It was a sunny and unusually warm day in February. It was Black History Month and I thought it would be a perfect day to visit the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. For those unfamiliar with the museum, it provides an overview of the history and culture of African Americans in Maryland.
As I browsed through the exhibits, my spirit soared with such pride as I read about the impact African Americans had made on the city of Baltimore, the state and even the country. In spite of the struggles endured due to discrimination and segregation, African Americans never lost hope. They persevered. Although life was very difficult for the African Americans who passed before me, their blood, sweat and tears made life better for me and other people of color who came behind them.
I was struck by a museum plaque I saw that highlighted one of Frederick Douglass’s quotes; “We are one, our cause is one, and we must help each other; if we are to succeed.” I paused, and began to reflect on the current state of affairs in our country.
Frederick Douglas made this statement over 170 years ago, but his words still ring with relevance today. I don’t believe Mr. Douglass was just referring to African Americans, but to all of humanity. People of all races, colors, ethnicities, gender, religions, ages, and sexual orientation must pull together, support one another and fight together against the oppression aimed at robbing the rights and freedoms our forefathers fought and sacrificed so much to obtain.
My advice to those who hide behind religion and use God to condone the hate and fear being used today to discriminate against others, is to go back and read the “love in action” scriptures found in Romans 12:9-21. As we watch the peace and freedom that once existed in this ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’ quickly dissolve, you may want to give some thought to what this country will look like if governing continues down this path. If fear, terror and hate are allowed to become the driving force for change, then we all lose. God is love and the absence of God’s love leaves us subject to the removal of His favor and future punishment. Are you willing to risk that?
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
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