In today’s Thursday Thought quote, John Lewis reminds us of our obligation to our children.
Tag Archive for history
2020 in History
I think this cartoon expresses the frustration and angst most of us are feeling about now.
Worshiping the God of Hate
I switched my Thursday Thought to today because my dog insisted I honor her on yesterday’s National Love Your Pet Day. So, here’s today’s Day-After-Thursday-Thought quote. It struck me because of all the hatred, manipulation, lies, half-truths, and distrust I’m seeing in my world today, especially in my country.
“This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one’s tribe, race, class, and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all mankind. We can no longer afford to worship the God of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides of hate. History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursued this self-defeating path of hate.” (From Martin Luther King’s speech “When Silence Is Betrayal,” given at Riverside Church, New York, April 4, 1967.)
February–An Important Historical Month
Know why February was chosen as Black History Month? Because of the birthdays of two important U.S. historical figures–Abraham Lincoln (issued the Emancipation Proclamation) and Frederick Douglass (African-American abolitionist, orator, and author). Maybe you knew that.
But few people know its background–historians seeking truth and awareness. Here’s a short, 4-paragraph article that explains it in a nutshell and, hopefully, inspires people to celebrate it: African American History Month.
Hug?
It’s National Hug Week. Yes, it exists and has existed for 33 years.
Read about how it started, related customs and traditions, and the benefits of hugging. Go to http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/national-hug-day/ .
Yup. It’s National Hug Week. And what are YOU going to do about it?!
Colin Kaepernick Gets only Partial Credit/Blame
Whether you approve of Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling or not, it’s important to note that his protests against social injustice are not new to sports. The 1996 Olympics, Muhammad Ali, and Lebron James are a few more examples. And each one experienced backlash for their actions. This short video puts activism among athletes into perspective.
That Kneeling is Actually Showing RESPECT
I don’t get it. Why are people upset at athletes (and now others) kneeling on one knee during the National Anthem? No, this isn’t me taking sides politically. I just happen to know the historical significance of that act.
Look at the times when, traditionally, a person kneels on one knee: when a man proposes marriage, when a person is being knighted, and, for Catholics, when entering a pew at church.
In each case, the one-knee kneeling–whether briefly or for a longer time–is done to show respect and a willingness to submit. The man shows he’s willing to merge his life with his future spouse. The person being knighted shows his dedication to the Queen. And the church-goer shows his acceptance of the power and majesty of God.
I see those athletes as respectful–people showing their respect for and devotion to their country, and their promise to America a better place for everyone.
I’m Re-Thinking
Today’s Thursday Thought, along with a discussion with my son, is causing me to re-think my support for bringing down those statues.
“I don’t think it is wise or possible to hide from history.” — Andrew Young
Mother’s Day Spirit
Honor the early history and spirit of Mother’s Day in the U.S. (It actually goes as far back as the ancient Greeks.) On the first Mother’s Day celebration (1858) at a W. Virginia church, Ann Jarvis united mothers to fight infant mortality. During the rest of the 1800s women’s peace groups perpetuated the idea of bringing together mothers for just causes. After the Civil War Julia Ward Howe called on mothers to unite against war and promote social justice. In 1872, Anna Jarvis suggested an official Mother’s Day. She got the idea from her own activist social worker mom, who, noticing that adult Americans were neglecting their mothers, felt strongly that all mothers should be honored for their contributions.
Greeting card companies, florists, candy-makers, and others have commercialized the day, turning it into a sentimental occasion. Of course, moms appreciate the attention from their kids. Wouldn’t it be appropriate, too, to celebrate them as people who accomplished the difficult task of raising children while contributing time and effort to their community and world?
Although you’ve been gone many years, happy Mother’s Day, Mom, and thank you for all you did for our family and the positive differences you made in so many lives.
Irish, Congress, Trump, and History
U.S. Presidents or Congress have been doing it for years, and this year President Trump did it: declared March Irish-American History Month to honor the contributions to our country by Irish immigrants and their descendants who are living here. Today’s Thursday Thought, then is in honor of them.
“Well, it takes all kinds of men to build a railroad.”
“No sir, just us Irish.”
–Railroad barons in “Dodge City,” Warner Bros., 1939