Honoring Black HIStory '23

'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,                                                                                            Taught my benighted soul to understand                                                                                                            That there's a God, that there's a Savior too:                                                                                                       Once I redemption neither sought nor knew. (Phyllis Wheatley 1753-1784)

She was the first major black poet in American HIStory and one of America's first female poets. Born in Gambia, West Africa, she was stolen and sold into slavery at the age of seven. She was purchased by the Wheatley family in Boston as a personal servant and was baptized at eighteen. Given her freedom by the Wheatleys, her poetry was recognized by General George Washington and she also memorialized evangelist George Whitfield in a poem. She was the first African American to publish a book and is considered the founder of African American literary tradition. (https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-62/black-christianity-before-civil-war-gallery--fruit-of.html) 

Today, I honor her life as I thank God for the talents and gifts He gives to each of us, regardless of skin color, nationality, or gender. 

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

This truth is foundational. God created all human beings in His image. Gender, skin color, and other physical differences do not change that reality.