Is it 2021? Or 2020 won? Today was the last day of Black History Month. Normally, there are many events filled with culture, education, and interaction. However, coronavirus is ravaging most black and brown communities. For the few events that happened, they were virtual remixes of recorded memories. Normally, our church would host documentaries with panel discussions. Often, these gatherings are usually followed by food, fun, and fellowship. Today, there was a 10 minute clip of Black Women In History. I must admit, I was taken aback that there was no mention of our Pastor Emeritus or any of our church's rich history. My prayer is to record the stories before the generations pass away. Have you ever had to deal with the loss of your religious leader? The very though of the Sainted Bishop Arthur M Brazier makes me smile. I'm not sure that there are enough words to describe the gratitude I have for the man I dubbed my Spiritual grandfather. Today's post serves as a reminder of how blessed we were because of him. So many people in Chicago are familiar with him and his story. Every where I go, I meet people who smile and share their Bishop story. People recall how he founded the N.O.W., and assisted with planning the urban landscape around the church. Bishop fought to stop infringement of university expansion on limited real estate. Bishop Brazier was one of a few pastors who welcomed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to Chicago. Bishop worked with street gangs, politicians, and others to negotiate peace in the area, When I was planning my move to Chicago, I asked my Pastor about which church to attend. His response was that he heard about this big church and their Pastor who's famous. I literally came with bright eyes and big dreams. Bishop Brazier took this naive suburban college grad and grew her into the sophisticated Christian lady that you see today. The power of his preaching. The warmth of his spirit coming across the pulpit. The awesomeness of his passion and compassion for his congregation. The respect and reverence he earned for his years of civil rights activism frpm the likes of Rev. Jesse Jackson and President Barack Obama. The grace. The mercy. The favor. Bishop Brazier was a History Maker. An honorable and prudent man who was at the helm of the "Miracle on 63rd Street". I'm glad to have been a parishioner and I live a blessed life because of him. Bishop showed us the true meaning of living our best life in Jesus. Thank you!!! Has anyone influenced your spiritual journey? Please feel free to leave your well wishes, memories, and comments. Thank you for stopping by. Stay safe, warm, and healthy. Take Care and God Bless!!!
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