As I sat down to watch “The Underground Railroad,” on amazon prime, I anticipated finding a painful period in history. It has always been a little rough watching shows like this because they show the truth about the past. Little did I know that it would bring out strong emotions within me, testing my ability to forgive in the face of unimaginable brutality. This series has challenged my perspective on humanity and also reaffirmed the importance of my faith in God as a source of strength.
“The Underground Railroad” exposes the depths of human cruelty and the horrible suffering endured by slaves. It shines a light on a past that is unimaginable, and it is in this context that I struggle with the concept of forgiveness. Growing up, I was taught the importance of forgiveness, to extend grace even when it seems undeserved. However, witnessing the cruelty in this series, I find it difficult to follow this teaching seeing the brutality my ancestors dealt with.
I am reminded of the strength and resilience of my older generations, who faced harsh cruelty with unwavering faith and determination. Their ability to forgive in the face of this adversity is a testament to the power of forgiveness itself. Yet, I am reminded of the reality that forgiveness is not easily attained or granted. In these moments, it is my faith in God that keeps me strong. My belief in a higher power gives me comfort in the midst of these dark thoughts. It is through my faith that I remain hopeful for most of mankind.
It is both comforting and refreshing to know that among this cruelty, there were non-Black allies who chose to side with the slaves, reaffirming that not all were evil. These individuals went against the norms of their time, recognizing the humanity of those enslaved. It reminds me that compassion and empathy extend beyond the boundaries of race. I’ve been fortunate to witness this in my real life and keeps me honest not to place individuals in a bottle. This alliance against a system of oppression reminds me that fighting for justice takes a collective effort from all of us and not only the oppressed.
My mother has always told me to forgive, knowing it doesn’t mean you necessarily forget. I’m working on this 100% forgiveness thing, but I’ll take it one step at a time. 🙂 If you need a little inspiration, check out my YouTube channel.