Picture yourself on a platform, blindfolded, with friends below promising to catch you.
Your knees tremble as every instinct urges you to stop.
You hear their voices reassuring you, "We've got you. Just trust us."
But you hesitate. What if they don’t catch you?
What if you fall flat on your back?
Worst-case scenarios flood your mind. Your heart pleads.
Can I peek first? But trust falls are all about letting go without seeing.
Finally, you breathe deep and fall.
For a moment, weightlessness takes over—and then, they catch you.
Relief floods in as you realize the hardest part wasn’t the fall. It was the decision to let go.
Trusting God feels like that trust fall. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone and surrendering control over your struggles and unanswered questions. Human instincts crave certainty, but God invites us to lean on His promises instead of our own understanding.
This journey of trust leads to a deeper peace—one that doesn’t depend on fixing others or rushing God’s timing but on believing that His plan unfolds perfectly in every moment.
Let People Be Where They Are
Each of us will give a personal account to God. – Romans 14:12 (NLT)
We’re not meant to be anyone else’s savior because only God can change hearts. The pressure to "fix" others often comes from our impatience or lack of trust in God’s perfect timing. Romans 14:12 reminds us that God alone is the ultimate judge.
Key Insights:
Stay in Your Lane: Romans 14 addresses disagreements among early Christians over food laws and holy days. Paul encourages believers to focus on harmony rather than judgment.
Trust God’s Timing: You don’t have to referee someone else’s life. God is more than capable of working in His own time.
Speak Life: Instead of criticizing, use your words to build others up. Romans 14:19 emphasizes that unity grows when we prioritize what matters most to God.
Reflection & Action:
Question: Am I trusting God with the people in my life, or am I trying to control their journey?
Next Step: Let go of judgment today. Instead, pray for someone and trust God to work in their life.
Letting go of control over others is the first step, but how do we learn to find peace when life itself feels overwhelming? Let’s explore what it means to accept situations for what they are.
Accept Situations for What They Are
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. – Philippians 4:11 (NLT)
Contentment isn’t giving up; it’s stepping up in faith.
It’s choosing to trust God in the middle of your mess, believing He’s still working even when nothing around you makes sense. Contentment isn't about passively accepting unfavorable situations. Instead, it focuses on actively trusting God, even when circumstances are challenging. Paul, writing from prison, is a prime example of this mindset.
His peace was not derived from his surroundings but from his unwavering trust in Christ's strength and provision. This perspective encourages readers to lean on their faith during difficulties, seeing them as opportunities to trust in God's plan.
Why? Because his strength came from Christ, not his situation (Philippians 4:13).
Reflection & Action:
Question: Am I seeking peace in my circumstances or in Christ?
Next Step: Focus on one challenge this week. Instead of resisting it, ask God to reveal His provision through it.
When we understand contentment, the next challenge is restraint—choosing how and when to respond in wisdom rather than frustration.
Not Every Action Needs a Reaction
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. – James 1:19 (NLT)
Wisdom begins with restraint. Not every word or action demands a reaction. James 1:19 encourages humility, teaching us to listen more, speak less, and let God’s Word transform us.
Key Insights:
Listen With Purpose: "Quick to listen" means opening your spirit to God. James 1:22 warns against hearing God’s Word without acting on it.
Anger Is a Thief: Anger clouds judgment and blocks God’s wisdom. Restraint allows His power to shape your response.
Jesus’ Example: In Matthew 26:63, Jesus stayed silent during false accusations, showing that stillness can be the strongest response.
Reflection & Action:
Question: Am I reacting out of frustration, or am I responding with God’s wisdom?
Next Step: Pause before reacting to difficult situations this week. Pray for wisdom and respond with grace.
Practicing restraint paves the way for a life of greater peace and purpose. Now, let’s tie it all together with a final thought that will encourage and inspire.
Final Thought
What if the hardest part of trusting God isn’t the fall—it’s the decision to let go?
Letting go isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a bold step of faith that says, "God, I trust You more than I trust myself." Surrendering control means acknowledging that His plan is far better than anything we could orchestrate. It’s in His arms, not our own striving, that true peace is found.
