. We must treat all God’s children as the absolute priceless treasures that they are by speaking up and out for them. Enough is enough. We can be Good Samaritans. We can be good neighbors. We can be the peacemaker during family disagreements. We can walk away from a group that is telling inappropriate jokes and stories.

Violence in movies, videogames, and tv shows we watch, the music we listen to, and the sensitive or insensitive conversations we have with others all determine which side of the camp we’ll be on. Peace or anger. Love or hate.

When the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:7-9 about “this treasure in earthen vessels”, he is telling the church in Corinth that their value and their strength is found within because of the presence of the living God in them.”

And that is what we should take to the bank. God Almighty lives and dwells within each of His children. Shouldn’t we treat each other like brothers and sisters in the Family of God?

Lord, please forgive us. Please forgive me for my lack of concern, my lack of compassion, my lack of speaking up for my fellow man and woman. Tenderize my heart to be as loving, caring, and tender-hearted as Your heart. We pray for a uniting of our hearts as Your children – as brothers and sisters in the Family of God.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14