Finding Faith ... in the liberation of everyone

In January 2020 I found myself in Galveston, Texas, for a newspaper convention. Thanks to the flight schedule I had one night to explore the historic old downtown. While strolling aimlessly through the seaside restaurants and shops, I came across this historic marker.

As I read what took place on that holy ground on which I was standing, I was ashamed and embarrassed that I had never before heard of Juneteenth. And it reminded me of the vast history of the oppressed, the marginalized and the voiceless that we have scrubbed from our collective American conscience.

Who knew that last year, just 18 months after my visit to Galveston, Juneteenth would explode into our public vocabulary the way it has? ... And thanks to our Creator, it has!

I know that a federally recognized holiday does not erase the systemic racism that has existed for centuries. Nor is it Gilead's balm for those who suffered under slavery for hundreds of years, nor their ancestors. But it is at least a beginning conversation piece for the reckoning that must come.

Today I remember that Spirit-charged moment 18 months ago when I learned about Juneteenth. And I prayerfully celebrate this first-ever federally recognized Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom!

Creator, teach us that this is just a starting point to reach out to our brothers and sisters of color! And to never stop fighting to liberate those who are in chains!