So, what’s holding you back?
Release the fear, the need for control, and the pressure to fix others. Instead, step into the freedom of trusting God fully. Pray for His guidance, lean into His promises, and rest knowing He’s working even when you can’t see it.
Call to Action:
Take action today: Identify one area of your life where you’re holding on too tightly.
Write it down, surrender it to God in prayer, and trust that He will catch you. Then, share your story with someone else who might need encouragement.
Let go, let God work, and embrace the peace that comes when you allow Him to lead.
We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT)
Introduction: The Weight of Life’s Struggles
We’ve all been there—that moment where life has piled more on you than you can carry. It feels like you’re being crushed under the weight of responsibilities, heartache, and uncertainty.
This is the breaking point—when you’re emotionally and physically drained, barely holding on, and wondering why God would allow things to get this hard.
Maybe you’re at that breaking point right now. You’ve put on a brave face for others, but behind closed doors, you’re overwhelmed.
You’ve prayed, you’ve waited, and yet, the breakthrough still feels out of reach. Like Paul, you’ve reached a point where you wonder, “Can I even survive this?”
But the breaking point, as hard as it is, isn’t the end. It’s actually a crucial moment where transformation begins. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul openly admits he thought he wouldn’t make it.
Yet, in his suffering, he found something more powerful than his own strength—he found the power of relying on God.
Your Breaking Point is God’s Opportunity
When we reach the end of ourselves, that’s often when we begin to see God work in a new way. Paul said,
We stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God.
When you’re at your breaking point, it’s God’s opportunity to show His strength through your weakness.
For many of us, letting go and trusting God can feel like the hardest step. We’re so used to controlling things—managing our careers, families, finances, and problems. But God never intended for us to carry these burdens alone.
Consider the story of Job. In Job 1, Job was described as a man of integrity, devoted to God, and blessed with abundance. Yet, in an instant, his life was shattered—he lost his wealth, his children, and his health.
Despite his suffering, Job chose to trust God. He fell to the ground in worship and said,
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Like Job, our breaking points are not the end of the story; they are turning points where God can step in and carry the weight we were never meant to bear.
We often wonder why God lets us reach these moments of complete exhaustion. Sometimes it’s the only way we’ll stop relying on ourselves and truly depend on Him. It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.
It’s at the end of your strength that God’s strength can shine the brightest.
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Pressure Produces Power
We’ve all heard the saying,
God won’t give you more than you can handle.
But if you look at Paul’s words, you’ll notice something important: sometimes God will allow more than you can handle—on your own. The crushing weight Paul describes in 2 Corinthians wasn’t meant to destroy him but to draw him into deeper reliance on God.
This pressure wasn’t a punishment; it was a process.
The idea of pressure producing power can be seen in the natural world. Consider how diamonds are formed—under immense heat and pressure.
Without the crushing weight, a diamond would never become the precious stone that it is. Similarly, in the spiritual life, God uses the pressure we’re under to refine and strengthen us.
Job’s story exemplifies this process. In the face of overwhelming loss, Job didn’t give in to despair or curse God as Satan predicted . Instead, he held onto his faith, and through that suffering, God revealed a greater purpose.
Later, in Job 42, we see that God not only restores Job but gives him twice as much as he had before . The intense pressure Job faced produced deeper faith, humility, and eventually, a blessing far greater than anything he could have imagined.
When we face these crushing moments, we can either resist and become hardened, or we can surrender to God and let Him transform us. The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.
The pressure you’re under today could be preparing you for a breakthrough tomorrow.
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God’s Resurrection Power in Your Situation
One of the most powerful revelations Paul shares is that he learned to rely not just on God, but on “God who raises the dead.” This is a game-changer.
The God who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your situation right now. No matter how hopeless things seem, God specializes in bringing dead things back to life.
When Jesus hung on the cross, His disciples were devastated. To them, it looked like the end.
Yet, three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that nothing is impossible with God. This same resurrection power is available in your life.
That dream you think is dead, that relationship that seems beyond repair, that situation you’ve given up on—God can breathe life into it again.
