Greetings Family!
I am happy to say that Deb and I have finally got the first family newsletter off the press.
This newsletter is for sharing family information, stories, poetry, art, special occasions, words of wisdom, etc. We are hopeful that everyone will submit an item to be included.
I know that we are all busy w
ith our work, households, and social calendars, but let us not forget about family. Let us not forget those that have gone on before us. Those that have paved a way for us to be where we are today. Those that laid down their life so that we, their descendants, could have a better life. Pass on the stories to your children. Let them know that we had an existence before slavery and not because of slavery. Teach them to take pride in their heritage and to understand their lineage.
“There is nothing new under the sun.” I can remember hearing those words as a child spoken to me by the elders. I can remember myself thinking and even sometimes saying, “Yeah! Right! You just don’t get it.” I now understand. They did get it and that they did understand. They were just trying to protect and shield me from the harsh and sometimes brutal realties of the world.
Hearing stories about my family, their trials and tribulations, have helped me become a stronger individual. I know that I am from a long line of survivors. Their blood runs through my veins. Because of them and their strength, I only have to imagine their physical pain and suffering. I will never be physically tortured, brutalized or suffer the way my ancestors were.
Each time I discover new information about the injustices some had to go through, it helps me to deal with the petty situations that I have to deal with daily. I hope reading about our family inspires you all.
GOD BLESS!
A
re you interested in learning more about your family? Have you ever wondered where your grandparents, ggparents or even gggparents came from and what their lives were like? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you have an interest in Genealogy.
Genealogy is the study of the history of families and the line of descent from their ancestors. The word genealogy comes from two Greek words—one meaning “race” or “family” and the other “theory” or “science.” 1 It can be very time consuming and it is very rewarding.
I have been researching both sides of my family for over 8 years. During that tim
e I have discovered some very interesting facts/fiction/myths about various family members. I have discovered that some members of my family were highly respected members of their community, some were land owners, and some were entrepreneurs. They paid taxes, served in the military, some were formally educated, and most were gainfully employed. I also discovered some were lynched, some were jailed, and some were forced to “get away under the cover of darkness.”
Talk to your parents and grandparents. Ask about family names, outlaws & in-laws, medical histories, birth / death locations. Inquire how the family ended up where they are now. Ask about churches the family were members of.
With these few questions, you will be surprised how much information you will get..
1. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved October 8, 2007, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9108628
RECOGNIZING THE POWER© Brenda M. Tillman
When you realize God’s power within you
It’s likened unto sunshine bursting through a gray cloudy day; Like a drippy strawberry ice cream cone on a hot August day; It’s kike strolling through red roses in botanical gardens, Like riding Hawaiian waves, Oh – the rush, the praise, the passion, the shout, the breath of fresh air that makes you dare to show His grace.
Knowing that its is He who completes you,
He who restores you, He who made you, He who sent you, He who deserves all honor and glory for bestowing you with the talents you possess. Yes, recognizing God’s favor will have you shouting on roof tops, dancing on tin cans – praising the MAN, using your gifts and singing messages that uplift.
For it is all about Him and His children and hoping and praying that others will see before it is too late that He lives in them, gave them a gift a talent to uplift so not to bring down others but to share with their brothers, the gift within.
When you recognize God’s power within you, nothing else matters. Your walk is different, your talk is different, your praise is different and you know it is all about Him When you recognize God’s power within.
May 26, 2006
L F D E P O M I S Y D R G B N Y K A R G O G R H E O N Y A E G H O M D A O A S E L O C F W Y U A E I T T C C A O I Y R C D G E R S L E I S I R T R A A M R O E T N Y V R E H A E N R F E C L D F E R M E T C V K R Y N M A A G O A E N H U A L O A N N P A E N R A U A D L I L N T Y S H A N L D D N E S N T S S F Y C I T E A F R I C A O C B R I D A S Z G C L F O W N O B R C L E V E L A N D Y N I N F A N D E R S O N H I C K S A G E E S S E N N E T S P W F