Black History: A Heritage of Faith

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:3–5

Ancestor’s Faith

My pastor is currently leading our Bible study class in a study on the book of Ephesians. Two weeks ago, he asked me during the study, “How do you know that God is real?” In the one-second pause I took to think about this question, my mind thought so many thoughts. Without much hesitation, I responded, “I inherited God and my faith from my family and ancestors. Over time, I developed my relationship and understanding of God through my own experiences with God. I took the heirloom of faith my ancestors left, and now God shows up in my life through my many life experiences.” That was the quick answer.

I thought about my pastor’s question and my answer for several days. I thought about how the faith of my ancestors and family impacted who I am. I thought about my late father, John, who knelt by his bedside every night to say his prayers. I thought about my grandmother Bennie repeating the three-word prayer, “Lord have mercy,” “Lord have…