Job’s story reminds us that God is a God of restoration.
After losing everything, Job was not only restored but blessed beyond what he had before. His family, wealth, and health were renewed.
What seemed like a hopeless situation became the canvas for God’s greatest work in Job’s life.
Similarly, your breaking point is not the end. It’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life. Even when you can’t see a way forward, God is already working behind the scenes.
Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of God’s resurrection power in your life.
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Conclusion: Hold On and Trust in God’s Plan
At the breaking point, it’s easy to feel like giving up.
But the stories of Paul and Job teach us that these moments of overwhelming pressure are where God’s power is revealed most clearly.
Both men faced unimaginable suffering, but both also discovered that God’s plan is far greater than the pain they endured.
In your own life, you may not understand why you’re going through what you are. But know this: God is not finished with you yet.
He is able to restore what has been lost, to bring life where there was death, and to turn your breaking point into a breakthrough.
So, hold on. Don’t throw in the towel.
The God who raised Jesus from the dead, and who restored Job’s life, is the same God who is with you in your suffering. Your breaking point is not the end; it’s the beginning of something new and powerful. Trust Him—He’s got you.
What seems like a hopeless situation becomes the canvas for God’s greatest work in your life.
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Next Steps
If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to check out the full sermon here.
Join us for Church Online on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 10:30 AM, where we’ll dive deeper into this topic.
And don’t miss our next in-person service on November 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM—we’d love to see you there!
Welcome back to the unfolding story of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary that has stood as a beacon of faith, hope, and community in the heart of Chicago for over six decades.
If you joined us for Part 1, you already know Mars Hill is no ordinary church. It’s a living testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together, united by faith and driven by a vision.
As we dive into Part 2 of this compelling series, prepare to be inspired by the church’s innovative outreach, transformative leadership, and bold steps into the future.
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to our community, what you’re about to read will deepen your understanding of Mars Hill’s enduring legacy and its exciting path forward.
Mars Hill Baptist Church: Continuing the Legacy
In our previous post, we embarked on a journey through the early days of Mars Hill Baptist Church, a sanctuary of faith, hope, and community nestled in the heart of Chicago. As we delve deeper into this continuation, we’ll uncover more facets of this remarkable institution, highlighting its growth, outreach, and the modern touches that make it a beacon in Chicago’s religious landscape.
Innovative Outreach: Beyond the Church Walls
Mars Hill’s vision has always transcended its physical boundaries. One of its groundbreaking initiatives was the bus ministry, a transformative outreach inspired by Jack Hyles and the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. This wasn’t merely a transport service; it was a mission to bring children from the inner city to Sunday school, planting seeds of faith and hope. By 1982, Mars Hill’s commitment to education and community led to the inception of a school, resulting in a surge in membership, reaching about 850 souls by 1992.
Transition and Transformation: A New Era
The dawn of the late 1990s heralded a significant transition for Mars Hill. With the leadership baton passed, Clarence E. Stowers, Jr., the founder’s son, emerged as a beacon of youthful energy and innovation. The untimely passing of Rev. Stowers Sr. in 1999 propelled the younger Stowers into leadership, marking a revitalization, growth, and transformation period for Mars Hill.
Diversifying Ministries: Catering to a Dynamic Congregation
Mars Hill expanded its horizons under Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.’s visionary leadership. By spring 2001, the church had birthed several new ministries. Mars Hill was moving from the Basketball ministry for sports enthusiasts to the Music ministry for budding talents. One standout event was the “Taste of Mars Hill,” a testament to Mars Hill’s commitment to community, faith, and fellowship.
Embracing Modernity: A Progressive Approach
While Mars Hill Baptist Church is steeped in tradition, it has always been forward-thinking. Recognizing the evolving dynamics of worship and the diverse needs of its congregation, the church made bold moves. Shorter, concise services were introduced, and the traditional pulpit was removed, symbolizing Mars Hill’s commitment to blending tradition with modern worship methods.
