Photo by cottonbro studio
Herman Lee Pettiford’s Righteousness in America paints a compelling and insightful portrait of growing up in the ghettos of East Baltimore during a time when poverty proved a more immediate dilemma than the pervasive violence of the region.
Yet, Pettiford masterfully paves over this seeming miasma of misery and terror, depicting a community where, despite issues with and the lack of economic wealth and material opportunities, a strong foundation of faith, love, and family was possible.
This book isn’t an observation of misfortune or deprivation, though those themes run heavy in the background; rather, it is an intimate portrayal of the ways in which faith in God and Christ the Son become the bedrock for self-belief and the beginning of a path towards a brighter future.
Righteousness in America is a brilliant and heartfelt invitation for readers to witness–as close to a firsthand account–the formative years of a young boy deeply connected to his faith in spite of the circumstances around him.
Photo by Tnarg
Let No One Despite Your Youth
The heart of the narrative written by Herman Lee Pettiford is its perspective. Seeing the world through the eyes of a young protagonist, readers get to see what it means to be with God from an early age. As Isaiah 40:31 says:
…those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
To be in touch with your faith and to simmer with it at a young age results in someone who expresses his unwavering love and belief in God and Jesus without shame and worry. This is someone, as the protagonist is, who enjoys divine companionship throughout his life, well into adulthood, and for all of eternity.
This early spiritual anchoring is more than just the central of this book. It is a reminder for readers, especially those who are already parents or wish to be, of how faith serves as a guiding light and a source of inner strength for children. This is more so the case for children who find themselves in circumstances beyond their control, like poverty, discrimination, racism, etc. By writing about East Baltimore, Pettiford also emphasizes that within these kinds of environments, peace and love can still flourish when the people within it are fostered by a shared religious ethos. It is with a shared worldview that solace comes about, and a sense of belonging arises.
A Few Days Full of Trouble
As the narrative of Righteousness in America unfolds, Herman Lee Pettiford begins to spotlight the complexities of American society. This is as it concerns freedom and equality and how these two affect one’s spiritual journey. While there are fictionalized depictions of drugs and violence, the internal world of the protagonist is always center-stage. This is because, while external objects and subjects are worth considering, it is only through spiritual nourishment and development that one is able to transcend the fetters of life.
Mortals, born of woman,
are of few days and full of trouble.
– Job 14:1
This verse from Job encapsulates this idea succinctly. Life for mortals such as you and I, the author and the protagonist, is full of trouble. From the perspective of immortal beings such as God, the life of a mortal may as well be just a few days. As such, it would be wasteful to focus on the fleeting things when there is the possibility of forever in front of you.
What is Common to Mankind
Righteousness in America takes a significant turn as it draws to a close, with the young protagonist maturing and venturing out into the wider world. This transition marks a crucial phase of one’s spiritual journey, where one’s faith is tested against that which is common to mankind: the opportunity to sin and turn away from God.
Pettiford effortlessly balances the inner struggle one faces against mortal temptations.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Photo by Tosin Superson
Righteousness in America
Righteousness in America by Herman Lee Pettiford is more than just a coming-of-age story; it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering presence of God in one man’s life.
If you want to learn more about the book or grab a copy, click this link to take you to the author’s personal website and relevant page.
