In addition to its focus on Valentine’s Day, February offers me a focus on legacy. As a descendant of enslaved Africans who never forgot their significance, I celebrate Black History month.

We each have a story shaped by where we come from, what we’ve come through, and where we are right now.

Your lineage may be different from mine, but you may also cherish a legacy. Our ancestors’ accomplishments, culture, and traditions speak to us throughout our lives. For example, the mud cloth pattern I’m wearing (pictured below) tells a story about a journey. The Bògòlanfini or bogolan, “mud cloth”, comes from Mali in west Africa.  It is a handmade cotton fabric traditionally dyed with fermented mud.

There are many steps in the process of creating the mud cloth’s various designs. But the design’s pattern occurs after the mud is washed off.

I can relate. Sometimes I don’t see God’s purpose, mercy, or grace until after I’ve been through a situation. It reminds me of a healing moment in Scripture when Jesus encountered a blind man. 

After a discussion with those around him on what caused the man’s blindness, Jesus explains the reason why. (John 9:1-5)  “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing” (John 9:6-7 NLT)!

Imagine this man’s joy. Better yet, let’s embrace the joy set before us.

Like the decorative process for creating mud cloth, there is a healing process for us as we receive Christ’s redemption. (Romans 3:23-25) Then we are also able to see and show the power of God.  

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along” (Psalms 40:2 NLT).

Hence, the maze of this design has my attention. It serves as a reminder of the ways we get stuck and the joy of finding the pathway to something promising and new.

It symbolizes a journey toward wholeness. The labyrinth is laid out as an invitation. When facing a decision, we can seek God for wisdom. (James 1:5-6) As we prayerfully enter His presence, we can discover His path to peace, deliverance, and fulfillment. Otherwise, I don’t wear my journey well. Patterns of discouragement and dysfunction threaten to unravel the fabric of my faith.

As an African American woman, I’m painfully aware of the blood, sweat, tears, and prayers of those who came before me. Their sacrifices and contributions are a rich legacy. But I’m most grateful for the blood of Jesus and His redemption. His cleansing of my sin is complete. (1 John 1:9) The imprint left behind reveals His love and divine purpose. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

What looks like a maze to me is no mystery to Him. No matter how exhausted or how excited we are on life’s journey, even if we don’t have a mud cloth, we can learn to wear our journey well.

This declaration gives me inspiration:

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside” (Job 23:10-11 ESV).

PRAYER:  Dear God, Thank you for the gift of life. Regardless of how exhausting or how exciting my journey feels, help me to live it well. I’m amazed by how You take where I’ve come from, what I’ve been through, and where I am right now and reveal Your grace and power through Christ. I receive the cleansing and healing You give to my heart, mind, and soul. May my feet hold fast to Your steps, knowing You are holding me. Thank You for every golden moment You make possible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

JOY TO THE SOUL: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10 ESV).