Archive for September, 2010

Today, I had a great experience in the Bethel AME Church in Palatka. This is one of Florida’s oldest AME Churches and is Pastored by one of God’s true preachers. His message today on giving as Abel in the Bible gave was remarkably timely and uplifting. I want to thank Pastor McGriff and his entire church family for warmly welcoming us to worship with them this morning.

I was given the opportunity to introduce Debra and myself and to take a moment to speak. I could have made it into a political speech, but instead, decided that this was neither the time nor the place. I simply asked for prayer and suggestions from those attending. I need those prayers and more importantly, discovered one truth I have always believed.

Color of one’s skin doesn’t exempt you from trials and tribulations. Color of one’s skin doesn’t make you anyone not worthy of God’s blessings. What does matter is the character of the person and the desire to help and to bring about the gift of uplifting of people-a gift we were given by His salvation and grace. I met great people of character and was warmly welcomed by all, no matter my political leanings and color of skin not seeming to matter.

A couple came forth this morning in need of help, compassion, and the basic necessities of life. He was blind and she was most likely weary from worry about the next meal, the next warm place to sleep, and the constant attention her husband needed. I was moved by the outreach of this Church community and their outpouring of understanding and desire to help. This is the America I grew up in where people helped one another. This is the America we are missing and need to return to. It wasn’t about government programs or assistance, but was about real Americans who cared about other real Americans.

We were given another Commandment- to love one another. Let us always be mindful of that in our daily lives. Let us always strive to do what that Commandment says and we end all classes, all conflict, and all racial divide.

Thank You Pastor McGriff for sharing, caring, and reminding me once again, that in God’s eyes, we are all his Children and we are to love and praise Him for all things in this world we are given the privilege to simply use for a short while.