Pastor's Column 2/5/2023

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it on your shoulder – twelve stones in all. One for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We will use the stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, “What do these stones mean?” Then you can tell them, “They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across. These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”

Joshua 4:5b-7 NLT

“May Our History Forever, Stand!”

Dr. Thurman told the story of a man he met many years ago who walked along the sidewalk in front of the historic Massachusetts State House, every day, regardless of weather, carrying a sign for a cause he believed in deeply. Thurman noticed on any day bystanders and motorists driving by would heckle and berate the little man. They would even shout profanities, because they disagreed with his cause. Most people however, ignored him, as he walked along steadfastly griping his sign. One day Dr. Thurman happened to stop and told the man how awful he felt the gentleman was being treated. He assured the man; he understood his cause. Realizing the man had experienced a recent brush by a violent attacker, Thurman then asked the gentleman, “Aren’t you afraid?” “Will you still continue?” The man simply said, “Oh, yes, of course. Sir, if I stop what I am doing, I may forget the purpose and importance of my cause.” The tragedy of any people or cause is not to know; nor defend its purpose. Black History is akin to the large stones the tribes of Israel placed in the shallow bed of the Jordan River. Our history is a living, perpetual part of who we are; our greatness and struggle on these shores. It is not separate from, but avital part of American history. Indeed, it is the only part of American history that is worthy of redemption! Sons and daughters of the African diaspora have saved America. This remarkable history cannot be cancelled, revoked or wiped from the pages of American history. We unapologetically refuse to let America silence the truth!