The documentary on Netflix, Shirley, is the first political documentary I've watched. I am not a political buff, not even on a good day of discussing politics. The closest I've gotten to reading about politics was Barack Obama's book, A Promised Land. I enjoyed the parts about his family and learning how the campaign trail operates, so I skipped a lot of the reading, not completing the book. However, the Shirley Chisholm story garnered my attention.
I like to read books and watch documentaries about others, especially those who had to overcome obstacles. Autobiographies, memoirs, and biographies can encourage us to persevere. Every story I've seen or read includes failure, adversities, success, and disappointments.
These stories help us realize that life will life! However, God has placed within us His Spirit. It is in His Spirit we achieve greater purposes than our intended goals.
The Audacity to Fight
What maintained my interest in the Chisholm story wasn't the politics; instead, it was the fight within her. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for President of the United States from one of the two major political parties. (https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/shirley-chisholm). Ms. Chisholm ran for president twenty-four years after President Harry Truman issued an Executive Order to end segregation. She had the audacity to run for president and believed a predominately white male congress would nominate her. Her presidential attempt came after a measly fifteen years when President Eisenhower signed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 to help protect voters' rights. She boldly broke barriers to become the first African American woman in Congress one year after the assassination of the famous civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. How does one person have this much fight within her?
The fight within must be greater than the fight we will encounter. Ms. Chisholm had tenacity. A smirky comment, or cocky look, didn't deter Shirley. With a calm composure, she faced her sexist colleagues, understanding that she earned the right to be there. She also understood her plight wasn't just about her but a stepping stone for others. In one of the opening scenes, she goes toe to toe, firmly reminding a congressional representative. "Secondly, you must remember the reason I'm here. I'm paving the road for a lot of other people looking like me to get elected to Congress and make 42.5." No cussing. No name-calling. A simple reminder of who I am and my purpose.
Shirley had faith in herself and humankind. She believed when others didn't believe in her. Her faith produced togetherness and hope in others, regardless of race or gender. Shirley took the seeds of faith, planted them with hard work, and reaped the profits of unity, hope, and the title of the first African American to run for president. Ms. Chisholm believed that change was possible if we didn't accept things in their current status.
Making a Difference with Seeds of Hard Work
I'm reminded of another woman who didn't accept things as they were and had the fight within to make a difference. My mother, who started a family at seventeen, broke through barriers. With many obstacles, such as growing up in segregation, being a working mother of seven children in Mississippi, and financial constraints, my mother fought to defeat the odds. She organized a youth community choir, The New Generation, while completing her G.E.D. The community choir traveled around the city and state singing in churches, colleges, and other events. In her late forties, my mother lead and organized a committee to have a community center. This was no small feat. She walked through the community asking for money with some only having change to give. She didn't give up. Overcoming the negative comments, a community center for Leland, Mississippi, stood for those who benefitted from the committee's hard work. The community center closed but had material and financial resources to pass on to another nonprofit organization. Mom eventually campaigned and won a seat on board of aldermen before retiring.
Of course, some will believe it doesn't matter; our communities and world will worsen. Some believe those who put in effort to pave the way for others are wasting time and energy. However, we must understand God allows what we allow. It is also important to realize that spiritual insight, talents, and gifts require spiritual stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30). What we sow on earth, we will reap on earth and, more importantly, in Heaven. We must dig in and bring out the fight to do good works. Galatians 6:9 encourages, "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."
Shirley Chisholm didn't win the presidential nomination. She won when she paved the way for others to see what's possible. My mother didn't have her name on a building, but God knows her name and the works she has done by faith. Both women endured to push for something better. Regardless of the naysayers, when we help the least of our brothers and sisters, we have done it to Christ (Matthew 25:40).
Your Life's Call
Where is your fight? How will you make a difference with your talents and gifts? Are you building God's kingdom or watching it fall? Nothing good is every easy. Let God show you how to use your skills, abilities, and time. Continue to leap over the obstacles or go around if necessary. If it's only one person, it matters. Fight the good fight to join Paul in saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only me but also to all who have longed for his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Fight the good fight!
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