WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT
In reflecting on today’s reading, this particular passage
below resonated with me.
“However, take care and
be earnestly on your guard
not to forget the
things which your own eyes have seen,
nor let them slip from
your memory as long as you live,
but teach them to your
children and to your children’s children.”
As one who understands, recognizes and believes that I stand
on the shoulders of many who have passed wisdom throughout my family community
over the past several decades, I have an appreciation for both formal and
informal education. What I have learned
from my family has provided me with invaluable knowledge and keen awareness
that I could have never imagined gaining from structured educational
systems. It is my belief that in order
to build and maintain a family community, there has to be a foundation in which
history, tradition, customs, rituals and truth are carried throughout
generations.
I have also learned that there is a great sense of privilege
in having both intelligence and wisdom. Some naturally possess these, some are educationally
trained, and many have life experiences that enable them to possess these as
well. This intelligence provides us with knowledge that many are not
privy. I believe that with privilege
comes responsibility and obligation. We are children of the world and answer to
something larger than self. We are
responsible for sustaining our communities and adding to the many structures of
life through the passing of knowledge.
It is my responsibility to teach my child(ren) about the
richness of their history that predates America’s existence; the influence that
their ancestors had on modern science, language, medicine, astronomy, religion,
etc.; the strength and the beauty of who they are and others who are like them;
the injustices that were and are currently faced by many in the United States
and world; and the strength, hope and perseverance of those who fought against
those social wrongs. It is my
responsibility to ensure that my child(ren) make those connections to their
mere existence today. I owe gratitude to my family and extended family circle
for imparting this knowledge and making the connection for me. What I have gained
from what their eyes have seen is
imbedded in me and shapes my being. I can only hope to teach my child(ren) and
their child(ren) as those who have taught me.
LaTanya Buck, Director of the Cross Cultural Center (since 2009).
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