Dear Editor, Press Gazette
Good job Aaron on The Celebrating Black History Series! I’ve known Mary Johnson, her mother, and brother for years. She is accomplished, a well deserved success story; will do a great job on city council.
God bless Morris Smith and Chris Long, Men in Action Outreach advocates. The former spoke to our Kiwanis group; quite impressive. Don’t know the latter, but his bio is quite impressive too.
Brother Cecil Downing’s infectious smile, a blessing, reflects what all Christians should radiate at all times.
For twelve years I lived in Turkey and Greece serving with our U.S. Dept of Defense unaware what was festering in America between blacks and whites. Returning stateside, I learned of treatment of blacks on various occasions greatly saddening me. Were I not occupied having gifts from God (babies) and miscarriages, I’m sure God would have had me marching peaceably too in the ‘60’s.
Brothers in Christ, Smith and Downing were right on. I agree. They stated visiting churches on Sunday morning will confirm there’s room for improvement for blacks and whites to worship together. Since 1973 I’ve said and say again until we are truly born again from the inside out (John 3:7) there will be separation or division, sad to say. Carnal Christians need to first examine themselves to determine if they be “in the faith” or to grow up in the ‘hood to insure that Christ is on the throne of their lives.
Years ago I asked a pastor “If you all are so Christian down here, how come there are no blacks; not trouble makers, worshipping here?”
In another discussion with a church member, I was shocked when she made a crack about blacks to which I said something. She said, “You just have to understand. That’s our culture down here.” I said, “You have to understand when Christ comes into your heart, on the throne, there’s no room for antagonism toward blacks or anyone else.”
A more pleasant occurrence happened years ago when a lovely black Christian from the Ewing family called me. I didn’t know Brenda. She asked if I would help out with their Vacation Bible School. I said “Of course, as soon as I get through with ours,” having taught close to 35 plus years. I asked if I could bring a friend so my buddy, Ida Rutledge, and I went. We were so blessed. We fit right in and loved their worship and choir. For a time I participated in their prayer band. I miss my good friend, beautiful Christian Kaye White. We were both cancer survivors.
When a black president was elected I was thrilled. Only in America could this happen. Disappointed, however, with Obama he leans more towards Muslims than Christians evidenced on page 261 of his book, “Audacity of Hope.” He declares, “If the political winds ever shift in an ugly direction, I’ll stand with the Muslims.” He has ever since he was elected. It is distressing to me because twice I voted for Alan Keyes, a black God-fearing man, full of Word of God. He would have made an excellent president.
I didn’t know the Assembly of God split producing the Church of God in Christ. I hasten to add several churches in Milton have mixed congregations among which are represented for following denominations: Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Church of God in Christ, Methodist, some Baptist, Catholic and perhaps others. That is good. I’m sure God is pleased with that and the boldness He has given me to proclaim and remind all there is only one Christian Church and Jesus Christ of Nazareth is Head of It, glory to God.
Recently, I said to Monsignor Reed that I attended the dedication of the new building on Park Avenue (a 4-hour event as I recall). When I entered the building tears filled my eyes. I saw rich and poor, black and white, Orientals, et al thinking this was how it will be in Heaven, I was blessed forevermore.
God bless us all as only He can, Maranatha!
Chrys Holley
Milton
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Celebrating Black History