History

History class was never my favorite, and although now I regret it, it’s never too late to learn. The short month of February celebrates two presidents and Black History, days after Martin Luther King Day in January.

This may surprise you, but did you know it is likely that George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree? Even though we’ve long associated his name with cherry pie, the “I cannot tell a lie” story was probably created to inspire honesty in children.

And, did you know that most scholars agree that Abraham Lincoln did not write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope? What! The only agreement is that it was written hurriedly.

A fascinating book by Brian Kilmeade, The President and the Freedom Fighter, keenly describes the actions and thought processes of President Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, who has become one of my favorite Black History figures.

Many Black heroes were underappreciated, but their prominence increased when February was dedicated to honor their life-changing contributions and unsung bravery. Two courageous women inspire me:

• Harriet Tubman, whose final words in 1913 were “Give my love to all the churches” and “Tell the women to stand firm,” before quoting John 14:3, “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am you also may be.”
• Rosa Parks, born the year Harriet Tubman died, made history in 1955 when she refused to relinquish her bus seat to a White passenger and was arrested.

President George Washington fought to secure our independence from England, and we became the United States of America. President Abraham Lincoln fought to secure the unity of these United States. Dr. Martin Luther King fought to secure the equality proclaimed in the United States’ Declaration of Independence. Each fought for the United States of America to be just that, united.

But look at us today.

What has made us a great nation, and what must we do to remain great?

February is a great month to reflect on our history—and to seek God’s forgiveness and blessing.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).