"God made HISTORY with salvation, He showed the world what He could do." Psalms 98:2 (MSG)
When I think about my purpose and the reason that I was created, many things come to mind. I first think about my role as a mother and how I need to rear my children in a way that they will achieve nothing less than success. Next, I think about my role as an ambassador for Christ. I make it my business to speak life into every lost soul that I come across. Lastly, I think about my role in society, falling underneath the title of an African American woman. Although I only listed a few, I wear several hats. I believe that I do a decent job at balancing my different titles but nothing that I consider to be extraordinary. My desire is to impact our world in a life changing way. So I asked God, "how can my existence influence the future generations that follow me?" The Lord responded without hesitation. "In order to have influence in the future you must look back at the past." I began researching individuals that I believed made HISTORY through the lives that they lived. In honor of BLACK HISTORY MONTH I would like to recognize a very influential woman who helped pave the way for me as a writer and speaker.
When I think about my purpose and the reason that I was created, many things come to mind. I first think about my role as a mother and how I need to rear my children in a way that they will achieve nothing less than success. Next, I think about my role as an ambassador for Christ. I make it my business to speak life into every lost soul that I come across. Lastly, I think about my role in society, falling underneath the title of an African American woman. Although I only listed a few, I wear several hats. I believe that I do a decent job at balancing my different titles but nothing that I consider to be extraordinary. My desire is to impact our world in a life changing way. So I asked God, "how can my existence influence the future generations that follow me?" The Lord responded without hesitation. "In order to have influence in the future you must look back at the past." I began researching individuals that I believed made HISTORY through the lives that they lived. In honor of BLACK HISTORY MONTH I would like to recognize a very influential woman who helped pave the way for me as a writer and speaker.
Frances Ellen Watkins Harper is best known for her abolitionist poetry and activism. She is also known for fighting for equal rights for African Americans and women. Harper was born September 24, 1825 in Baltimore, Maryland to free African American parents. At the age of three her parents died and she was then raised by her aunt and uncle. Her uncle ran the Academy for Negro Youth which she attended until her teenage years. Harper was educated in rhetoric, literature, and the Bible. After completing her mandatory education she became a maid and studied literature and poetry often from her employer's library. Soon after, she began writing prose and poetry of her own. She was very passionate about political and social issues and she used her biblical background to assist her as she expressed herself on paper.
At the age of 21 Harper published her first book of poetry, Forest Leaves. In the 1850's she moved to Ohio as a teacher and became the first woman faculty member at Union Seminary(Wilberforce University). Through her teaching she continued to travel around the states and became involved in the Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement. During the 1860's she married Mr. Harper in Cincinnati, Ohio where they bought a farm and had their daughter, Mary. Four years later he died. Focused on providing for her daughter while pursuing her calling, Harper went back to lecturing. Her focus was the need for equal rights for women and the "Colored Race". She became a leader in the Women's Christian Temperance Union and founded YMCA Sunday Schools. Harper also participated in the First Congress of Colored Women in the United States and several other organizations.
Throughout her lifetime she lectured frequently on abolitionism, published her writing in magazines and newspapers, and sold more than 10,000 copies of her work. She was an author of fiction and poetry, a professional lecturer, and an outstanding journalist. Harper used her speaking and writing to fight racism and to build up women. Her passion for progression and change assisted her in being one of the strongest writers and speakers of her time. Harper lived an extraordinary life by showing the world what she could do. HER STORY is my HISTORY.
Throughout her lifetime she lectured frequently on abolitionism, published her writing in magazines and newspapers, and sold more than 10,000 copies of her work. She was an author of fiction and poetry, a professional lecturer, and an outstanding journalist. Harper used her speaking and writing to fight racism and to build up women. Her passion for progression and change assisted her in being one of the strongest writers and speakers of her time. Harper lived an extraordinary life by showing the world what she could do. HER STORY is my HISTORY.
Mothers, I am asking you to now do some research of your own. I suggest starting within your family and discover which of your relatives have had some kind of impact on the world today. Also look into the women and men that have gone before you in your career field or ministry. Learning from our past is key to having a successful future. I don't know about you but I am trying to make HISTORY and SHOW THE WORLD WHAT I CAN DO! Blessings to you all!
Works Cited
Graham, Maryemma. The Complete Poems of Frances E.W Harper. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988
Hanafor, Phebe A. Daughters of America. August, Maine: True and Co., 1882
poemhunter.com
poetryfoundation.org
Works Cited
Graham, Maryemma. The Complete Poems of Frances E.W Harper. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988
Hanafor, Phebe A. Daughters of America. August, Maine: True and Co., 1882
poemhunter.com
poetryfoundation.org
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