8-Week Lesson Series: Faith, Family & Legacy in the Black Community

 8-Week Lesson Series: Faith, Family & Legacy in the Black Community

Week 1: The Power of Faith in Building a Legacy

 

Overview:

Faith is the bedrock of the Black family and community. This week, we will explore how faith in God has sustained Black families through centuries of adversity. We will highlight the spiritual strength passed down from generation to generation and faith's role in shaping our identity and future.

 

Key Points:

• Faith as the foundation of Black resilience

Faith has always been the foundation of Black resilience. Throughout history, Black people have faced unimaginable oppression, from slavery to segregation to systemic racism. Yet, faith has been a constant source of strength, guiding the Black community through struggles. Whether it’s through spirituals, church gatherings, or private prayer, faith has been a tool of survival and transformation.

• Example: During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks relied on their deep faith to sustain them in adversity. They trusted that God would guide their actions and that justice would prevail, rooted in their faith in God’s righteousness.

 

• Biblical examples of faith and legacy (Abraham, Joseph)

The Bible contains stories of individuals who built legacies based on their faith. Abraham is often regarded as the father of faith because he trusts God, even when asked to sacrifice his son, Isaac. God rewarded Abraham’s faith by promising his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.

• Example: Joseph’s story in Genesis is a powerful example of how faith can transform hardship into purpose. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph trusted that God had a plan for his life. His faith ultimately positioned him as a leader who saved many lives.

 

• Building a legacy that honors God

Building a legacy that honors God involves more than just material possessions. It’s about the values, wisdom, and faith we pass down to the next generation. We build legacies by making intentional decisions today that will impact future generations. Black families can create a lasting legacy by teaching their children to trust in God, live by faith, and embrace their purpose.

• Example: Parents and grandparents can model faith through daily practices such as prayer, reading scripture, and living out biblical principles. This creates a spiritual inheritance that will endure beyond their lifetime.

 

Actionable Steps:

• Share a family story of faith with the younger generation

• Begin a family prayer tradition or Bible study group