Looking Ahead: The Dawn of Mars Hill Anywhere
Mars Hill recognized the need to evolve as the world became more interconnected and digital. The church began envisioning a model to cater to its in-person congregation and growing online community. This vision led to “Mars Hill Anywhere,” a hybrid church model that seamlessly blends physical and digital worship experiences. This innovative approach ensures that no matter where someone is, they can be a part of the Mars Hill community, partaking in worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
Conclusion: A Legacy Continued and a Glimpse into the Future
As we wrap up this second installment on Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that its journey is a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, faith, and community outreach. From its humble beginnings in 1963 to its current hybrid model, Mars Hill continues to inspire and nurture souls.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll delve deeper into the evolution of “Mars Hill Anywhere” and explore how the church has seamlessly transitioned into a hybrid model, catering to its in-person and online communities.
For a deeper dive into Mars Hill Baptist Church and its myriad programs and initiatives, visit www.marshillchicago.org.
Celebrating Six Decades of Faithful Service
As we reflect on the remarkable 60-year journey of Mars Hill Baptist Church, it’s evident that our legacy is not just built on bricks and mortar but on faith, dedication, and community. Our history is a tapestry of countless stories, prayers, and miracles; each of you is an integral thread.
This Sunday, we commemorate our past and ignite our future. Whether you’ve been with us since day one or just getting to know us, we invite you to be part of this milestone celebration.
Join us in person or tune in online at 10:30 AM Central for our 60th-anniversary service. Let’s honor the legacy, celebrate the present, and anticipate the boundless possibilities that await.
We eagerly anticipate the joy of worshiping with you online on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 10:30 AM Central.
Remember, regardless of how you choose to participate—whether in person or online—the power of our collective worship transcends physical boundaries, uniting us as one body in Christ.
Be there. Be part of the legacy. Let’s write the next chapter of Mars Hill together.
From the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. to the contributions of Black scientists and artists, these articles showcase the incredible achievements and resilience of the Black community. Let us continue to honor and celebrate these stories beyond Black History Month and work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
As we take a moment to reflect on the legacy of those who have paved the way for us, I am proud to share the story of my father, Clarence E. Stowers, Sr. His life is a testament to the resilience, determination, and faith that have defined Black excellence throughout history.
Fleeing the Segregated South: The Beginning of a Remarkable Journey
When my father fled the segregated South at the age of 17, he was doing so to protect his brothers and himself from an angry white mob. This experience was a traumatic one, but it also served as a defining moment in his life.
He knew that he had to take action to protect himself and his loved ones, and in doing so, he set himself on a path that would lead to remarkable achievements.
After fleeing the segregated South and establishing himself in Chicago, my father worked tirelessly to build a new life for himself. He was determined to create a better future, one where he could thrive and succeed despite the adversity he had faced.
After some time in Chicago, he decided to return to Tennessee to bring Margaret Stowers, my mother back with him to Chicago.
I am proud to share the story of my father, Clarence E. Stowers, Sr. His life is a testament to the resilience, determination, and faith that have defined Black excellence throughout history.
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Together, my parents began to build a family and a community that would touch countless lives. It was in Chicago that they built the foundation for the remarkable work that they would go on to accomplish, from founding Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago to establishing Mars Hill School.
Through their commitment to faith, family, and community, they were able to create opportunities for others and to make a lasting impact on the world.
My father's decision to flee the segregated South was a courageous one, and it set him on a path of resilience, determination, and faith.
He refused to let the injustices of the world define him, and he sought to create a better future for himself and his loved ones. Through his hard work and dedication, he was able to build a life that was defined by love, family, and community.
Today, my father's legacy continues to inspire me and others. His journey serves as a reminder that we can overcome even the toughest obstacles when we have faith in ourselves and a commitment to creating a better future. I am grateful to have been a witness to his remarkable journey, and I am honored to carry on his legacy.
Today, my father's legacy continues to inspire me and others. His journey serves as a reminder that we can overcome even the toughest obstacles when we have faith in ourselves and a commitment to creating a better future.
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Building a Life and a Legacy
The story of my parents is one of resilience, determination, and faith.
Together, they raised five fantastic children, instilling in us the values of family, hard work, and a commitment to creating a better world. But their impact went far beyond our family.
