Feeling Grateful
Today I learned some history of the Islands of Turks & Caicos. We toured the ruins of a plantation that was built by slaves. Of the many horrific stories one stuck out. These rod iron pots are over 200 yrs old. They were used to cook food but the slaves found a better use. These pots would be discretely placed upside down in fields. At night slaves would turn these pots on their side where they transformed into a secret classroom. Lit by a small flame the pots would hide the light as slaves would teach their children to read. It’s said most of the night they would learn, while still working as slaves through the exhausting heat of the day.
As Charles our tour guide told the story, I pressed my fingers against the old iron “classroom” as to somehow go back in time to rub the shoulders of those enslaved teachers to let them know their labor is not in vain. I so badly wanted to tell them their lives mattered, that future generations are living free because of them. I wanted to tell them of Charles who runs a respectable, successful business. He’s a husband & father of 4, he plays the organ at his church, he’s pillar in his community.
As a Christian, I’m thankful for those who gave their lives for the gospel that I so freely preach. As a Woman, I’m thankful for those who spoke up so that I could have a voice. As a mixed black woman, I’m thankful for those who fought & lost their own freedom so that I could be free. As an American, I’m thankful for those who stand on the front lines so that I can be safe.
No matter our race, gender or nationality, we all must overcome the dark areas of our past. Our issues have changed in the last 200 years, but the repercussions are still destructive. Social injustice, hate crime, sexism… addiction, substance abuse…violence, abuse…sickness, disability...heartbreak, betrayal, loss…though hard to conquer, they are still conquerable.
It’s time to pay it forward. The next generation is depending on you to be courageous, be sober, get educated, break boundaries, run for office, write the book, diet, pray...turn over the pot & set up your classroom in the night...do whatever it takes! Be the change the world needs.