By the Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg
What does love mean to you?
In Lakota there is almost no direct translation for “I love you.” Instead, many say, “techihila.” “Thehi” means to suffer or endure. “Chi” means me to you. Adding “la” to the end makes it endearing. So techihila mean, “I’ll suffer or endure for you.” Anytime we say that phrase for “I love you” (techihila), we are reminded of the action we are called to because of that love. Jesus is a perfect example of that love. He suffered and endured for us because of his love for us. I think in our call to love others we should always be reminded that it is an action and not simply something we say or something we think. At the festival we heard about so many ways people’s call to love was turned into action and they are enduring for their neighbors.
What workshop/presentation/panel spoke to you the most?
I loved the Speed Dating (speed networking) workshop. I was able to meet so many amazing people in such a short period of time. I made connections, and we found places where we could collaborate. We always found things in common and places where our lives overlapped. I also loved the “people bingo” at the beginning. It was fun to watch people connect with one another and step out of their comfort zone.
Where did you feel God in this festival?
Our God is a God of relationship. Jesus spent his ministry building relationships with all sorts of people from every walk of life. I felt God in the relationships I saw being built, being reconnected with, and being reconciled. God calls us into right-relationship with one another, with God, with creation, and with ourselves. I saw that happening all over at this festival: in the workshops, in the worship, in the conversations, and in the sharing of food.
What is your personal or professional motto?
“Mitakuye Oyasin” (we are all related). It is a phrase in Lakota that we say at the end of a prayer. When we talk about “we” and “related,” we aren’t just talking about people but about plants, animals, and all of creation. We are all related, and we are called to be good relatives. I think that is the overarching message of the Gospel and our Christian faith.
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The Rev. Isaiah Shaneequa Brokenleg is the staff officer for racial reconciliation.