A prayer for Juneteenth
By Clarence Haynes
Bible reading:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they give us, we might have hope. – Romans 15:4
The study of history, especially American history, fascinates me. There is so much we can learn from looking back, especially in the culture we live in today. Every year on June 19 we celebrate Juneteenth. For those who don’t know, this day commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, making those who were enslaved realize that slavery had ended and they were free.
As an African American living in America, I often struggle with holidays like these. Not because I don’t think we should recognize them, but because I fear that many in our country are trying to forget, which is contrary to the truth that Scripture teaches us.
While it’s great to celebrate where we are and where we’re going, it’s essential to never forget where we came from. The truth about American history is that it is imperfect, and one fact we cannot escape is that it includes the horrible treatment of many ethnic groups. I don’t say this to make you uncomfortable, but to state facts that we cannot and must never forget. When we forget the past and difficult experiences of many people in our country, then we create a narrative that may be true for some but not all. Many may think that not remembering or glossing over the past is a path to unity, but the opposite is true. By not recognizing reality, it ends up dividing people. This is why this verse from Romans is so critical. We must recognize that everything that happened and was written in the past was done to teach us.
What does Juneteenth teach us about our past?
There are many lessons you can learn from Juneteenth, but this is one I particularly want to focus on. Independence and freedom only truly exist when they are fully realized by each individual. However, we will never understand this until we see the story through the lens of someone other than ourselves. For example, our country recognizes July 4, 1776 as Independence Day. This year we will celebrate 250 years of independence. The irony of this statement is that on this date, in 1776, more than 20% of the population was still enslaved. It might have been a celebration of independence for some, but not for all. If you were part of the freed class, you had reason to rejoice. If you were a slave, you didn’t have one.
Juneteenth should remind you not to view your past, your history, or your history solely through the lens of your experience or your family’s journey. Yes, you should remember this journey, but it is essential that we consider the perspectives of those whose paths differ from ours and seek to understand their life experiences. When we do this, it can shift our perspective and help us discover that what is true for one may not be true for all.
Are you ready to be uncomfortable?
If we’re honest, most of us prefer sanitized versions of history. However, this doesn’t help you build relationships with all your neighbors. When we are ready to wrestle with the uncomfortable truths of our past, then and only then can we begin the healing process and move forward. Honestly, it’s hard work, and for some, there isn’t much appetite. However, for those who choose to look back to understand and learn, I believe they will find that it can become the path to the societal freedom, independence, and healing that our country so desperately needs.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
Today I pray to have my eyes and heart open. Give me the tenderness of heart to see life through the experiences of others. I ask for the grace to look not with judgment or comparison but with an understanding heart. May this understanding lead to a sincere compassion that does not seek to overlook the past, but to learn from it so that I can be an agent of healing. Help me to take the posture of Scripture and recognize that only by looking back with honesty and clarity will we find the lessons needed to bring healing today.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
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Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Boonyachoat
He is the author of The pursuit of the goalwhich helps readers understand how God leads them in His will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How to Overcome Your Biggest Challenges and Win in Your Christian Life. Clarence also committed to helping 10,000 people learn to study the Bible and published his first course, Bible Study Basicsto achieve this objective. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
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