“It is not wrong to go back to that which you have forgotten.”

Written by Michelle C. H. Wyatt with references to Philippians 3

Today is June 16, 2021. My grandmother Lillian Henderson and I shared this very special month. Today, I celebrate her legacy, and the legacy of our ancestors.  Not in a way that lifts them above God, but knowing that without God, they, nor I could have made it.  As I reflect, I thought about the Sankofa. The Sankofa is a bird with it’s feet planted firmly forward, while it’s head looks behind. I feel that this is so appropriate as we look forward to Juneteenth celebrations, birthday celebrations, July 4th etc., the question is asked in light of all that has transpired in 2020-21; How should we move forward? The answer is always found in the word of God.  I strongly encourage you to read the entire chapter of Philippians 3.  The chapter begins by saying finally brothers, rejoice in the Lord.  I choose to enter into this summer, and this new season with a praise on my lips, and a song in my heart.  The Lord is good and greatly to be praised!  Are things perfect? No, but there is one thing that I am certain; God is ever present.  By faith, I worship Him, knowing that he holds the keys to my success, as well as the keys to life, not man.  

Sometimes in life, we forget the very thing that brought us from such a mighty long way.  I can strongly say that our foundation was never in money, things, or houses (not that there is anything wrong with any of that) but our hope is in the Lord God, our rock.  Philippians also sends us a strong warning: Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, and beware of the concision.  This is a great word for this day.  These spirits still exist today.  They do everything in their power to tear us apart, to tear down the body of Christ.  They separate us from the very thing that has been our strength: God, family, unity, and fellowship.  Philippians then goes on to say, ” I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord.”  We have been through so much, but we count it all loss for the excellency of knowing Jesus Christ, and the power of His resurrection.  That power now lives in us who are saved!

Much like the Sankofa, my feet are planted firmly toward the future. This is a new day and season in Christ Jesus, the rock of my salvation.  I do this while I reflect on the past, giving praise and thanks to God who was our deliverer back then, and is our deliverer now.  I like Paul, will purpose to do as he stated in Philippians 3: 13-14 “…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things that are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

How will you celebrate?  Take some time to reflect on the path our our ancestors.  Many have paid a great price so that we could have some of the comforts that we have today.  I pay homage to them, but I intern praise the Lord Almighty for his wonderful acts to the children of men. Amen.