Emphasis Preaching Journal

There is a story of a black family and a white family who lived in the area of Atlanta during the time of the racial riots and uprisings of the '60s. The day came when the black family was told by law that they would have to bus their little 11-year-old from her school in the urban city to a school in the suburbs. They had no choice, for this was the law. The day came when the white family was told by law that their all-white school now would have several new students and these students would be black. They had no choice, for this was the law. The day came when the black family bid farewell to their little girl. There were tears in the eyes of the parents as well as the little girl, for they were afraid of what would happen. "Just remember that you are a child of God," the parents said as last words to the little girl as she climbed aboard the school bus. The day came when the white family bid farewell to their little girl. There were feelings of anxiety and fear. "Remember, it is your school and don't let anyone push you around," remarked the parents to the little girl as she headed down the street for her school. That night the parents of the two little girls were very anxious to hear how the day went for their little girls. They received the same story when asked, "Well, what happened?" The girls shared the same story, "You wouldn't believe this, but I had to sit next to a girl all day of the opposite color. We just stared at each other for a while. We had to walk together to the restroom, to gym class, and even had to sit next to each other during lunch." "Well, were you afraid?" asked the parents. "I was terrified!" "How did you make it through the day?" asked the parents. "I was so afraid and the other girl was so afraid that we just held hands all day long!" And Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, but in every nation any one who fears God and does what is right, is acceptable to God." -- Smith