“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”
“One person can change the world.”
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it’s right.”
Quotes by Rosa Parks
This year’s theme for Black History Month is Black Resistance. This theme is intended to keep the spotlight on how throughout the years people of color have fought the good fight of hope when facing adversity whether being enslaved, beaten, hung, shut out, stripped of rights, and enduring countless abuses. Black people have been intentionally harmed from systemic and institutionalized practices to view and treat people of color as “less than” until movements, marches, messages, and multitudes decided to sing, stand, and salute for change.
Change was captured through songs!
Change was embodied through people who took a stance.
And change was celebrated as we saluted the legislation that emancipated humans who were God’s creation to realize individual rights to live and exist as a free person in these United States.
So, resistance is necessary for right actions to occur. Let’s continue to realize that wherever your sphere of influence resides you make a difference, and you are the difference!
As we celebrate Black History/Heritage Month; I continue to hit replay of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” because this is such an invigorating way to pay homage for all of our heroes/heroines of the past who have truly forged a path for liberty and human rights – not only for people of color but for all mankind.
So, let us stand, sing, and salute all of our forerunners, contemporaries, and legacy acolytes.
Emphasis is that although we segment the shortest month on the calendar to pay accolades for the prominence that people of color have paid and paved in our history; don’t get it “twisted’ we are remarkable and people who are awesome daily – moment by moment – year in and year out! There is no limitation on celebrating our lives and legacy!
I remember how moving singing Lift Every Voice and Sing during my senior year as an undergraduate student at the HBCU Hampton Institute University under the direction of Roland Carter. This is such a fond memory and one that will stick with me always for the words of this powerful song is full of hope, promise, perseverance, and power!
let’s listen to a rendition of the song, that was originally the brainchild from the Brother’s Johnson (James the poetic lyrists and John the musical composer). To learn more read here about James Weldon Johnson and his brother, John Rosamond Johnson.
Lift Every Voice and Sing arr. Roland M. Carter | 105 Voices of History National HBCU Concert Choir
105 Voices of History TV – The 105 Voices of History National HBCU Concert Choir & Leadership Presents a Virtual Performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” arranged by Roland M. Carter. Written by James Weldon Johnson and Music by Rosamond Johnson.
So, there is an understanding of why celebrating Black History Month is important, lest we forget about the past struggles that could lead to repetitious bondage – we must continue to shed the light of understanding for whosoever desires to obtain it and grow from it. NPR shares in the following article, “It’s Black History Month. Here are 3 things to know about the annual celebration.”
I would reiterate that it’s always time while we have breath in our bodies and ability to scribe to acknowledge where we have come from, why it is important to continue to progress, and persist with elevating education for importance of equity, equality, and decency one with another. We are all part of God’s humanity!
This year’s theme for 2023 is Black Resistance. Resistance is a powerful word that connotates a variety of responses and images depending on who is defining the concept. Resistance could be marches, protests, and fighting. Resistance could be the constant wearing down like water against a rock or sand that causes erosion. Resistance can even align its definition to resilience. However you individually contextualize resistance; it will definitely bring a powerful thought. Also, one may even experience visceral emotions because birthed from resistance often is pain to a purpose.
Such as the movements and marches that were done in our past created the opportunity and eventual legislative passage for civil and voters rights. We still must remain vigilant and pursue every endeavor elevate and educate all in our sphere of influence on the importance of squashing all who try to suppress equality, equity, and human dignity to live free.
Resistance often produces controversy. Controversy often breeds correction. Correction creates opportunity for liberation. Liberty is a divine right and is forged via humanity’s choices for right versus wrong. So, whose moral compass will be followed when elevating truth through the righteous movement birthed from a resilient message and a motivated cause. Continue to stand, sing, and salute daily so forward progress for all mankind is equally, equitably, and inclusively enjoyed! By Miriam S. Stevens aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-7 & 8
Thank you for taking a moment to honor Black History Month and reading the scribing’s of this author. Not only do I share about the importance to never forget the struggles to break bondages of our past and chains of enslavement that oppression created; I also want to stress that pure and undefiled liberation is found through faith. For me that faith and believe in Jesus as Savior has dispelled every onslaught that doubt, negativity, and hatred slings daily in my direction (and probably yours as well). We are constantly in a fight to live and exist free whether it is because of the color of our skin or the faith we cherish in our hearts as believers in Christ Jesus.
I like to continue to provide an avenue for whosoever is compelled to continue to seek LIFE and THAT LIFE MORE Abundant through life as a redeemed person through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Again, blessings to all as we stand, sing, and salute those who have labored, lived, and willed an inheritance for current generations and even those to come. Amen Indeed!
One of the best ways to continue to obtain liberty is to trust the word of God on the matter. Below provides on truth we can live by and thrive in as we continue on our journey for life and that life more abundant here on this earth as it is in heaven.
John 8:34-38 The Message Version
34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.”
If you don’t know about Christ or why I subscribe to faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior, then I will extend the offer for you to get to know Him for yourself. It is your choice. You will answer one way or the other for the choice you make here on earth – as we all will. So, the following information provides just a few suggestions, scriptures, and a prayer to help you move into a closer realm of understanding of what Christ is all about and can be about for you.
What is C.P.R. + N.O.W. mean to me and anyone who reviews this message?
I think humanity is at a code blue status and is about to flatline into a death crisis if we do not pivot so, we need to have a resuscitation stat or we will cease to exists!
C.P.R. -> Crisis Pivot Rebirth
(N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness)
Subscribe to The Thankful Revolution The Thankful Revolution – N.O.W. equals New-Beginnings is Our Witness!
Isn’t it time for you, me, all of us to live our best lives! Let’s shift it into gear for next-level living where we are actually obtaining the “hoped for good” in our lives. Time for us to achieve the bucket list of goals we once thought was so far off and removed from our grasps. We can and will do this one step at a time, one dream realized at a time, one conversation at a time can spark the fire needed to fuel our promise fulfillment! Amen INDEED!
Let the conversations ensue and the shifting manifest into a tangible reality for our next-level transformation into what we were born to do – live life and that life MORE Abundant here on earth as it is in heaven.
John 10:10 King James Version
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices. Enjoy the journey! Shalom to all!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-7 & 8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”
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P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Below provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps.
Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-7 & 8.
HERE I AM LORD, HELP ME TO CHANGE INTO THE PERSON YOU BIRTHED ME INTO EXISTENCE TO BECOME. ALLOW MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (OUTLOOK AND THOUGHTS) BECOME NEW. LET ME KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE GOD AND IF I TRULY TRUST YOU THEN I CAN BE LIBERATED – BASICALLY SET FREE TO LIVE A LIFE HERE ON EARTH LIKE YOU DESIRE ME TO EXIST FOR AN ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. HELP ME TO VIEW YOU CLEARLY WITH A STEADFAST FOCUS! I ASK THAT ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAS HINDERED ME BEFORE OR IN MY FUTURE BE REMOVED SO THAT I CAN OBTAIN THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE FOR ME TO LIVE IN PEACE, LOVE, STRENGTH, POWER, AND FEARLESSLY. THANK YOU FOR EQUIPPING ME WITH ALL THAT I NEED (HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS AS MY SAVIOR) TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THIS LIFE’S JOURNEY. I AM GRATEFUL, HUMBLED, AND WILLING TO BE YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT. I AM HERE AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME AND PROVIDING ALL THAT I HAVE NEED FOR ACCORDING TO YOUR RICHES IN HEAVEN. AMEN (SO BE IT)!
The Thankful Revolution 