A PEOPLE’S PROGRESS, PART 3 OF 3

America, we are not done yet. But we must prove this to ourselves.

Greetings,

Today’s message of hope is the last of a three-part blog on what the Black community (and anyone) can learn from Williams’ historical success story. Enjoy.

My People

Black people are biologically my people. I know us reasonably well because this is my culture. More importantly, I know that my people are exceptionally brilliant, and if left alone to develop their craft, they always exceed expectations. Am I right?

I can only imagine my people’s impact on history had it not been for racist or well-meaning governmental officials with controlling (covertly systemically racist) personalities. Had we, as a people, sustained an “overcoming” mentality, we, no doubt, would have seen more Williams (Paul Revere), Washingtons (Booker T.), and Walkers (Madame C.J.). 

Clarity on who we are and what we can do begins with a right relationship with God. Only God can give us the strength to conquer the giants in the land and our minds. 

“And cast down every argument “and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 

2 Corinthians 10:5

Success tip #1. We have to believe we can succeed even if no one else does.

Family and Faith and Social Justice

Besides acknowledging our greatness and the STOP, DROP, AND ROLL mentioned in the last post, we are a people of faith and family. 

The institutions of the family (love and belonging), education (purpose in skill), and faith (perseverance) are the stabilizers for success Williams needed and are appropriate for today. 

If only families and faith were a political agenda. Oh, wait, they are. But for far too long, people of faith have denied their political influence. We failed to stand up for biblical principles resulting in removing prayer from schools, legalized abortions, and a current government administration that cannot tell the difference between a man and a woman. Be mindful that this is not me telling anyone how to vote, but we Christians do need to vote.

While my people have been asleep, the powers-that-be have been working to destroy the nation. Not maliciously, I hope, but out of ignorance. And instead of fighting the good fight of faith, we have chosen to play the part of the Israelites in the battle against the Egyptians. When we should be following in the footsteps of the greatest revolutionary ever to live–Jesus Christ, the Messiah. “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.” ( John 5:46.)

Jesus told the Truth in love to anyone who would listen. You see, we have a crisis in this nation, and we have partnered to a great degree with a party that does not support our Christian values on protecting children in the womb. Statistics show that most Americans want some limitation on abortion, yet the Democrat party is ostracizing members of their party (white and Black) for having a pro-life view. I wonder if they are aware that the March for Life Anti-Abortion movement started by Democrat member, Nellie Gray, in response to the Roe v. Wade decision. 

Sadly, and even worse, I wrote a piece nearly a year ago highlighting that only two Black Democrat Representatives in the House were standing up for life. Only two Black Pro-Lifers. And my people are generally Christian people. Really? I found it an absurd statistic when Blacks are disproportionately affected by abortion–Black women have an abortion rate 3.9 times that of white women. If abortion were banned, the black birthrate would almost double, but instead, we are allowing our race to be erased. But we cannot have political representation when we do not vote.

Furthermore, when we allow pre-born children to be killed, we curse our land. But America is so far removed from biblical principles that they do not even know what they are doing. Like Jesus, we pray, “Father forgive them…” 

Christians of all races should educate themselves to participate in the political system and overturn anti-Christ agendas just as the abolitionists did during slavery. It was courageous abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and the Quakers who worked through the Republican Party to fight for their Christian beliefs. This was not the party’s original desire but God worked it out for good.

Like slavery, Christians have to fight for the 2500 lives lost by abortion each day. We must finds ways to support our most vulnerable population and the parents raising them, and we must speak absolute Truth to power, as Jesus did. He spoke first to the religious (but unrighteous) and then to those in government.  Jesus shook things up without compromise. (John 14:6)

Success tip #2. We must advance the mission of supporting families and returning to our faith in God, in our politics and practice.

Seek First

God created success, which looks like: a happy family, a purpose that leads to prosperity, and peace in this world. You won’t have anything close to this without God directing your steps. Neither will I. 

The good news is that most of us know Him. The bad news is that we are easily distracted by well-meaning, broken people who are profiting from our lack of knowledge and our history of pain. 

So, let’s repent and turn away from the world’s false message on success, riddled with a godless, identity-based, faithless mindset. 

Let us pull up the roots of bitterness from our past that enslave us even now. 

And let’s return to our faith and family values so we can train our children in the way they should live.

If we focus on God and trust what He has said, we will not be persuaded to follow people who are not following God. The Scriptures in Roman says, “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true, but every man is a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” (Romans 3:3-4.)

Success tip #3. We must rely on God because we cannot succeed without Him. 

My Why

I keep writing to my people because I love my people, and I hate the lies we are told. The proliferation of dangerous messaging aimed at our children perpetuates preconceived notions of defeat in the psyche and it limits their desire to thrive. It breaks my heart. 

If I could, I would embrace all of our children and whisper into their souls, “You have a brain that can learn science, math, and English and all the skills that will make you an outstanding citizen, as well as anyone else. You have computers at your fingertips that give you access to anything you want to study or become.  Do not believe you are an exception. You are exceptional–and your race and sexual gender have little to do with it. But you must prove it to yourself before convincing anyone else.”

I cannot touch them, so I write instead.

Whenever I can share something God has put on my heart, I know I am helping to set the captives free (from crippling ideas). Today, I shared several of my favorite Scriptures, but I encourage you to get into the Word of God for yourself. And before you do, make the confession so eloquently coined by Pastor John Osteen (Joel Osteen’s father): 

This is my Bible: I am what it says I am; I have what it says I have; I can do what it says I can do. Today, I will be taught the Word of God. I’ll boldly confess. My mind is alert; my heart is receptive; I will never be the same. In Jesus’ name. 

Amen. 

By now, I hope you realize that we are a people still on the road to progress. The statistics on our successes are not where they should be, but we are still moving forward as we reflect on what has worked best in the past. In time, if we remain focused on pleasing God, we will see a change for the better. 

You can count on me to share as much inspiration for our mental health and holistic success as possible because I believe in what God wants to do through us! Thank you for journeying with me, and have a blessed day. 

Yours in progress and love. Really,

Leah

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh but serve one another through love.”

Galatians 5:13 (CSB)