Together, they built Mars Hill Baptist Church of Chicago, a multi-generational, global ministry that has touched the lives of countless people. In 2023, we will be celebrating 60 years of ministry, a testament to their enduring legacy.
My father's commitment to education was another cornerstone of his work. He established Mars Hill School, which educated some of Chicago's elite students who have gone on to achieve great things.
Through his commitment to education, he sought to create opportunities for others and to break down the barriers that had held so many back. It was a reflection of his deep-rooted belief in the power of knowledge and the importance of creating a better future for all.
The journey of my parents is one that has had a profound impact on my life and the lives of countless others. It is a story of faith, family, and community, and it serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and a commitment to creating a better world.
As we celebrate their legacy, let us be inspired to carry on their work and to build a brighter future for generations to come.
My father's commitment to education was another cornerstone of his work. He established Mars Hill School, which educated some of Chicago's elite students who have gone on to achieve great things.
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Growing up, my parents were dedicated to creating opportunities for others and breaking down barriers. They established Mars Hill Anywhere and my father worked tirelessly to ensure Black people had access to housing, banking, and jobs - showing their unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
A Commitment to Justice and Equality
Throughout his life, my father was a tireless advocate for justice and equality.
His commitment to creating a more equitable society was reflected in all aspects of his work, from his efforts to establish Mars Hill Anywhere to his commitment to education.
But perhaps what I am most proud of is his unwavering dedication to ensuring that Black people had access to housing, banking, and jobs.
My father owned property, housing, and businesses to create opportunities for others and to ensure that Black people had a place to bank, live, and work. It was a reflection of his deep-rooted belief in the importance of creating a more just and equitable society, one where all individuals had the opportunity to thrive and succeed
As my father knew, the work he was doing would outlive him. He set up Clarence E. Stowers Jr. to continue his legacy, knowing that the commitment to justice and equality was something that needed to be carried on.
Today, his work continues to inspire us to create a better world, one where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.
My father's commitment to justice and equality is a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and creating a more equitable society. As we celebrate his legacy, let us be inspired to carry on his work and to create a brighter future for generations to come.
An Inheritance of Black Excellence
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to reflect on the legacy of those who have come before us and to be inspired to create a brighter future for generations to come.
For me, that legacy is embodied in my father, who left an inheritance to his children's children. His commitment to creating a better world is a reminder of the power of determination, resilience, and faith.
My father was a champion of justice and equality, and his commitment to education, family, and community inspired countless people. His tireless efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for others embodied the spirit of black excellence, and I am honored to carry on his legacy.
My father was a champion of justice and equality, and his commitment to education, family, and community inspired countless people. His tireless efforts to break down barriers and create opportunities for others embodied the spirit of black excellence, and I am honored to carry on his legacy.
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Final Thoughts
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us be inspired by the legacy of those who have come before us. Let us remember the struggles and the triumphs, and let us be motivated to create a better world for all individuals. Through our commitment to justice, equality, and community, we can build a brighter future for generations to come, one that embodies the spirit of black excellence that has inspired us for so long.
The story of my father, Clarence E. Stowers, Sr., is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through resilience, determination, and faith. From fleeing the segregated South to establishing a new life in Chicago, he built a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire us today.
Through his commitment to education, justice, equality, and community, my father touched countless lives and created opportunities for others. His unwavering dedication to creating a better world is a reminder of the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. As we celebrate his legacy, let us be inspired to carry on his work and to create a brighter future for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
Resilience, determination, and faith are key to overcoming adversity and building a better future.
The legacy of those who have come before us is a powerful reminder of the progress that can be made through hard work and dedication.
Through our commitment to education, justice, equality, and community, we can create a brighter future for all individuals, embodying the spirit of black excellence that has inspired us for so long.
Many untold stories enrich the diversity of black history. However, widespread celebrations of the struggles and achievements of prominent figures like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela and numerous other essential but lesser-known figures have also made their mark on black history in unique ways.
In this article, we will uncover five hidden gems of black history, shining a light on some of the lesser-known stories that have helped shape the course of history.
