I’ve been thinking about my time in Black churches and there are a few things absolutely incredible that have stuck with me
Gratitude – when asked how you are doing “I’m thankful for another day on this side of glory,” or “the good Lord didn’t need to wake me up today, but he did.” Are likely to be among the responsez you will get
Long suffering – aches and pains and having lived through so much is another common theme. I’ve heard conversations about trying to remember what year this or that happened in. “Well, my son was murdered in ’96, and yours was the year after, right? So they must have moved in ’97.” Life is hard. Yet, God is Good!! And this truth is lived out daily
Grace – growing up Lutheran grace has a special place in my theology. I mean it’s what all Christianity is about. It’s the core of the gospel, but I highly value seeing it extended to other brothers and sisters in Christ. We have different beliefs on issues, politics, theology. But we all have sin. It’s not an individuals job to compare individual sins (this does not mean we condone or enable sin, nor do we accept widely rejected theology) We are called lift each other up toward doing good and this can involve fighting and processing sin together openly and honestly (our current church is good about this too)
In the midst of all the brokenness, crazy, and sin of life we love the body
And finally the joyful fully emersive worship. You can stand, clap, sing, sign. Praise the LORD fully with your body and talents. It’s just fun and beautiful and communal in a unique way
What’s something you love about your church or a church you have visited?
Also, happy spring!!
#newlife #resurrectionsunday #resurrection #blackchurch #racetalkff #culturalart #sondersisalpendantnecklace #bodyofchrist #christianmoms
Felicia Follum 