Today, our favorite little sista and her best friend had a sleepover and they wrote a friendship promise to get through Middle School.
Enjoy friends!
Today I write about this letter I wrote on Instagram (@oshetam)
Dear White Peacemakers, ⠀
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Let’s sit and have an honest heart-to-heart.⠀
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As we are stepping up and resisting the injustices of this world, will you commit to being mindful of one thing: you are opting in to an awareness of justice issues- for many people of color we've lived our whole lives navigating systemic brokenness. Brown and Black lives have been lost seeking this shalom, so approach justice efforts with some humility, please. ⠀
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If the words and works of resistance from leaders of color inspire you to speak truth to power- give credit where credit is due because their voice was the first to hold the powers accountable. You are joining in their chorus. Know your part. ⠀
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If their art moves you to create flourishing for those in need- learn the choreography of shalom by getting in step with the community from which that art was born- learn from them, listen to them, move with them- you are a student in *their* Master Class.⠀
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If you quote a black poet, put some respect on her name by understanding the context in which she wrote those words and don’t just use them to make yourself seem more “woke”. ⠀
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Because I say this with so much love and hope for our future together: we can stand united against the brokenness of this world if you, as a white person, acknowledge that the Spirit has been moving in communities of color and you're coming to this work from a place of privilege. ⠀
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You can sing songs, quote lines, and share art that was created out of hardship and never share in those peoples’ suffering. Jesus modeled a different way. One that put himself right into the place of pain for those whom he loved. ⠀
Be careful, Friends. I often worry about you. Don't play around with this social justice appropriation. It undermines our partnership, gives footholds for pride, adds salt to ancient wounds.
White Peacemakers, please be on guard. Please don’t use the liberation work of people of color to support your resistance and not give them their due respect.
Please model Christ-like humility when seeking justice and doing good. ⠀
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Love, ⠀
Your Black Peacemaking Sista⠀
Oh y'all... we're finally getting back on track. Here are the top peacemaking strategies I need for my marriage.
Oh Sistas... sometimes I get overwhelmed. You too? Listen to today's episode.
Hey Sistas,
Today I start the episode with a peacemaking strategy because my son missed the bus.
Then, I share our Peacemaker's Pledge from my book trailer. It's the anchor of our series and what I'll refer to often.
We are a sisterhood of everyday peacemakers. We believe that shalom is more than an ancient concept. It’s God's dream for the world as it should be: nothing missing, nothing broken, everything made whole. Shalom is the breadth, depth, climate, and culture of the kingdom God. And we seek to live it out in our lives in small, but important ways: - Doing laundry for a single mom - Listening to a hurting child Or spending time with an elderly neighbor We know that peacemaking happens in the ordinary. These everyday practices of peace are brilliant flickers of light that drive away the darkness. We reject the notion that peacemakers are only quiet and gentle, meek and mild. In fact, some of us are quite sassy, and some of us are quirky. While we all love Jesus, some of us snark a little too. We are women without enemies We choose to love when we’ve been hurt and forgive when we’ve been betrayed. In times like these, we will look past the pain in order to see the person. Then we will tell a better story about them. These counter-stories will change the world. We show up for those on the margins. We speak up for the oppressed. We create rest for those whose lives are in chaos. We reject violence in both word and deed. Because we are peace-makers, not simply peace-keepers! We are all broken people, navigating a broken world, so we will be kind. We throw dance parties when we’re afraid. We will choose joy as a weapon against despair. And we own our belovedness instead of striving for perfection. When we look in the mirror we see beauty—our skin, our size, our style— are God-kissed and delightful. We do all this because we belong to each other. This is is what Jesus meant when he said: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”: We are family and shalom is written into our spiritual inheritance. So we will be generous with its riches as we live gently in a violent world. In remembering this sisterhood, we will begin to see God's radical peace invade every ordinary corner of our lives, every single day. So, let us be kingdom women, who tell a story of Shalom: the world can be made whole and love will overflow. Let’s be of champions of kindness, ambassadors of goodness, and heroes with humility. Let us be Shalom Sistas! Join us! Order your copy of "Shalom Sistas: Living Wholeheartedly in a Brokenhearted World" today!!! bit.ly/ShalomSistasBook
Hey Sistas,
Five things:
1: I used my husband's computer to upload this podcast episode and I couldn't figure out how to add the music... so this is an unplugged episode... no intro or music. Just me talk about Shalom.
2: We're spending the next 31 days seeking shalom on the podcast. It's going to be fun.
3: follow me on Instagram at: oshetam
Join the Facebook hangout here
4: We're saying "peace out to perfectionism" today... where have you been tempted to be perfect and perfect became the enemy of good.
5: I'm promising to show up, say something, and be still because... I love y'all.
~osheta