I’m a history nerd, especially regarding the history of African Americans and not only am I a history nerd, so is my husband – needless to say, our daughter learned: Black history was to be studied 365/366 days of the year; that the history of her people was not limited to the 6 or 7 people highlighted during the month of February and history is still being made so why not by her. Not only do I believe in studying history; I believe in applying the lessons of history. History teaches me that people cried, fought, bled and died for the privileges I enjoy; I apply the lessons of history by being wise in my enjoyment and helping others to be able to participate in those privileges. My spirit-woman understands the application of my spiritual history is forged together with my ancestral heritage. The same One who spoke to my ancestors, speaks to me and the same One who provided for them during times when unspeakable atrocity was an everyday occurrence, provides for me when I face an increasingly hostile climate. We can apply the lessons of history by following the principles of the ancestors; by telling our children our story (Exodus 13:14 and Psalm 78:4); by building (and rebuilding) our communities and by caring for the marginalized and disenfranchised (James 1:27, Hebrews 13:2, Zechariah 7:10 and Deuteronomy 27:19). A community is only as strong as her citizens; history forgotten is history that will be repeated and, quite frankly, I refuse to be the weak link in our chain. What about you? How are you applying the lessons of history? Rev. Antoinette
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AuthorRev. Antoinette Gatewood-Sykes, Inspirational Speaker Archives
May 2019
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