Category: February Focus

History

~ Barbara ~ 1 Comment

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).

Love

~ Barbara ~ 2 Comments

A five-minute search will reveal that Valentine’s Day has questionable origins, including a pagan Roman fertility festival and the martyrdom of Saint Valentine (of which there are at least two). But honestly, who cares? It has become a feel-good, syrupy emotional celebration of love. In the midst of snow and frigid temps, we are given a reason to decorate our homes with red, ice cupcakes, and send cards.

Although the sentiments are often superficial—less about commitment and devotion and more about lace and hearts—it’s a fun day! But I throw out a challenge: if we’re going to celebrate love, let’s do it right and go to the source. 1 Corinthians 13 is known as the Bible’s “love chapter” and explains what is and is not love.

We learn that love is not revealed in chocolates and roses, or dinners and candlelight. Love is exhibited in patience and kindness, humility and gentleness, forgiveness and mercy. Selah.

Our most eloquent professions, generous gifts, and greatest sacrifices are actually nothing without love. The qualities of true love run deep:

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
and endures through every circumstance” (verse 7).

Love isn’t found in a cut-out paper heart, but in cutting out the selfishness in our own hearts.

The final verse of the chapter reminds us what has enduring value:

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—
and the greatest of these is love” (verse 13).

February is a great month to share love!

Snow

~ Barbara ~ Leave a comment

Have you heard the news? Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter!

Not only is New Jersey seeing record snowfalls and frigid temperatures, but so is the rest of the country! Have you seen pictures of Nashville’s trees wrapped in ice? Snow is a wonder of nature, sent by God, at His command—and there’s nothing we can do about it, except shovel a path and admire the beauty.

“He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down.
Then everyone stops working so they can watch his power.” Job 37:6-7 NLT

The sunny days that followed our latest snowfall have been dazzling! Granted, I’m a retiree who neither treks to work nor clears her own sidewalks, but even before I reached these golden years, I loved living in the rhythm and wonder of four seasons, winter included.

The pristine, glistening snow always reminds me of God’s promise in Isaiah 1:18:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.”

Perhaps we can better appreciate the marvel of that statement when we look at the polluted, gray, mud-splattered snow on the side of the road. Even when our hearts are stained and polluted, God’s forgiveness washes them and makes them pure, “as white as snow.”

February is a great month to draw near to God!