Failing to consider that people are always more than they seem is a recipe for problems. Reducing people to "just" something blinds us to the humanity of our neighbors. Christ tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. If love means anything, it requires us to regard others – to allow them to be more than “just” what they appear to be. Failure to do that, allows entire groups of people to be reduced to “illegals”, “ni**ers”, even “sinners”.
A Prayer for Spring
Help us to recognize that the seasons are changing and discern the divine movements around us. Help us to ignore the voices who scream all day about what is wrong so that we can hear the beautiful melodies of your angels as they sing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory!” (Isaiah 6:3)
This Far by FAITH
Prayer-We put our faith in You Lord because through the years you have shown that Your concern is for those who are the least, the poor, the sick, the disabled, the oppressed. We put our faith in You our God because in perilous times of the past you rescued Your people from slavery in Egypt and in America; You delivered Your servants from Babylon and from Jim Crow. And so we lean on You Lord.
When Jesus Ran Off to College
The Bible shows us an interesting endorsement for supporting advanced education. In Luke chapter 2 we have the only biblical account of Jesus of Nazareth as a young person, and it is instructive (and perhaps a little controversial). Jesus, who had been growing in wisdom under his family’s care, ran off to school.
A Prayer for Emotional Healing
Merciful God our Father, we are thankful that even during perilous times, You are with us. You know that we have taken the good world that You created and have made it painful. Forgive us Lord. We approach Your throne of Grace..with the knowledge of Your Word, that we can find mercy and grace in our time of need. Heal us Lord. Amen
a Reminder to Follow Jesus!
Sometimes we need a reminder that we are FOLLOWERS - God leads. (I am "we" by the way.) And it good to seal that reminder with a prayer. Follow Jesus.
LOOK!! A Black Biblical prophet!
Look!! God spoke through a Black Prophet - Zephaniah, to pronounce judgement on oppressors, and speak encouragement to the oppressed! It's in there, with the rest of the melanin-kissed ancient ones. Read it!
Remembering The Unsung FatheR
In honor of Joseph – Jesus’ earthly father; honoring the many men who raise children who are not their own. He accepted, he endured, he protected, he supported, he rescued. He stayed.
Black Mother-We see you!
Here's to all the black mothers who, like Zipporah, do what you have to do - even when it’s bloody, and difficult; even when you are mad and think somebody else should have done it; even when people don’t appreciate it; even when it hurts your child but it’s the best thing for them. You may think your name is forgotten, but please know that we see you, and we honor you.
Managing Your Spiritual Health
It has been a tumultuous 3+ years and one of our biggest lessons has been the importance of managing our mental health. But while we strive to do better at that, I want to remind us of the importance of our spiritual health. Really, it’s all connected - mental health, emotional health, physical health and … Continue reading Managing Your Spiritual Health
The ELL Word 