During the month of March, Pastors Heather, BJ, and I will be preaching on the theme of “Being Human.” There’s an old saying that says, “To err is human. To forgive is divine.” As I write this pastoral message, I must admit that last month, our collective failure to acknowledge Black History Month in the newsletter was an oversight. Yet, once our omission was discovered, initially, I decided that the omission was okay. However, as the month progressed, I felt ashamed that as a Black woman and descendant of African people, I did not ensure that we acknowledged and celebrated the historical and present-day accomplishments and contributions that my siblings of African descent who were formerly enslaved, died for.
You may ask, why was I initially okay with the omission? And my answer is simple and succinct, Black history is American history! I am offended that the shortest month in the year is designated to educate people about Black people who sacrificed, labored, and gave their lives to build this country. As I watched or heard Black history moments throughout the month, I realized that an opportunity to educate was missed. I realized that if the stories and history of Black or African American people go untold, then we continue to perpetuate the myth that Black people have not contributed to the economic, social, cultural, and political structures and institutions in this country. Everyone knows that the enslavement of African people is what made it possible for this country to be one of the wealthiest in the world.
I have grappled with the fact that being human means that I am not perfect, much less divine. I make mistakes. I forget things. I am opinionated. I can be stubborn. That’s our collective human condition. The Lenten season is a perfect time to honestly admit we are not perfect, to lament, and to divinely forgive ourselves for our actions/inactions, attitudes, and behaviors that do not represent who we are in the sight of God—Beloved.
In Falling Upward, Richard Rorh writes, “Most of us were taught that God would love us if and when we change. In fact, God loves you so that you can change. What empowers change, what makes you desirous of change is the experience of love. It is that inherent experience of love that becomes the engine of change.”
I have forgiven myself for not including an acknowledgment of Black History Month in the February newsletter. I forgive myself daily for not always behaving as beloved by God. And every day, I remind myself that because I am loved by God, I am already changed. In this Lenten season, I invite each of you to remind yourself of the same.
Blessings and love,
—Pastor Patrice
Good to hear you here, Pastor Patrice. We all have to work to keep Black History alive, and not on the back burner, no matter the month. I hope you and yours are doing well. I have missed coming to services and hope to return in the not distant future.