God’s Hand through Grace and Redemption

Black History Month

As we step into the heart of February, I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon and embrace Black History Month as a follower of Jesus Christ.  This month offers to us a unique opportunity to see God’s hand at work through sometimes challenging times, not only in the past but also in the present and future, for His Glory.

Black History Month should challenge us to reflect on how He works through good and bad times to draw people unto Himself. It prompts us to bear one another’s burdens, as Galatians 6:2 instructs, and to pursue ethnic harmony to express our love for our neighbors. Moreover, it equips us for evangelism, allowing us to connect with our neighbors, coworkers, and classmates in meaningful ways, showing genuine interest in their stories and backgrounds.

Personally, the story of my father, Marshall Brandon, detailed in his memoir "Someplace to Be Somebody," exemplifies the transformative power of God’s love. From a life marred by violence and addiction to a life of Gospel-centered mission and ethnic reconciliation, his journey is a testament to God’s ability to use every story for His glory. Seeing how the power of the Gospel changed my father from a man characterized by anger and bitterness to one whose life is a beacon and example of Christ-centered love is a beautiful testament. It reminds us that no life is beyond God’s grace and redemption.

Learning about Black history and culture can help prepare us for a future marked by increased diversity.  Our engagement with Black history opens doors to deeper understanding, empathy, and community-building opportunities as our demographics shift, and so should our efforts to embrace and celebrate every tribe, tongue, and nation. I’m grateful our church's Local and Global outreach efforts are making a difference here and abroad. We invite you to join us if you want to be part of this meaningful work. This is the beauty of God's kingdom on earth—a reflection of the diversity and unity within Christ's body.

So here is my final thought: let us commit to learning from the past while engaging with the present and helping to shape a future that glorifies God. Let this time be a reminder that God uses all of history, including Black history, to reveal His glory and to teach us the profound depth of His love for every person He has created.