Thursday, November 17, 2022

November 17, 2022

Like Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge, I always felt a bit out of place. 

What do you do when you’re surrounded by people who don’t look like you and were never taught things relating to your culture? Obviously, you go out of your way to make people uncomfortable. I was that person from fourth grade on. My style was a fusion of hip-hop and black consciousness, and my reports always introduced the class to a new topic from a world beyond the usual curriculum. I was aware my approach made people uneasy. There was conviction behind my motives, but I hadn’t found the right words.

Unfortunately, my silence in a drastically changing world allowed people to paint a picture of me that didn’t fully capture who I was. There’s a perception of what being black is on the surface, and stepping outside of that box brings many false labels. It’s too much to dive into, but in short, speaking properly and not living up to stereotypes meant I wasn’t “black” enough for some Caucasians and African-Americans, so I creatively told them otherwise.

I continued my battle to define who I was while trying to figure out who I would become. The only thing I was certain of—I wouldn’t let anyone else write my story—but I struggled to find sound in my voice. I slowly started to believe that I was the only one who wanted to hear my words. That can happen when you let people stick a finger in your face and tell you you’re no good. 

I was ready to stop writing until my English 111 professor pulled me aside. She printed out writing pieces from different African-American writers and suggested I use them as a bridge to find my voice. Something in my writing needed to be unlocked.   

2 Chronicles 15:7
“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.”

Last weekend, we heard that we’ll never accomplish our purpose if we choose to play it safe, run away, and give up. It will never be easy, but anything worth living for never is. I look back now and see where hard work paid off and where cutting corners pushed me back. 

This past year, doubting voices from the past grew louder. Someone who used to know me questioned my “blackness.” Over the years, I have encountered this both from within and outside my culture, but honestly, it always hurts more when it’s from within. Thankfully, my convictions didn’t allow me to doubt myself. A few months later, I was approached by a magazine that uplifts black culture. They asked why writing is special to me. I replied, “Writing allows me to live in my purpose.” It’s a great answer to many questions or doubts.

Questions: 

What past challenges do you struggle with? How has the past prepared you for the future? Where is God inviting you to be?

Next Steps: 

Watch Hacksaw Ridge if you haven’t already. Read 1 Samuel 17 to see how David used conviction to face the challenge with Goliath. Don’t be afraid to invite others to live out their purpose. Tell them about GrowthTrack.

Prayer: 

Lord, help strengthen my convictions when I allow life to weaken them. Give me the courage to face my problems, but also help me fight for those who haven’t found the strength to fight for themselves. Let my voice speak your truth. Amen. 

Would you like to read more? Text Fiction to 419-419-0707, and join us for a flash fiction story that parallels the theme from this week’s movie.