Well…best laid plans. I intended to write a post on Black History month and continuing to educate ourselves on this important part of American history as well as the fight for racial justice. But instead, snowpocolypse hit much of the south and Texas faced unprecedented (man, I weary of that word) power outages leaving us and millions of others without electricity, heat, and in some cases water. All the while temps reached only into the teens and dropped to single digits every night.
Hotels booked quickly and roads were not safe to travel since the Lone Star State doesn’t have many sand trucks nor other equipment to clear the roads. Sweet friends living just around the block blessed us with their electricity and extra beds. Grateful can’t describe our feelings. So grateful in fact, that upon finally moving back home, we returned the favor to another family without power.
We enjoyed great fellowship and some laughs, but not any alone time to work or write. So here I sit – safe, sound and warm. But out of time. So I will simply simply share the things used to learn from in honor of Black History Month.
- I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown. This book is hard to read. But not nearly so hard as it was and probably still is for Ms. Brown to live. And after hearing some of what can constitute a microaggression, I am more convinced than ever that I have more work to do personally. I believe this author will continue to be a powerful voice in the battle for racial equity.
- How to Fight Racism with Jemar Tisby. Since I already had my February read picked out, my husband joined me in watching this series based on the book of the same name. Tisby lays out his ARC method – Awareness, Relationship and Commitment as a means of battling racial injustice. He packs each 20 minute episode with eye opening, helpful and challenging information. While episodes on Amazon cost $4.99 each (well worth it), if you have access to RightNow Media you can watch for free!
- Africa Before Transatlantic Enslavement and 5 Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. The folks at Be the Bridge reminded me that Black History Month is not just about the struggles of people of color, but their contributions. They recommended these two articles. I’m almost not smart enough to read the first. It took some concentration. But both taught me a lot!
You’ve still got time to commemorate this month. And keep learning for months to come. For more resources I recommend (books, movies and podcasts), click here.
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It has been heartbreaking to see the hardship Texas is experiencing. I am so glad you not only were blessed by the hospitality of others but also were able to extend the same to others.
Me too, Joanne. Thank you and continue to pray for us all down here.
These all sound like excellent resources, Lauren! We have so much to learn in order to be anti-racist and not just ‘not racist’–there’s such a huge difference.
I agree, Anita. Thanks for reading and responding.
I am so glad you shared everything in a perfect way. Good luck!
That is so kind of you, Mariann. Thank you for reading.
Lauren, I am so glad you had friends to share their electricity with you, and then your family was able to “pay it forward.” I can only imagine how chaotic things have been in TX in the past week.
Thank you also for sharing these resources. I have so much to learn!
I am so glad too, Jeanne. And I am right there with you in the classroom!
Texas definitely had a crazy week last week! I am in the panhandle, so we are “better equipped” than central and south Texas, but it was still “unprecedented” and everything closed. New to your link up! Hope you have a great (thawing) week!
Welcome to Grace and Truth, Angie. So very glad to have you. I pray everything is well with you and you sustained no damage or hardship last week.
Hi Lauren,
What a blessing to have friends nearby during the storm! I’m so glad to know you and your family are safe.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful resources. I pray we can all learn from one another and have a heart of love and compassion as God’s people.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Good friends are one of my biggest blessings. Thank you so much, Tammy.
I cannot imagine leaving my comfort place so soon after my spinal fusion last January – that must have been so hard for your daughter to rest well – and when our kiddos aren’t resting, Mama’s not resting! I love your heart – hospitality in a heart is one of the most beautiful things of all! Glad you are home and settling back in!
I am too, Maryleigh. Kids are so much more resilient than we are. She did pretty great considering.
Wow, you guys have been having some tough times Lauren!
Glad you’re back home 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
So are we, Jennifer! Thank you.
The large scale loss of power in Texas made the news here aswell, so good to know that you have the support of friends in your community. Thank you for continuing to raise awareness of racial injustice, an ongoing learning process for all of us.
Yes, I am so thankful for my friends. Always. Thank you for the encouraging words, Sharon.
Snowpocalypse touched our lives as well. I brought my husband home from the hospital from having open heart surgery just in time to get snowed in! God was so gracious to us that we did not lose power!
I heard Jemar Tisby speak on Annie F. Downs’ podcast. I learned a lot!
Oh no! What a double hardship for you and your husband. So thankful God took care of you with the power. And Jemar Tisby is excellent. Educated, well spoken and in touch with current and past history! And I love Annie F Downs too!
Lauren, thanks so much for sharing your resources for Black History Month to help further educate ourselves. The older I get, the more and more interested I am in human history. We are a strange and baffling species with the way we have treated one another throughout our entire history. Learning about it all is truly the best way to forge ahead in our evolution to become better humans and a better society. I am so glad to hear that you are safe and power is back and that you were able to pay forward the generosity and hospitality of your neighbors. Community is such an important and powerful resource for us all! Thanks for sharing and linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I so agree about getting more and more interested in human history. I think that’s why my sociology classes in college were my favorites.