Sobering Thoughts

I have struggled since last Wednesday when I drafted this post as to whether I should put it online. It certainly isn't my normal words to encourage, bring a smile and share what I've been doing. But everything I've read since then, my Sunday School lesson, devotions and other reading material seem to say yes, post it.

As I've shared in previous posts, the last several years have found me reading about historical people and events. I believe these readings have impacted my beliefs and inspired me to be a bolder individual in what I believe. This post is from one of those readings.

Jerry and I enjoy watching the movie Amazing Grace which came out a number of years ago. It's about William Wilberforce and how his passion and perseverance changed the world, ending the British slave trade. I think Jerry and I watch movies like this in hopes of gaining insight into the courageous people who stood for right.

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler and Hidden in Silence are two others that inspire us to do good as we watch heroes of WWII saving jewish people.



I mention these movies to lead into a book I picked up at Gettysburg titled: We Lived in a Little Cabin in the Yard. Virginia slaves were interviewed and asked about their life. I wanted to learn for myself what actually happened in the days when American humans lived evil lives as they mistreated a different race.

But the words I read last evening stopped me cold. I was humbled by the atrocities this world has seen done by evil men and women, and thousands of others that just stood by and let it happen. Angry thoughts flooded my mind, and the question, "How could they?" surfaced! And I think, "they were human just like me."

I'm going to share the words that caused me to stop reading. I closed my eyes and just sat there for awhile because I couldn't believe how someone could do this. This is a reminder of how evil this world can be and a reminder that God is the only one who can change hearts.

In his words, slave Robert Williams talks about how female slaves were sold:

"The women would have just a piece around her waist, her breast and thighs would be bare. The seller would have her turn around and plump her to show how fat she was and her general condition. They would also take her by her breasts and pull them to show how good she was built for raising chillun. They would have them examined to show they was in good health. The young women would bring good money, such as $1,000 or more, because they could have plenty chillun, and that where they profit would come in."

I'm almost finished the book. I'm glad I read it. It's a part of American history I would rather forget. But lessons can be learned in every book we read. My lesson: We're all human and if not by the grace of God, there goes I. Only God knows the consequences this world has known because of the inhumane actions of evil persons. And may I be so bold to say, "What about the gospel?"

Standing for God isn't popular in our lives today. It has cost me severely in my own family life. But I can do no less than live what I believe so that my life reflects what I believe. May I always stand for right, like so many that have gone before me. I fall terribly short of the mark, but with God's grace I will succeed.

Will you stand with me? We have the good news of truth that God says will never return void. Now that's an enlightening thought!