Pre-Civil War slavery

     I’ve been having a hard time deciding what to write about.  I sent a response to a gifted writer earlier who told of her experiences with racism (Nylse Esahc).  I’m also in the middle of reading a book about the 12 generations of African-American slavery and the subsequent caste that was created to uphold it.  The author of the book has masterfully researched our American history and why we still suffer from the creation and hold of this caste.  Her book is called “Caste The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson.  I decided that this is what is uppermost in my heart and mind, especially as our country yearns for justice!
 

“”The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”  – ‭‭Zephaniah‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭NASB‬‬

     I couldn’t help picking out this verse from scripture.  Our pastor has been reminding us of Ephesians 6:10-17.  We are to put on the armor of God!  He is our help and our sovereign Lord.  So many thoughts race through my mind As I read “Caste”.  Thoughts of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.  I think one of the most tragic events during slavery, and there were too many to count, was the denial of faith.  And those blessed souls who somehow managed to gain knowledge and believed, could have it used against them… at the cost of their life.  The slave was to be kept ignorant which kept them in the “lesser” state.  Oh how my heart has agonized for human beings, convicted by color, from not all that long ago.  How unGodly of men and women to form a more perfect union, using race as a basis for judgement.  And, not just any judgement, but extremely harsh, and cruel, and depraved judgement!  Thomas Jefferson noted that the act of slavery had an effect on the morals and manners of slaveholders.  He once wrote, “I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.”  Indeed.  It is God’s judgement that will reign.  Not mans.
 

“Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?” – ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2:22‬ ‭NASB‬‬

 
     So, what to do?  You can do this; love your neighbor as yourself.  Love your enemies.  Do good to those who hurt you.  Spread the gospel message.  Stay out of hateful disputes but seek justice.  Don’t be silent!  Forgive… everyone.  Being in a caste means wearing blinders.  Take them off.  Get to know the other side.  Step into uncomfortable and find the common good.  Look at the persons eyes!  Even in masks we have eyes!  Look beyond outer shells, cause that’s all they are.  Seek knowledge from scripture as our Lord is impartial.  There you will find truth and wisdom.  Shed and help shred the caste of racism.  Be a part of the good and the growth toward true freedom.  Lastly, put your trust in God alone.  In Jesus name, amen.
 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” – ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-17‬ ‭NASB‬‬