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Spiritually Speaking….

NNPA NEWSWIRE — We all know people who have heart-wrenching testimony about faith’s manifestation in tremendously dire situations in their lives. When the chips are down and backs are up against the wall, I too can recall how God has interceded and positively impacted very negative and hopeless moments. And I believe if you’re honest with yourself, you can too.

Published

6 years ago

March 31, 2019

Oakland Post

By James A. Washington, The Dallas Weekly

Hopefully, this a different take on a familiar subject. Scripture refers to one’s faith, “the size of a mustard seed,” as a true indicator of its power.

Faith, for all we talk about it, is probably one of the more misunderstood and unappreciated concepts in Christianity, I think. I believe this because, in truth, real faith evokes tangible power. Now, the power I’m speaking of seems to only be recognized in very extreme circumstances.

We all know people who have heart-wrenching testimony about faith’s manifestation in tremendously dire situations in their lives. When the chips are down and backs are up against the wall, I too can recall how God has interceded and positively impacted very negative and hopeless moments. And I believe if you’re honest with yourself, you can too.

But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the faith that puts God’s full armor on each and every day. The kind that is as habitual as getting up, showering and getting dressed every morning. You know, it’s just part of who you are.

Dare I say, most of us don’t do this? If I had to put it into words, I’d probably describe it as being a constant Standard bearer for Christ.

My biblical example would be Paul. When all is said and done, Paul’s faith, clearly, is an all-day deal. He, just like most of us, had his “thorns” which plagued his walk with the Lord. But in reading Paul, it dawned on me that faith is so much more than its simple declaration — a declaration we all habitually say, “I believe!”

But, as you’ve heard me write and say constantly, faith is a verb. When activated in your life, all things get placed into God’s hands, i.e.: worry, family problems, health matters, money concerns. Even the most trivial of things get undergirded by one’s real faith.

When the faith I speak of becomes as habitual as dressing oneself, I believe we release tremendous power within ourselves that the rest of the world is compelled to see. Once seen by others and experienced by ourselves, there is only one source to which to attribute it: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

That source allows us to endure, persevere, withstand, stand strong (sometimes alone) and be victorious.

Paul said, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.

Hopefully, you can see the power in this as I have. Faith is indeed a verb manifest in how you deal with and confront your issues.

Remember, faith is useless unless someone or something attempts to wreak havoc on your life. Then that armor thing again acts as it should to not only protect you but also to give you the power to overcome.

May God bless and keep you always.

Oakland Post

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org