Starting with the story of Robert Purvis, an abolitionist, and activist who worked hard to end slavery, we will learn more about the lives of five lesser-known black figures who made a lasting impact in their fields.
Robert Purvis: Abolitionist and Activist
Robert Purvis was an American abolitionist and activist who played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped escaped enslaved people reach freedom.
Purvis was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1810. He became well-known in Philadelphia as a leader of the movement to end slavery. He worked to end slavery through political activism and lobbying. He was also a close ally of William Still, a fellow abolitionist and "conductor" on the Underground Railroad.
Even though people were against him and tried to hurt him, Purvis kept fighting to end slavery until he died in 1898. As we move on from Robert Purvis, we come to the story of Biddy Mason, a formerly enslaved person who became famous as a businesswoman and giver of money.
Robert Purvis was an American abolitionist and activist who played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped escaped enslaved people reach freedom.
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Biddy Mason: Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Biddy Mason was once enslaved. In the 1800s, she moved to Los Angeles, became a successful businesswoman, and gave money to good causes. Born in Georgia in 1818, Mason was brought to California as an enslaved person and worked as a nurse and midwife.
Mason was also a deeply religious Christian who used her money to help many good causes, like starting the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles. Biddy Mason became a successful businesswoman and civic leader in 19th-century Los Angeles.
She built on her success as a formerly enslaved person, nurse, and midwife. Like Robert Church Sr. in Memphis, Tennessee, she was also generous and entrepreneurial.
Biddy Mason was once enslaved. In the 1800s, she moved to Los Angeles, became a successful businesswoman, and gave money to good causes. Born in Georgia in 1818, Mason was brought to California as an enslaved person and worked as a nurse and midwife.
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Robert Church Sr.: Businessman and Civic Leader
Robert Church Sr. was a businessman and civic leader who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in slavery in 1839, Church worked his way up from humble beginnings to become one of the city's most influential figures.
He was a successful entrepreneur who owned several businesses, including a hotel, a theater, and a park. He was also a philanthropist who gave generously to various causes, including education and housing for African Americans.
Church was also a political activist who used his influence to advocate for civil rights and worked to bridge the divide between black and white communities in Memphis.
Benjamin "Pap" Singleton was a leader in the Great Migration. He inspired and guided hundreds of African Americans to move to the North in search of new economic and political opportunities. He did this by carrying on the work of Robert Church Sr., who worked to bring black and white communities together.
Robert Church Sr. was a businessman and civic leader who played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Memphis, Tennessee, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Benjamin "Pap" Singleton: Pioneer of the Great Migration
Benjamin "Pap" Singleton was a formerly enslaved person who became a pioneering figure in the Great Migration, the movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Born in Kentucky in 1809, Singleton was enslaved until the end of the Civil War. Upon gaining his freedom, he relocated to Tennessee, advocating for black land ownership. He moved to Kansas, started a few towns only for black people, and helped hundreds of other African Americans move north.
Singleton's work gave African Americans new economic and political opportunities. It made it easier for future generations to follow their dreams.
While Benjamin "Pap" Singleton was paving the way for African Americans in the Great Migration, Zora Neale Hurston made her mark as a writer, anthropologist, and folklorist, preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of African Americans through her work.
Benjamin "Pap" Singleton was a formerly enslaved person who became a pioneering figure in the Great Migration, the movement of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Zora Neale Hurston: Writer, Anthropologist, and Folklorist
Zora Neale Hurston was a talented writer, anthropologist, and folklorist who did much for African American culture and literature.
Born in Alabama in 1891, she was exposed to the rich oral tradition of African American folk culture in her small all-black community in Florida, where she grew up. This experience affected her later work as an anthropologist, where she tried to record and keep African American stories, customs, and beliefs.
As a writer, Hurston is most famous for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God," which was published in 1937. This book is a classic of African American literature, taught in many schools and colleges.
Hurston's writing is known for being lyrical and full of imagination. It also celebrates African American folk culture and traditions.
