"Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him. For the help of his presence." - Psalm 42.5 After another agonizing week of around the clock coverage of the war against black bodies, we find ourselves here again. Once …
Continue reading Where Do We Go From Here? Maintaining Faith in the Midst of Suffering
This last year has left me weary. The constant news of violence against my people has been both overwhelming and discouraging, the latter because I honestly don’t know when relief will come. Our nation has built it’s wealth and prominence in the world by victimizing black and brown people - something that will not be …
Continue reading The Importance of Worship in Times of Despair
How does it feel to be a problem? This is the question that W.E.B. du Bois asked reflecting on the black experience in America. Or rather, how does it feel to be intentionally targeted and controlled by the rule of law? How does it feel to know that the laws that are being erected and …
*Link to image* Silent Night has always been one of my favorite carols this time of year. Ever since I committed it to memory over 20 years ago, the words have made me think about peace and calm surrounding the birth of Jesus. Consider the lyrics: Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright …
A few months ago, I sat in church with tears streaming down my face like waterfalls. Just days before, I had been utterly disappointed and hurt by someone who I considered an ally simply because they said they were committed to racial reconciliation (that was my first mistake). Though I had experienced similar situations before. the familiarity …
Continue reading Racism, Oppression and the Hope of the Gospel
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.” As I was praying yesterday, I recalled these words from the prophet Isaiah. In the context of the passage, the prophet …
Ebony Johanna 