For those who are interested in Plantation history, however, I find there is too much willingness to focus on “how Massa treated the slaves”, rather than how the slaves survived and prospered. Yes, I mean “PROSPERED”. Photo: Internet Source

Every year, “Black History Month” is celebrated, and it is usually a time to try and fill in the blanks in our education about our (people of colour) history. I cannot deny that there’s room for improvement about World History in our schools, including African History (or Black History as it is commonly called). It is true that most of the writers of the history books are not Africans, or African descendants, although attempts have been successfully made by some in the last century to bring balance to the diet of what has been the common staples for generations.

Generally speaking, many are not concerned about any history; not about their own family history, or ‘living’ elders, much less the history of ancient ancestors from the Continent of Africa. Some may be more interested in their European ancestors because it feels better to associate with the powerful property owners, than with the enslaved captives. What’s more, history is being made each and every day, and we also contribute to it. Still, many are irresponsible about what they do, not caring about how it affects others now, and/or in the future.

For those who are interested in Plantation history, however, I find there is too much willingness to focus on “how Massa treated the slaves”, rather than how the slaves survived and prospered. Yes, I mean “PROSPERED”. And no one was preaching “Prosperity gospel” at the time (I don’t think). It was something deeply ingrained in the human psyche… a spiritual will to “overcome”. Where has that “Overcoming spirit” gone? The human soul is meant to be aligned with God, and through God, it was and still is, possible to overcome.

Blessing in Disguise

Critics of the era (Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Plantation period) have vilified the early Missionaries for introducing Christianity to the slaves. They say it was the “white man’s religion” used to keep the slaves from rebelling against the system.

But accounts tell of numerous “uprisings” during the period, despite the fact that slaves were told about the teachings of the Bible. Not everyone, even today, follows Bible principles, even those who know the Word.  However, those who learned about the God of Love learned also to have “hope”…there was a sense of hope, rather than hopelessness, which contribute to prosperity. When you have hope, you can endure, because you have faith…and between Faith and Hope, there is Love…Love is the greatest. And where there is love, there is Peace.

Introducing the Christian doctrine to the slaves, and ex-slaves was a blessing in disguise. Although those who introduced it may not have practised what they preached, to the letter, they shared the Word, and each person, slave or free, is exhorted to “work out [his or her] own salvation”.

The verse in Hebrews 11:6 also says that “God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”. God is characterized by these qualities – Love, Truth, Life and Light. I believe that these are the prerequisites for overcoming any evil. And that is where the focus should be for anyone who has been victimized or offended. The fact that God is a “Rewarder” means that Justice is included in the ‘Reward” where merited. That’s why having faith is so important.

Seek truth

Regarding the myth that Christianity is a ‘white man’ religion: according to the Scriptures, after Jesus Christ gave His disciples the mandate to spread the Gospel all over the world “to every nation and every generation”, some of His followers travelled overseas from Jerusalem and Judea to the outer realms of the region.  The Apostle Paul took the Gospel to the Greeks and the Romans.  What we now know as the Catholic Church evolved from there.

Christianity vs Egyptology

Today, some people of colour look to Egyptology as an alternative to Christianity, because they are convinced that the Egyptians were black, and represent the essence of “Black History”. Egypt was the centre of witchcraft and slavery. What some call “High Science” is based on idolatry and sorcery. It was out of Egypt that Jehovah God had to rescue the children of Israel. People who cling to Egypt, spiritually, are in direct disobedience to the Word of God.

I encourage anyone to read the Holy Bible and study the teachings of Jesus. Through grace, and all that He stands for, one can truly become free…truly overcome the past and live in a better present.

Prove it for yourself.