Being Black in Uncertain Times

It’s been a little over 2 months since I’ve published a blog article.  I’ve been searching my heart about what to actually write about since the last time I published something was  before the George Floyd killing.  With the focus of world events constantly shifting in the media, as a christian black woman, I’ve had feelings of frustration, sadness, peace, fear, anger, confusion, joy, and many more emotions that I don’t have time to write about.  Can you relate?

From my heart to yours, I’m here to tell you that it’s OK to feel the way you’re feeling.

The question is, how long do you plan to stay in your feelings and let them dictate your thought life and actions and how you live your everyday life?  Staying in our feelings and emotions is a choice.  God says in His Word in Romans 15:13….

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Thankfully, God has given us the grace and strength to overcome how we feel through His word.

I confess, initially when all the world events such as the pandemic happened and all the recently controversial police killings of unarmed black Americans became more publicized, I didn’t feel as many emotions as I do now.  It’s such a touchy subject, that sometimes I just don’t know what to say or feel that if I do say something, that I might offend someone by mistake.  I’m so used to always being the one to encourage and uplift others, that recently, I’ve had to press into the Word to find true peace, wisdom, and comfort.  You may be feeling the same way.

Know that despite how you may feel, that you’re not alone.  Whether you’re extremely upset, and feeling the intensity of things, or feel at peace with the comfort of knowing that God is in control, God knows and understands where you’re at, and wants you to draw near to Him.  Each day that I take a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness, He reminds me of James 4:8….

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

God desires us to draw near to Him, especially, in the midst of a crisis.  Whatever your truth and reality is based on your life, you can determine what crisis, if any, you’re in.

We all have different backgrounds and upbringings, so all I can speak on is the Word of God and my personal experiences.  During these uncertain times, here are some books that have helped me stay encouraged, uplifted, and mentally healthy, both spiritually and physically that I want to share with you.  All of these books and amazing women authors have inspired and encouraged me through their messages, as I’ve been on my journey to stay mentally healthy in the midst of everything.

1. Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf can be found on Dr. Leaf’s website at https://drleaf.com/collections/all.
2. Pray, Pursue, Persist book presented by Dr. Cheryl Wood can be found here.  A huge shout out to my cousin, Stephanie Barnes who is one of the 12 co-authors of this amazing, inspiring book and also, the Owner/Sole Proprietor at Global Vision Productions, LLC.
3. Pep Talk written by an amazing woman of God, Terri Savelle Foy.
4. Battle Ready by Kelly Balarie, who is considered a “Cheerleader” of Faith”.

I pray that you’re more encouraged today than you were yesterday, and that you take the time to reflect and truly hear what God is saying to your heart about world matters.  Instead of relying on media sources, books, and people for information about what to think, press into the Word of God to find your answers on how to respond in these uncertain and unprecedented times.

At the end of the day, God is the only one that can heal this nation and change the heart of man.  God reminds me of 2 Chronicles 7:14.…

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (KJV). 

My prayer for you is that God will give you the wisdom you need to make good decisions and that He will pour out His unconditional love on you each and everyday.  In the midst of chaos, remember that God can give you the true peace you need.  

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.  Please share with others as you’re led.

Thank you so much for reading this blog and embarking upon this inspirational journey of life with me!  If you were encouraged, inspired, or can identify with the message/story, please feel free to comment.  I’m sure others will be encouraged by hearing YOUR story.