HUG OUR BLACK BOYS SUNDAY
September 27, 2009
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THE VIEW FROM MY PEW
HUG OUR BLACK BOYS is a concept promoted by our pastor, Rev. Marion B. Robinson. (Earlier, he organized the Harriet B.Webster Task Force which aspireS to improve the education of black children and by closing the success gap.)
Often our black boys are overlooked and many are left to raise themselves. (The press has given black boys a "bad rap" and we aim to do something about that.)
Each fourth Sunday, here at St Matthew, we celebrate our black boys. We call that day, HOGGS ( Hug Our Black Boys Sunday) and the "red carpet" is out. It's also the day that the YPD serve as ushers and they lead the worship service--not preach. We can actually say that this is a Young Peoples' Sunday. On this Sunday, the YPD Director, Gina Dean, created a "new" look for all the young males serving in some capacity---they all worE forest green neckties with the AME logo. (They looked sharp.) Only the young ladies wore the YPD sash. (They all wore dark bottoms & white on white tops. Discipline??)
This was my first HOGGS Sunday and I was delighted to see--first of all, everyone go up and hug the boys who stood across the front of the church and second of all, to see the smiling faces of all of the boys. It was their moment, and they were well-pleased! (If I can secure Ben Robinson's assistance, we'll put my video on the website.)
We applaud Rev.Robinson for his development of another way to show appreciation for our youth. Rev Robert yarbrough has taken this a step further---- on FACEBOOK he as mobilized nearly 2000 people who are commited to promoting the HOGGS concept.
Each fourth Sunday is the day for the Parker Men's Day Breakfast. On this day, the speaker was Rev. Yarbrough who spoke about huggs and what effects they have on people. His was a powerpoint presentation .
The day was not over after service. Some of us traveled to Union Bethel AME Church in Cary to help Rev. Kim Moss celebrate her first Women's Day.
I've lived long enough to know that St Matthew is a great church family. I'm proud to be a part of it. I encourage others to "let go" and "let God"..........then they will understand! Our mission in life is to promote love. Any time we don't do that, it's time for us to do a quick self-examination and make adjustments accordingly.
To God be the glory!
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