By the Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg

Hau Mitakuyepi (hello, my relatives), 

 The summer is coming to a close, and soon fall will be upon us.  As schools come back in session and fall programming begins at our churches, I hope you will consider incorporating Becoming Beloved Community into your activities.  As I was thinking about the upcoming school year, Hebrews 12:1 came to mind: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”            

We as society, churches, educational institutions, and organizations need to set aside the weight and sin of racism, empire, and white supremacy that clings so closely to us…or maybe that we cling so closely to.  This weight prevents us from truly seeing the Christ in our neighbor and holds us back from becoming that Beloved Community.  This spiritual and sacred work of Becoming Beloved Community is the race that is set before us, and it most definitely requires perseverance. As we think about this work, we have the example, guidance, and wisdom from the great cloud of witnesses, our ancestors, who have done this work before us. We can also look to each other, the living witnesses, who are doing this work for support.   

Prayers for an upcoming year full of perseverance, growth, wisdom, and, of course, joy.  

Blessings to you all, 

Shaneequa

Staff Officer for Racial Reconciliation