Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!

Come and hear, all you who have respect for God.
    Let me tell you what he has done for me.
17 I cried out to him with my mouth.
    I praised him with my tongue.
18 If I had enjoyed having sin in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.
19 But God has surely listened.
    He has heard my prayer.
20 Give praise to God.
    He has accepted my prayer.
    He has not held back his love from me. (Psalm 66:16-20)

As I complete my studies and reflections upon Black HIStory for this month, I cannot help but praise God that it is indeed a part of my HIStory. I am grateful to have been grafted in to such a vibrant, strong, faithful, caring, challenging, and accepting culture! I am better for it, as a man, a husband, a dad, grandpa, and most importantly, as a follower of Jesus Christ! 

Today, I celebrate my youngest son, yes, my black son! God gave Michael Gerard to us long before he was born as we asked for another child. We named him while he was yet unborn, yet growing in his birth mother's womb. Michael Gerard . . . a gift from God and mighty in battle. Since birth, he has been an indelible piece of our family. He has travelled with us on the mission field since he was six, from New Orleans, to St. Vincent, to South Carolina and Puerto Rico. I asked God to indeed prepare Him and use Him and God has been faithful!

I began asking God to send Michael to college over four years ago, knowing it would have to be by His grace and provisions . . .  hopefully to our alma mater, Liberty University. God has provided for Michael to attend Liberty, providing for him is so many ways! He is still providing and I know He always will.

I say this to let you know God still provides! He is Jehovah Jireh. He is the God of HIStory . . .Black HIStory, my HIStory, our HIStory!