Galatians 3:28 New International Version (NIV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
By today’s heading, you might be asking, “Did I just read that correctly?” Sadly, you did. For me, the month of July is a month of reflection of our country. Our history, our independence, and our way of life has all come with a sacrifice and battle.
One portion of our history that saddens me is how our country has dealt with race. I love to read the stories of triumph of how people have overcome those obstacles placed before them.
There is a story of one of these Americans who overcame. His name is Myrtis Dightman. He was a black man who entered the profession of bull riding in the cowboy arena. He was the first black American to qualify the 8 second rule of riding a wild bull. I encourage you to read in greater detail his triumph as a black man living in America.
It said that in the 60’s is was posted at the rodeo in bold letters, ‘No Dogs, No Negros, No Mexicans’. Yet, he went in anyway and pleaded with those in charge to allow him to compete. This man did not allow that sign to stop him.
Myrtis Dightman was a man with grit. He fought to be equal in a professional sport. He is the first living Black American to be inducted in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1997.
Myrtis Dightman is now in the latter stages of his life, and he lives in the great state of Texas. He goes to a Baptist Church, and these are his words that he shared with the man who wrote his story, “I’ve lived a good life. I was a cowboy.”
Strength and Courage
Michael
