Share Your World

Pick three words to describe this past year.   (please keep them PG. Thanks).

Disappointing, maddening, inspiring.

What were the best books you read this year?   Or the best movie you saw?  

This is My Story: Testimonies and Sermons of Black Woman in Ministry, edited by Cleophus J. LaRue. I needed to read of other black women who felt called to preach and were rebuffed, women who actually went to seminary and met the call, regardless of the obstacles. I have been asked to preach a few times this year, and I felt unsure of my call and abilities, so I needed the wisdom of my foremothers.

Because there was lots of time for looking inward, what is one big personal lesson you learned this past year?

I learned this year that in an instant, the whole world can change, including major superpowers. But, I also learned that humans are flexible and resilient, in that we simply found new ways to teach, work, live, love, be together, and help each other. Lastly, I learned not to judge the people who don’t wear masks, as people have their reasons and I don’t have to understand them to respect their choices.

Do you think Covid has strengthened or weakened societal bonds?

I think strengthened some societal bonds, like family being together when previously some of us, parents included, were so busy that time together suffered. But also, bonds were strengthened as we realized just how essential we are all to the functioning of the world, which means that just because a job pays more don’t make it more important than those that pay less. I have always said that garbagepersons are just as valuable as other jobs, because nobody wants the garbage piling up and spreading sicknesses.

What is a New Year’s Wish You’d Like To Share With the World?

It is my hope that in 2021 we can travel freely again, because travel expands our horizons, lessens hate by teaching us our similarities, and helps us to appreciate that there is no superior culture!

Written for Share Your World, 12-28-20 from Sparks from a Combustible Mind. Happy New Year, Everyone. Hope 2021 is the best year ever for each of us.