Common Dust?

Deb Collins • February 19, 2022

This is a great month when we take a close look and celebrate the accomplishments of people of color who had a hand in paving the way for many of us to have the successes we have had. 

 

While trying to come up with something to write about, I asked myself; do I write about a little girl, growing up in small town Missouri with two hard working devoted parents who shared with me the many different things they encountered during the Civil Rights Movement?  


Or do I read through one of the many books in my home library and write about some awesome individual who did something profound for the advancement of black people. But then I am reminded that if I do that, I may have to share about the hard times and mistreatment of my people. I may be crossing the line that is beginning to be drawn about these kinds of teachings.  Some call them “offensive and harsh” and I fear it will soon no longer be okay to share these things.  So I prayed about it and God put this on my heart:

The following is a poem called “Common Dust” By Douglas Johnson:


“And who shall separate the dust
what later we shall be:
Whose keen discerning eye will scan
and solve the mystery?

The high, the low, the rich, the poor,
the black, the white, the red,
and all the chromatique between,
of whom shall it be said:

Here lies the dust of Africa;
Here are the sons of Rome;
Here lies the one unlabeled,
the world at large his home!

Can one then separate the dust?
Will mankind lie apart,
when life has settled back again
the same as from the start?”

Some may find it upsetting or frustrating that at this time I am not addressing something specific about Black History only.  Please know I am in no way disregarding Black History. I love celebrating our heritage. This month, we, as a people, of color get to highlight some of the awesome and great accomplishments of our people.  Proud moments in time are recognized that might not otherwise be.  

 

I have no idea who will separate the dust.  I’ve no idea where, when I am gone, my dust will settle. But I do know that while I am here, I am a proud small town girl from rural Missouri, who is deeply proud of her parents for their contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. Proud of the lineage and heritage in my life, and yes I am even proud of being a Kansas City Chiefs fan!  

 

But before I am any of these things, I am a proud woman who is black, but more importantly, I am a follower and believer of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was the first to pave the way for all of us.   

 

So while we are still here, let’s remember Hebrews 10:23,” Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”  My hope is in Jesus Christ, bringing us ALL home to be with him as his bride.  And if in heaven we are still different in appearance, it will be a beautiful rainbow of souls, praising God with happiness for all eternity!  
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