We were at the library the other day looking for books to read to Ellie for Black History month. While looking, I realized we were there because I didn’t have any books that related to black history month at home in our collection of over 100 children books. Sure, we have many books that show different cultures but none that discuss the hardships that our black friends have suffered. That didn’t feel right to me! I want my kids to grow up knowing black history. I want them to see how far we have come but to recognize that racism still happens today.
I want them to be aware so that they can be understanding toward their black friends today who are still facing injustices because of the color of their skin.
One lady I am deeply inspired by is Ruby Bridges. Ruby was one of four little girls to first emerge into an all white school. Everyday as she walked up to William Frantz Elementary School she was faced with an angry mob of individuals screaming and taunting her. They would threaten to kill her by use of poison until she choked to death. Yet, Ruby showed strength and courage as she never turned back or ran away. Do you know what she did? She prayed for the people screaming the disgusting slurs at her.
“Please, God, try to forgive these people.
Because even if they say those bad things,
They don’t know what they’re doing.
So you could forgive them,
Just like you did those folks a long time ago when they said terrible things about you.”
Wow! Could we have responded in that way?
Ruby had no classmates and only one teacher who was willing to teach her. She went through all this and still she didn’t even miss one day of school. Ruby was strong in Jesus.
Owning and reading more books on black history is one way I’m trying to do better. Reading to my children is one way I’m trying to teach them about black history. It’s important!
I want to be Ruby strong. The kind of Christian, wife, mother and friend who never gives up, never turns back and never lets the words of others keep me from everything God has called me to. More importantly, I want to be the kind of woman who prays for those who hurt me. During this black history month who is someone you look up to?
#blackhistorymonth
We ordered The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles and Illustrated by George Ford
This is our very first book on black history but we want more. What are your book suggestions for children 5 and under?
Shine4Him 