I have benefited tremendously from the sacrifices of this nation’s African American brothers and sisters of the past. More recently I point to my father and mother who were phenomenal role models on how to persevere and how to love God.
My dad was bi-vocational both pastoring a church and working in a foundry. Mom was both a hardworking mother of six and worked as what is not called a CNA. Both of my parents went back to school after raising us perusing advanced studies in both college and seminary. Dad is deceased and mom is still busy working in her church, serving in ecumenical settings and participating in a program supporting families of incarcerated people.
The kindness, trust and love implanted in the African American DNA has always been a blessing and curse. We as a people have never been able to spew hatred and evil. Thank God for that. This month is a wonderful opportunity to honor the faith filled actions of our fore parents.
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
—Dr. Mae Jemison, first African-American female astronaut
Dr. Jemison says it all. Because of the hard work and determination of our forerunners we have limit less opportunity for self-actualization. When I worked in a supermarket, we had a slogan “Doing does it.” That sentiment rings true for me. What was done for us enables our doing. Our doing provides tracks for those who follow us to stride through to a bright and productive future.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
AMEN
JCT