“If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
~Carter G. Woodson
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The observance of Black History Month grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Today, other countries around the world also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
The first half of February seems dominated by pink and red, cards and candy. But people not in a loving romantic relationship can sometimes feel left out of the festivities. Of course, all people need love — and certainly love is not limited to the romantic kind. Author Leo Buscaglia, who became known as “Dr. Love” for writing about the topic, said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Jesus taught that loving one another is second only in importance to loving God (Matthew 22:37-40), and that when we love one another, God lives in us (1 John 4:12). There are so many ways to do that — beyond candy hearts and roses! But Valentine’s Day is as good a reminder as any.
We will soon enter the season of Lent, which begins here at Hillcrest with services on Ash Wednesday, February 22nd. For this year’s Lenten Study, we will encounter the Visio Divina Practice through a series of vignettes and time for reflection. Join us every Wednesday beginning March 1st 6pm via Zoom.
Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, or Ash Wednesday; how will you embrace all that February holds?
~ Pastor Kim