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| | Befriending Our AngerOne of the areas of character I am certain that God is shaping (and patiently re-shaping), forming (and unforming, and hopefully re-forming?) in this cultural moment is that of our collective anger, in particular as a response to systemic injustice and oppressive evil in our midst. How do we live in fidelity and holiness as Christ-followers within an empire that in action and words, is received as the sharp end of an unjust, oppressive spear coming for the most vulnerable within our midst? Anger boils under the surface, a dashboard light of our souls blinking bright red, screaming “Pay attention! Something is deeply wrong within!”
My immediate response is to admit, in ironic frustration, that I don’t know what to do with my anger. Even this confession is an admission of privilege, as my anger can remain compartmentalized, separate from functioning as a guardian and protector for those who need it to serve as such. Or, my anger can become far too easily misplaced, directed at individuals without power, not at the unjust systems that we live within that must be reconstituted for all.
I’m not sure what to do, but I know I can’t remain in stasis. As Cole Arthur Riley so beautifully urges us, “We befriend our anger as if the liberation of the world depends on it (Black Liturgies, p. 116). Deep within my soul, I sigh. Yes, Lord. Riley speaks the truth, plainly. Let me do so as well. |
| Towards wholeness and beauty for all, Chris Kamalski, Editorial Director |
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| | Missio Alliance x Iwa Collaborative: Spirituality of Weakness We’re excited to partner with our friends at Iwa Collaborative for their upcoming Learning Hui: Spirituality of Weakness, launching May 8. This unique gathering will explore what it means to embody both the humility and power of Jesus in leadership—especially in a time when the Church is wrestling with power, purpose, and presence. |
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| Awakenings 2025 Conference Bundle | $49.99 ($5 off) through May 12th
Our 5th Biennial National Gathering, held in Washington DC in early March 2025, is now available for download. The Awakenings 2025 Conference Bundle includes video of 3 plenaries, 2 panel conversations, and our opening session, all casting vision for “Wholeness and Beauty in the Life of the Church.” Audio of all 17 workshops is included.
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| Tools for Faith-Based Activism: Truth-Telling, Restoration, and Peace-Making (2023 Webinar) | FREE ($4.99 off) through May 12th
What are the pragmatic tools available to begin practicing faith-based activism where you live? Join Michelle Warren, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, and David Swanson in a robust dialogue on truth-telling, restoration, and peacemaking, and the tools that allow for each to flourish. Hosted by National Director Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, our aim is to identify tangible practices that you can contextualize and implement in this cultural moment to begin to see transformation take place. |
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| | The Mothering Love of God: Our Unacknowledged Longing | Amber H. Jones
"I realized, with a jolt, that I was looking into the face of the mothering love of God and I was all at once undone with longing. My realization echoed that of Julian of Norwich when she declared, 'As surely as God is our Father, so truly God is our mother.'" Read More |
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| | | | | I Thirst | Julius Shumpert
"On the cross, Jesus utters some of his final words: 'I thirst.' They reveal not only his humanity, but illuminate the heart of his sacrifice." Read More |
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| Anger is a Guardian“Awake, awake, oh sleeper. Be reminded that the world deserves so much more than apathy in the presence of injustice. Go with anger, not as enemy but as guardian. A sacred protector in a world of so much hatred, reminding us we deserve to be protected. We breathe, we feel. And we befriend our anger as if the liberation of the world depends on it. May it be so.”
Inhale: I will not grow numb.
Exhale: There is beauty in anger.
Inhale: My truth-telling is a gift. Exhale: I am free to say so |
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