I hope and trust that your holidays were pleasant, rewarding and peaceful. I know that holidays can be a tough time (as can be winter!) so if you ever need to talk, feel free to reach out! I have a couple of opportunities to share from ONE Northside.
Merry Christmas! I hope that this holiday brings you much joy and togetherness. If for you the holiday is also mixed with sadness, know that God holds you in his arms regardless of how the holiday makes you feel. Your feelings are your own, they are valid, and you are deeply loved and cherished. I was touched to see some of you at the Blue Christmas service in person and on Facebook, and I hope the service brought some comfort to you as it did me. I hope to see many of you for our Christmas Eve service as well.
This week on Wednesday, bell hooks passed away at the age of 69. bell hooks (who preferred their name not be capitalized) was an American scholar and activist whose work examined the connections between race, gender, and class. They often explored the varied perceptions of Black women and Black women writers and the development of feminist identities. Their work has shaped my perceptions of social justice, as well as many other people's. They will be missed.
Last Spring, I took a class called "Community Organizing and Ethical Leadership." It was a very interesting class, and we covered many different perspectives on leadership and organizing.
As I've mentioned a time or two, my learning project at Broadway will be focused around social justice. I've decided I'd like to begin this by making sack suppers one day for the Night Ministry, an organization in town that "compassionately provides housing, health care, outreach, spiritual care, and social services to adults and youth who struggle with homelessness, poverty, and loneliness."
