“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Blackface is a form of theatrical makeup used predominantly by non-black performers to portray a caricature of a black person. In the United States the practice gained popularity during the 19th century and contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes such as the “happy-go-lucky darky on the plantation” or the “dandified coon”. In the United States, blackface declined in popularity beginning in the 1940s and into the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, generally considered highly offensive, disrespectful, and racist by the turn of the 21st century.” -Wikipedia

At the age of approximately four, I was terrified of the blackface man, with white eyes, lips, and hands on his knees singing “Mammy;” all I could do was scream every time the show would come on our TV on Sunday evenings. My siblings would be livid because my father would make them turn that station and stop scaring his baby; Daddy would take me in his lap, wipe away my tears and assure me that everything was alright.

We grow up and we learn that the blackface man, the boogey-man, and all the other childhood fears pass on; but in life we still encounter fear to circumstances beyond our control that may potentially harm or even may bring about our demise. My daddy is no longer with me, but he taught me about our heavenly Father who knows the future and holds me safe in His arms forever!

The 23^rd Psalm is one of the most beloved scriptures in the bible. It teaches us about our Great Shepherd of the Sheep…Jesus is the one who protects us from all harm and danger. Psalm 23:4 state “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4. A traveler would have to go up the mountain area to Jerusalem. Some areas were narrow and dark, murderers, thieves, and others with evil intentions would lurk in the shadows; it is a beautiful analogy of how God provides His loving protection through the dark and treacherous paths that we may take.

The devastating news of a bad prognosis, loss of job, home, the sudden death of a child or love one, mental depression, total financial loss and yes even catastrophic illnesses, are just a few of many circumstances that could send any individual into despair and fear; but it should not be with the child of God, we have a sure hope and a place to run in such times, right into the safe and secure arms of our heavenly Father… “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

Jesus truly knows what is best for us, and He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Yes my friends, He lovingly leads us through the valleys of this life and wipes away every single tear that we shed. Our sovereign Lord is the comforter and lover of our souls; He gives us the strength that we need to run this race day by day.

Psalm 46:1-2 state “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;” Praise God that His grace is sufficient, and all of His children can say… I am safe and secure for Thou art with me!

Jesus, Savior, pilot me,

Over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll,

Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;

Chart and compass came from Thee:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

– Edward Hopper

May the peace and love of God surround you; and know that everything will be alright!