As I drove around my old community of my childhood, I reminisced of what was and how the community has become a disarray of decay and destruction; that used to be a community that flourished with love, gratitude, a deep respect and honor for God, as well as a community that appreciated the little things - and understood that struggles don't last always!
Broadway School Yard that is still being used
There were family and friends that lived from Mulberry street (East) to Vine Street (West); and Presbyterian Street (North) to Sixth Street (South). There was one particular street that was wider than any street should be, without being called a highway; which was Broadway Street. Everything happened on Broadway - New Year's Eve bonfires, skateboarding, sledding, street dances, and worship services. It was and still is a street like no other, that if it could talk, would intrigue you of how much history has passed by on "Broadway"!
The community didn't come with it's problems; because it showed how we can become so enamored with worldly views, we forget about how God views us. As we all know, there are many blacks who looked white; whereas, they would disown their heritage so their life could be free of rejection and more of acceptance. "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 AMP) Why did I mention this from a story that is about a community of love, and respect and honor for God? It's because one, God put it on my heart to mention this, and two, it shows us how we, again, separate and divide to promote and elevate our own ego and life, instead of trusting God to do it!
Broadway High School establishment that was the only school established to educate blacks in Madison.
I did feel sadness as I drove through the neighborhood that once was, no longer exist or flourish with those who made it our home. Ecclesiastes 7:10, Amplified version says: "Do not say, Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise or because of wisdom that you ask this".
But, I also understand that we are not to long for the good old days either; because the past is gone and cannot be no more. We are to look forward to what God has in store for us and how we as the light and salt of the world are to make it better than yesterday.
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.
So many of us have strayed from God and gone their own way and are in a valley wondering how to get out so they can find the comfort and joy they once had. It can be that way once again, but not without work on our part and without a true commitment to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
John Paul Park. Softball games were played by old and young alike since the 1930's
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". (Psalm 30:5 KJV) There is nothing that God can't do, but we have to understand, nothing will change until we change our thinking and attitude towards ourselves and others that the change we are looking for is already within us to stop believing that yesterday was better than today!
Addition to John Paul Park that used to have slides, merry-go-rounds and swings.
Broadway School Yard that is still being used
The community didn't come with it's problems; because it showed how we can become so enamored with worldly views, we forget about how God views us. As we all know, there are many blacks who looked white; whereas, they would disown their heritage so their life could be free of rejection and more of acceptance. "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 AMP) Why did I mention this from a story that is about a community of love, and respect and honor for God? It's because one, God put it on my heart to mention this, and two, it shows us how we, again, separate and divide to promote and elevate our own ego and life, instead of trusting God to do it!
Broadway High School establishment that was the only school established to educate blacks in Madison.
I did feel sadness as I drove through the neighborhood that once was, no longer exist or flourish with those who made it our home. Ecclesiastes 7:10, Amplified version says: "Do not say, Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise or because of wisdom that you ask this".
But, I also understand that we are not to long for the good old days either; because the past is gone and cannot be no more. We are to look forward to what God has in store for us and how we as the light and salt of the world are to make it better than yesterday.
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven". (Matthew 5:13-16 AMP)
So many of us have strayed from God and gone their own way and are in a valley wondering how to get out so they can find the comfort and joy they once had. It can be that way once again, but not without work on our part and without a true commitment to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
John Paul Park. Softball games were played by old and young alike since the 1930's
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". (Psalm 30:5 KJV) There is nothing that God can't do, but we have to understand, nothing will change until we change our thinking and attitude towards ourselves and others that the change we are looking for is already within us to stop believing that yesterday was better than today!
Addition to John Paul Park that used to have slides, merry-go-rounds and swings.
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