In addition to her writing, Hurston was also a pioneering anthropologist. She did a lot of fieldwork in the American South, the Caribbean, and Haiti. She talked to African Americans and people from other groups to get their stories, songs, and beliefs. Her work in anthropology was vital and helped make it possible to study African American culture and folklore.
Along with Robert Purvis, Biddy Mason, Robert Church Sr., and Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, Hurston is a testament to the rich tapestry of black history, made up of the lives and contributions of people who have helped shape the course of history and left a legacy for future generations to cherish.
Zora Neale Hurston was a talented writer, anthropologist, and folklorist who did much for African American culture and literature.
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Conclusion
In the end, black history is a rich tapestry made up of the lives and contributions of many people, some of whom are well-known and some are not. The five "hidden gems" of black history that this article discusses are just a few examples of how black people have made significant contributions to history.
From Robert Purvis, an abolitionist, and activist who worked to end slavery, to Biddy Mason, an entrepreneurial philanthropist, to Robert Church Sr., a businessman and civic leader, to Benjamin "Pap" Singleton, a pioneer of the Great Migration, and finally to Zora Neale Hurston, a talented writer, anthropologist, and folklorist, each of these figures helped to shape the course of history and make a lasting impact in their respective fields.
Even though they faced problems and setbacks, these people kept going. They left a legacy that continues to inspire people today.
Black history is a rich tapestry made up of the lives and contributions of many people, some of whom are well-known and some are not.
He said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something - your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life”.
The idea behind this quote is that, as much as we try to plan our lives ahead in advance, there’s always something that’s completely unpredictable about life that teaches needed lessons. Unfortunately, people wait too long before learning those needed lessons. In today’s post, I’m sharing three of the nine lessons that people learn too late in life.
If you're a teenager, in your early 20s, 30s, or 40s, or if you're just young at heart, I promise you will want to read this 3-part series, and can save yourself from the mistakes that most people make and regret for the rest of their lives. Let's begin the countdown with the ninth lesson, people will criticize you.
“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future..."
- Steve Jobs -
9. People Will Criticize Me, So What?
Regardless of who you are, someone will criticize you. The fear of criticism kills momentum and gets in the way of creating the life that you want. If you're afraid what other people say and think about you, you might as well stay inside and give up now.
Remember this: The more successful you become, the more haters you’ll attract. It’s like that, and that’s the way it is. So, you have to decide who do you want to be. Do you want to live and become your friend, your parents, or somebody else?
Or, do you want to live and create your own life? Remember, don't be afraid of criticism, do the things that you want to do, and live the life that you want to live. Let's continue with the countdown with the eighth lesson, you are responsible for your own happiness.
Remember this: The more successful you become, the more haters you’ll attract.
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8. I Am Responsible For Creating My Own Happiness
Guess what? Happiness is your choice. Unfortunately, a lot of people think that happiness is something that some people have and some don't. But, the truth is, happiness is YOUR choice.
Here are two important truths I’ve discovered about happiness:
Happiness is not an easy choice.
It takes a daily work to be happy.
What does progress have to do with happiness? Happiness comes from making progress. If you're making progress towards your goals, you're going to experience happiness. Unfortunately, many people don't learn this until too late in life. Additionally, they may complain about getting the short end of the stick and choose to remain unhappy.
If you want to experience happiness, you have to take consistent daily action towards choosing happiness. Let's conclude today's countdown with the seventh lesson, be yourself.
Happiness comes from making progress. If you're making progress towards your goals, you're going to experience happiness.
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“Don’t rely on someone else for your happiness and self-worth. Only you can be responsible for that.”
- Stacey Charter -
7. Be You - Do You
I once heard someone say, “why be a cheap copy when you can be a great original”?
Unfortunately, too many people wait too long to learn this valuable lesson. If you don’t have a firm grip on who you are, you’ll be tempted to borrow and live someone else’s life.
Furthermore, many people (parents, friends, associates, colleagues, etc.) have opinions on who you should be. In fact, they’re willing to offer their unsolicited advice. The sooner you're your own person, the sooner that you're happy with that person. Take Oscar Wilde's advice, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken".
I trust you found value in today's post and I'd love to hear your feedback on what lessons you've learned.
”You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
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