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February is Black History Month. A gift of kindness for our dear siblings who are black is to continue educating yourself and your congregation about racial justice issues.
Last week I happened to dine at the Pecan Town Books and Brews in Seguin. I noticed a nationally bestselling author and award-winning journalist, ReShonda Tate was present to promote her book, "The Queen of Sugar Hill". The book tells the story of Hattie McDaniel, the first Black person to every win an Academy Award, for her role in Gone with the Wind. Tate depicts the life of this trailblazer and the extraordinary circumstances she overcame.
During lunch we were talking about expanding our reading habits, so at the end of lunch I thought, why not buy this book, especially during Black History Month.
Now half way through the book, I am empathizing with Hattie's dream to become an actress. Her Oscar proved to the world that she could act, yet I continued to feel her struggle because people couldn't see her talent, seeing only the color of her skin.
Reading about her life made me sad that in so many ways she wasn't considered part of the human race. And now, nearly 85 years later, we continue to exclude.
Hattie's story is the same as the woman at the well, or the children who were excluded, and many more. Jesus welcomed and loved all people. "A new command I give you, Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13: 34-35.
This is something we in the church need to shout everyday! We need to be reminded to love and welcome all. Continue to educate yourself and your congregation on ways to carry God's love to all the world.
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