Celebrating Our Legacy Of.....Faith

Faith

As we conclude the topical discussion on the legacy of African Americans and the characteristics that have contributed to the advancement of civil rights, equality, and our way of life, let us discuss the final characteristic that brings the previous ones into motion. Perseverance, Unity, and Resiliency were key components that contributed to the vision at hand. The final characteristic that holds all three of the previous traits together is Faith.

Faith can be defined as having confidence and trust in the Lord and His word without seeing the immediate evidence, but with patient endurance, relying on the timing of the Almighty with thanksgiving. It was their faith in Christ that allowed our people to persevere through the intimidation that stood before them when they pursued their civil rights. It was their faith in Christ that brought about unity to stand together as a community to boycott public transportation. It was their faith in Christ that spurred up resiliency to continue with persistence when they suffered setbacks and disappointments. Without faith, the impossible remains impossible, but with faith in Christ, anything is possible. Our journey, indeed, is a continuous one, but when we employ faith in Christ along with perseverance, unity among ourselves, and resiliency, we can rise above the ashes and prove God's word when He says that He will never leave nor forsake us.

When I think on these things, it fills me with a deep appreciation for what our previous generations have sacrificed on our behalf so we may enjoy those things that were not afforded to them. But an even greater appreciation is due to our savior Jesus for enduring the cross so that we won't experience the separation from God the Father. He took on that pain and suffering so that we will not have to. So let us be proud of our heritage and continue on to accomplish the dream that was set before us by our ancestors and by God.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages faith:

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

~ Toni H.

Celebrating Our Legacy of .....Resiliency

 

Resiliency

Thus far, we have been reviewing the characteristics that have contributed to the legacy of our people who have and still endure struggles and hardships. The next focal point is the trait of resiliency.

Resiliency can be defined as the ability to recover readily from depression and/or adversity. It is also the ability to return to the original form after being bent and compressed. It is often mentioned that the difference between a winner and the person who gives up is the ability to try again after being knocked down and defeated. Our history is filled with these moments. How do you respond when the constitution of the land is against you? How do you respond when quality education is not an option? How do you respond when you are denied civil rights and respect? Our people responded by not giving up!! We challenged the law of the land, we marched on Washington, we staged boycotts, and we continue to cut the red tape regarding quality education. Yes, we have and still experience setbacks as a result of our quest for equality, but the resiliency that has been embedded in us will not allow us to lie down; our people have used it as fuel to drive the cause with more force.

We must continue to carry the torch and remain resilient as a culture and as individuals. Generations to come must have examples to model just as we have the generations before us to look to. Our ultimate example is Christ himself. He was persecuted, scorned, and treated unjustly, but His love for us caused Him to become resilient toward the pain he endured because He looked toward the ultimate goal of our reconciliation with God. We must never give up, but carry on the fight so we can pass the torch to the next generation.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages resiliency:

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:35,37).

 

~Toni H.



Celebrating Our Legacy Of...... Unity

 

Unity 

As we continue to reflect on the accomplishments and endurance of our people, let us look further into the characteristics that have shaped the character and attitudes of their ideals. Another characteristic that has transcended through time is Unity.  

 

Unity can be defined as the absence of diversity; oneness of mind; as well as harmony and agreement. During the times of slavery, unity was the glue that held together the operation of the underground railroad. During the civil rights movement, unity allowed for successful boycotts against public transportation. Unity within our culture has the ability to strengthen our communities, establish a unified effort to overcome institutional prejudices, and allows our people to provide a corporate response to break down adversity.

 

However, during recent years, there has been a breakdown of unity within our race that greatly differs from that of the civil rights era. Selfish ambitions have ran rampant, and looking out for our fellow brothers and sisters has become an "old school" mentality.

 

Because of this gap between then and now, I want to pose two questions. First, what is your opinion to why there is a decline within our race regarding unity? Second, what are some ways in which we can continue on the course of equality, in all respects of life? While you ponder on your thoughts, consider this scripture which encourages unity:

 

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought".(1 Corinthians 1:10)

 

 ~Toni H. 

Celebrating Our Legacy Of.....Perseverance

 

Perseverance

As we reflect on the obstacles, setbacks, tragedies and accomplishments of our people, past and present, there are several common characteristics that they exhibited to maintain their focus on the reality of bringing to life their ideals and principles. One such characteristic is Perseverance.

Perseverance can be defined as maintaining a steady and persistent course of action in spite of seen and unforeseen difficulties. Persecution, legal segregation, and rampant injustice are just a few of the hurdles that African Americans transcended on our plight to equality in a society that deemed equivalent to an animal. In spite of these dire circumstances, God prepared and ordained several powerful people, who accepted the task with pride, to bring about justice for our people. Perseverance became a rooted quality among these individuals that allowed them to stand, speak, and conquer all odds when it seemed as if the entire world was against them. Because of their ability to not become intimidated or discouraged, we are able to reap the harvest of equality cultivated by their blood, sweat and tears.  

When I think on these things, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that the Spirit of the Lord was upon them and within them. I think of how Christ persevered when He carried His own cross all the way to Calvary, despising the shame and insults. He never thought of Himself, but of those that He loved, us! His Spirit was indeed with our ancestors and is currently with us. We should be honoured that we are part of the family of Christ, as well as a legacy of people who persevered through tremendous hardships to accomplish a brighter future for generations to come.

Meditate on this scripture that encourages perseverance:

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed!! (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

~Toni H.