“Looking Back”
As we look back upon our past, it is imperative that we never lose sight of how far we have come thus far. As African Americans, we can truly say that our heritage has roots deep within the scriptures. From the cotton fields to the factories, we have relied upon God to get us through our oppression and obstacles in life. Jesus said Luke 9:62 "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Our Lord was not warning us to avoid cherishing the memories and accomplishments of the past. Jesus was warning the believer that we are to look forward in faith, not to turn back to the way of the world.
African Americans have a rich history that is deeply rooted in an unwavering faith that trusts in God. In spite of neglect, oppression, and injustice, our fore fathers believed that the “Lord would make a way somehow.” It took tenacity, spiritual strength, and great faith in God to endure the hardships. Our heritage is one that we can be proud of in every sense of the way. African Americans have been champions in all walks of life that can be related to a determination to succeed and excel as God’s children.
Our legacy is one that this country can be proud of because of the tremendous contributions of African Americans to society as we know it today. “Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod” and still our God is able to deliver.
Although freedom may not ring as loud as it should in our country today, we still have a history that will bless for generations to come. As parents, my wife and I take the time to teach and remind our children of God’s great grace. We constantly remind them that in looking back, we understand that it was the Lord who brought us through as a people. I encourage you to do the same. Take the time to look back for gleaning and gathering the riches of our great heritage. The church is in the most unique position relative to our heritage because God has always been with us.
The church played a prominent role in our history. The meeting place where information was dispensed; the gathering place where hope and encouragement could be shared; the mourning place where we could take all of our troubles to the Lord, and the worship place where we could go and praise our God for He has done great things for us. The church, the cornerstone and the glue of the African American community of yesterday and today, where great minds were touched and shaped through the power of God’s residency in His church. Take the time to look back into our heritage and rediscover the power of God unto us who believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
In Him,
Fredrick E. Brabson Sr, Pastor