ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY- Is Black History Month a positive or negative thing?
Hello, first please note that I cannot and will not speak for ALL Black people. That is impossible. I can only offer opinions and thoughts from MY perspective. The purpose of this post is not to offend anyone but offer a different perspective.
Second, the short answer to the question, in my opinion, is BOTH. Let me explain.
I understand and greatly appreciate the need to celebrate and offer positive insights regarding different races. Because of horrific racism, injustices, and even judgments in the name of God that have put the mark of Cain on our society due to the way someone looks or their physical features, we desire to say, “Yes, we as a race have meaning and contribute to this society and world!” As Blacks, Asians, Latins, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and other races and nations we did not choose to be born into that race or culture. Yet, often because of our appearance, we are judged, hated, and abused. So we now have a month celebrating different races to celebrate who we are.
In my hometown, which is as North as you can get before hitting Canada, I have experienced great judgment and racism due to the color of my skin. I have walked into stores and had managers refuse to wait on me. I have been called an “N” (you know what word I mean) more times than I can count. I have been told inside churches that I’ve attended and ministered in that, “I am too ethnic to keep directing the choir” and told, “We want you to do that Black thing you people do!” Yep, I get it.
Although it is 2023, as humans, we still want to find something in others to make us feel better about our ourselves. Remember, we always hate what we fear! Racism and hypocrisy are NEVER about the subject being punished. It is about the inadequacies, weaknesses, and insecurities of the one offering judgment.
Yes, it is a positive thing to acknowledge the contributions and history that are often overlooked by different races. Absolutely!
However, to me, there is also something negative about having a separate month for different races. What happens after Black History month (which is the shortest month of the year) ends in February? What happens after Latin Heritage month ends in September? It seems as though we go back to believing and having the same issues that we had before the dedicated month started.
To me, having separate months keeps us separated. Instead of focusing on a different race for a period of time, I would rather see every race celebrated all year long. God created every race intentionally. He intentionally had groups look different, not for any of us to judge or look down on but to embrace and celebrate as a beautiful creation of His hand. If God intentionally created us to look different, why are we as mere humans tripping over our differences? Again, the issue is not that we look different or come from different nations. The issue is our insecurities and lack of worth in finding our identity in Him alone instead of needing to put someone else down to feel better about ourselves.
When we believe our race, what politically party we are, how much money we have, or where we came from makes us superior, it shows our lack of worth. It is about us, not the subject we are offending.
So to conclude, for me, I would prefer not to have Black History Month or separate months celebrating each race and culture. I would much prefer every day to celebrate the differences, beauty, and contributions of Blacks, Latins, Jewish, Asians, and other races and nations.
Think about it. In heavens, there is not going to be a white section, black section, Asian section, etc. Heaven, from what the bible describes will be a celebration of His perfect creations (all races, creeds, and colors). Earth is certainly not our home for those who are true Christians. However, maybe it’s time to get over ourselves and get used to loving and celebrating others. Cause in heaven, we will be doing it for an eternity.
Be Encouraged! You are important and have great meaning and purpose regardless of the junk and issues of others. Don’t allow your worth to be determined by someone who is just as jacked up as you and I are.
Just saying!
You can do this!
Charlotte
Dream Madly, Pursue Wildly, Trust Completely tm
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