History Matters

History. What is it and why is it important? Webster defines history as an account of facts, particularly involving nations or states; that branch of knowledge that deals with past events; narration; a story; an account of existing things. Google.com says that history is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious and military developments are all part of history.

But why is history important? History informs us of where we have been, how we have become who we are, and how to avoid making similar mistakes. Research says, history gives us the tools to analyze and explain problems in the past, it positions us to see patterns that might otherwise be invisible in the present – thus providing a crucial perspective for understanding (and solving!) current and future problems (https//brainly.in).

February is Black History Month. It is a time to observe and focus on the history of African Americans in this nation. It is a history which includes slavery, abolition, African American contributions, civil rights, achievements and much more. Black history is American history and it should be interweaved throughout the study of American history, period!

Sadly, in the past, there were those who worked tirelessly to hide and prevent African American history from being known or taught. Still sadder, there are those in our nation today who feel that this history should not be taught nor passed down to the future generations. Why? What is the fear? There’s a famous quote that says, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

History matters, all history! In scripture, God reminded the Israelites, “Remember the days of old, consider the years of all generations. Ask your father, and he will inform you, your elders, and they will tell you” (Deuteronomy 32:7).

Finally, like all history, Black History matters! God values history of all kinds. His Bible is History (meaning His story). History is so important to God that He included stories about good and bad situations, about righteous and evil people. God wants us to teach our children His story when they are young, not leaving anything out. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, teach His word when you sit in your house, when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up! If God teaches us about the good and bad, righteous and evil in His story, why shouldn’t we do the same with all of our history, Black or otherwise? God wants His people to be well informed of all His truths, and not be ignorant, so that we would make wise decisions! Likewise, we should want all citizens, regardless of race, to be well informed of all truths in history, and not be ignorant, so that we would make wise decisions!

Black YMCA Photo (Booker T. Washington, Madame CJ Walker & Others)

Food for Today: Luke 1:1-3

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus.

Picture Courtesy:

Black Family picture courtesy of Buzz Feed News

Black YMCA Photo (Booker T. Washington, Madame CJ Walker & Others) courtesy of archive.tuskegee.edu/repository/washington-walker/