A CHANCE FOR RACIAL RECONCILIATION: REFLECTIONS ON WFWP TEXAS’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
It is always good to gather with friends and acquaintances under the banner of WFWP. Saturday, November 4, when we celebrated the 25th Anniversary, was no exception. It seemed that God was working to assemble good women of the community at this event.
I was deeply touched during the Bridge of Peace Ceremony when I realized that my “sister” (the woman with whom I was paired to cross the bridge) was Mrs. Helen Jackson, a Herstory Award winner. Helen is a woman in her 90s whom I’ve met several times in the past. What struck my heart on November 4th was that Helen is, no doubt, the descendant of slaves, while I am a descendant of at least one slave owner here in Texas. My grandfather’s grandfather came to Texas from Tennessee in 1858 with his family and “servants” (a euphemism) to try to avoid the Civil War.
When I looked at Mrs. Jackson, so small and frail, I felt sorrow and contrition for all the ways in which my ancestors oppressed hers. I was brought to tears thinking that there is still much suffering and disorder in the African-American neighborhoods of the Dallas area, not to mention in the nation. I enjoyed talking with Helen during dinner and deepening the connection. I am still thinking of how to follow up with her. The Bridge of Peace Ceremony has great power and I’m glad it is featured at many WFWP events.
Photo: In these two photos, Laura Hornbeck and Mrs. Helen Jackson rejoice in their new sisterhood, a result of crossing the Bridge of Peace Together.
Please enjoy this prayer, written by Bill Matthews for the evening program of the WFWP 25th Anniversary celebration in Texas.
O God, of many names
Who is yet One in reality.
You who are within all, and through all,
The holy mystery of light dispelling darkness,
Hope over fear and failure,
Joy over sadness,
Peace over conflict,
Love inspiring forgiveness beyond hate.
“Drop thy still dews of quietness,
‘Til all our strivings cease.”
As we join together for food and blessed fellowship,
Dress the tossed salad of our diversity
With herbal flavors of multiversity,
Where individuality enhances our values,
Blending us together with respect and compassion.
Bless those who suffer pain and sorrow,
And fill our holes with holy wholeness,
That we and our world may be healed
From the infections of greed, conflict, and war.
That peace which passes understanding
May prevail, beginning with each of us,
Through thanks-living for all that we are,
Transformed into all that we can become.
By your transcendent power of grace.
Amen.
