Faith, Sacrifice, and Perseverance: Foundational Support for the Black Experience in America

By Samuel Harrison

This book builds upon my first book with more specific focuses on how faith, sacrifices, and perseverance have provided foundational support for the Black experience in America. These poems verbalize how our experiences have been nurtured and strengthened by our faith, sacrifices, and perseverance. Without these foundational elements, the progress that has been made would not have been possible. They have been and will continue to be critical elements of our experience. For continued progress, it is essential that we don’t lose focus of their importance to our past and how they will remain important to our future successes.
We have much to be proud of, when we reflect on what our ancestors were able to achieve with the existence of so many obstacles they had to overcome. Much progress has been made, but much still remains to be done. Past progress has required a collaborative effort of citizens working together, focusing on improving the Black Experience and the experience for all citizens in America. Future successes will also require a collaborative effort, and continuing to effectively incorporate the foundational elements that have been so crucial to improving the Black experience.
This book of poems has been divided into three foundational support sections; Faith, Sacrifice, and Perseverance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Oct 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662940200

Book preview

FAITH

By Faith

The Black journey on these American shores has had a profound impact and left many of our ancestors permanently scarred.

They made enormous sacrifices and survived unimaginable struggles and trials they were only able to endure with the help of God.

They toiled under conditions that made their lives extremely difficult, and with determination, survived conditions that were often inhumane.

Their faith in God made it possible to overcome the challenges that were forced upon them, and to tolerate the extreme suffering and pain.

An immeasurable faith in God was an essential part of the journey, and I am in awe of how God equipped our ancestors with the strength necessary to bear

The pain, cruelty, abuse and suffering they had to endure; it was not isolated; it was widespread and seemed to be everywhere.

Our ancestors knew there was a God of justice; even in the darkest of times, they were aware of God’s omnipresence and knew they were not alone.

Their faith was key to maintaining hope, and they were certain God would give them the strength and mental fortitude required to persevere and hold on.

Because of Him, they remained steadfast in their belief their circumstances would eventually improve; God promised He would make a way.

They were confident He would facilitate much-needed change and this change would come, if they kept their faith and continued to pray.

Our ancestors did not always know how or when they would overcome their struggles, because God’s planned resolution was not always immediately disclosed or clear.

Yet, they remained confident a more inclusive America and greater access to opportunity were within the realm of possibility because God was always near.

Because of their faith, they believed in miracles and that God would provide an exit strategy that would permit them to find their way out

Of the misery and oppression that were deeply embedded in a flawed system designed to subjugate them; cruelty and exploitation were what the system was about.

The progress impeders were committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the oppressive system in America permanently remained in place.

But our ancestors were optimistic and convinced this unjust system would be restructured because of God’s mercy and His grace.

God continues to deliver on His promise to make their conditions better, and we have been blessed to repeatedly see

That faith will be rewarded and we can be confident, no matter how difficult the situation, what God promised will become a reality.

Using the Lord’s Name In Vain

Do we erroneously believe that we only use the Lord’s name in vain when we use profanity or curse?

Are we not using God’s name in vain when we call ourselves Christians and fail to put God first?

There are hosts of wealthy people in our country, and our systems of distribution are designed to keep giving them more.

Yet, we fail to provide adequate food and support for the needy, and much too often, their needs we willingly ignore.

Violence and mass killings across our country are now a constant threat to the most vulnerable members of our community, both old and young.

But little is being done to eliminate or significantly reduce the threats and murder rate, because so many worship wealth and the gun.

The Lord’s name is being used in vain when we call ourselves Christians, and allow the spread of so much hate.

Evil is too prevalent among us, with some who profess their Christianity among those participating in it at an alarming rate.

Many self-proclaimed Christians, evangelicals and others with impressive titles proclaim to be Christians, but they engage in actions that harm many in need of help, instead of making a true Christian choice.

Their proclamations are belied by reality because promoting peace and helping the poor are not what many of these professed Christians have prioritized or advocated based on how they use their voice.

Christians should spread more love and lead by example to model God’s word and demonstrate what it means to live the right way.

Being a Christian requires action; we also use the Lord’s name in vain when our actions conflict with His Word; it is not just about what we say.

Churches seem to be on almost every corner; yet, many passersby probably wonder who these churches have helped and what it is that they do.

Seemingly, most churches today are not having the positive impact and making the positive differences in their communities that they used to.

Problems of distrust, deceit, hate, and murder remain at unacceptable levels, and the numbers are getting progressively worse.

How we live as professed Christians can result in using the Lord’s name in vain, and it can speak loudly; it doesn’t just happen when we curse.

We must work and pray constantly to ensure that our lives and the words we speak are consistent with Scripture and we sow positive seeds.

As Christians, we make a positive difference when we avoid using the Lord’s name in vain in our words and in our deeds.

I’ll Do What You Want Me to Do

Lord, I want You to give me the strength and courage to do what You want me to do.

Allow me to have the wisdom to discern right from wrong and conduct myself in a manner that is pleasing to You.

Give me clear vision and a map to follow the roads that lead where You want me to go,

And give me confidence that during my travels, You will help me to navigate the roads and terrain and reveal what I need to know.

Please help me walk in my purpose and quickly dismiss any negative thoughts that may temporarily cross my mind.

Allow me to have faith that any mountains I encounter during my journey will not limit my progress because You will give me the strength to climb.

Lord, I know there are tasks that need to be completed, and that you will reveal them to me as I travel from day to day.

Many of Your children need a message from You Lord; please tell me what You want me to say.

Please allow me to offer words of comfort and hope for those who are feeling down, and who may be in a state of despair.

Please give me wisdom to schedule time for a spiritual walk with them, and to lift them up in prayer.

Things We Can’t See

I often wonder about things unseen and how and why they have such a significant impact on me.

These invisible objects can be viruses, feelings, or other internal or external factors that can impact one’s thoughts and behaviors with such intensity.

The result of their presence varies greatly, and they have the ability to dictate how we behave and feel.

These unseen forces can positively impact our health, physically and mentally, they have the potential to make us seriously ill.

Emotional unwellness is pervasive and can be the cause of significant inner-turmoil that is destructive and buried very deeply within.

We must do our due diligence on these invisible stressors and use this information to decide how to treat them and when.

Who we are and what we do is a sum of all of our parts and experiences; our emotional well-being is often determined by where we have been and what we have