Being the
Mother of a Black Child
by Mona Lake Jones
Being the mother of a Black child
it ain't no easy thing.
You've got to call on Jesus and listen to the angels
sing.
They said you were what? That word is out of style.
Next time they call you names just raise your head
and smile.
Tell them that you're proud of the color or your
skin.
What counts is not the outside wrapping but the
character within.
Being the mother of a Black child is ain't no easy
thing.
You've got to call on Jesus and listen to the angels
sing. Sometimes I lie in bed way
late at night.
And I ask God--am I doing this thing right? Have I
given
them direction? Do they know
which way to go?
Have I overdone it just a bit? But do they really
know
They can't do just half a job and barely pass the
test.
They have to go beyond the call and be the very
best.
Lord knows I've been to school a thousand times or
more.
Every time the teachers look up I'm standing in the
door.
But someone's got to help folks understand how smart
Black
children are. And expect them not to fail, but to
reach up for a star.
Being the mother of a Black child it ain't no easy
thing.
You've got to call on Jesus and
listen to the angels sing.
I used to put the children down between my legs to
brush a
kinky head. I'd be preaching and teaching and hoping
they were
listening to what I said. Cause I
told them there would be those who
would tug and pull and grin. And
flaunt their evil ways tempting them to sin.
Because of being Black some would give them little
chance to
win this game of life. And often, times would be so
hard and hours filled with strife. They were going
to have to learn to get down on their knees
and pray. And understand--although we may not be
listening,
God hears
everything they say.
Being the mother of a Black child it ain't no easy
thing.
You've got to call on Jesus and listen to the angels
sing.
For those of you who have raised them up or are in
the
process now. You surely deserve to stand and take
yourself a
bow. But don't think the task is
over, and that your job is
through. Cause now you've got to reach down and help
a mother who
may be struggling just like you.
You must let her know that little
Black girl or boy. Will do
so many things to fill the heart with joy.
Help her realize the good they bring will far
surpass the
tears. And that they will soon be looking back
thanking God for all
the happy years. Yes, being the mother of a Black
child it ain't no easy thing. You've got to call on
Jesus and listen to the angels sing.