"All Hopes and Fears"

"O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight..."

Once again, I have to beg your pardon for my delay.  If you've been following, I'm sure you understand how this Holiday Season might be a difficult one for me.  2011 is one of those years that my humanity could have done without, but one that I'm sure will render some life-altering lessons in the months and years to come.  Nevertheless, rather than a joyful time, it is a time of hardship, heartache and pain.  I've thought long and hard about this post and decided rather than do nothing and let a good post last until the new year, that I would be true to mine own self and transparent to others.  

As I sit here in the dark - awakened yet again at or around the time of my mother's death on August 8, 2011, just 21 days before my birthday with tears staining my face - I find myself searching to find that place in space and time where happiness resides and laughter abounds.  I am searching for hope through disillusionment, joy through pain, light in the midst of darkness and laughter through unceasing tears.  In that place, that quiet place where there is nothing but the beating of my heart, now working harder to remind me that I am still alive with much more to do, I reached back into my yesteryears for those comfort songs of Christmas.  

I remember them fondly.  I remember being a child in the Christmas play, singing Silent Night and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer at the top of my little lungs.  I remember being made to put up the largest and most complicated Christmas tree in the whole wide world, and then serenading it with the song O Christmas Tree.  I remember the lights and sounds of a family of women jockeying for their place in the kitchen to cook the dish that only they could cook.  I remember knowing that soon and very soon, I would wake up to a poor child's miracle of toys, clothes, shoes, bicycles, and my mother sitting in the chair smoking a cigarette and shaking her knee as she watched my delight when I opened that one gift I didn't expect to get.  But more than that, I remember the heavenly sound of my mother's sultry voice singing The Christmas Song by the irreplaceable Nat King Cole.   With that in mind, rather than get into the scriptures, which I'm sure you'll read and hear plenty of, I've decided to gift to you my little bit of my happiness and fond memories of songs sang and loved by my mother.  There'll be a new song every day until the New Year. 

So sit back, listen and enjoy them fully, knowing that "all hopes and fears" are carried through tears, and that they brought some light into a dark place, a smile to a sad face and "wondering love" sent from above that warmed and mended a broken heart.  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.  Peace!

"For Christ is born of Mary

And gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together 

Proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King

And Peace to men on earth..."

                              (Rector Phillips Brooks, 1868) 

©Dorinda G. Henry, 2011 

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"For The Record"

Deborah and Jael

"We run this motha... GIRLS!

Who run the world?  Girls!

Who run the world?  Girls!

Who run the world?  Girls!..."

Well hell...  We have completed reading Judges, chapters 1-5, so what other song did you expect me to use to accompany this post?   Since I know you have been following along with us in your Reading The Bible Again for the First Time, then you know that we have met two of the most wonderfully colorful women who yielded power, persuasion and authority over men, and yet are shamelessly overlooked by most that read and preach the "Word."  And.... if you know anything about me - and by now you should - then you know I would not move through this book without shining the light on the only female "judge" and her cohort!  I mean really...  C'mo now.  Not only would I not move on without giving Deborah her due, but I have no intention of leaving out that other woman warrior - Jael.  For I can't tell the story of Deborah without including Jael...  Runners on your mark.  Get set.  Let's go!

The story of Deborah begins in Judges 4:4 and ends in chapter 5 in a parallel retelling of her story in The Song of Deborah - what some refer to as classic prose in.  First off, we are introduced to Deborah after the death of the previous "judge" Ehud.  Now, I hope you all are clear that when we speak of the book of Judges, the 12 judges listed therein, and this period in the history of Israel, we are not speaking of judges as we know them today.  Rather they were tribal leaders who, depending upon the circumstances - whether in peaceful times or in times of war - the "judges" had authority to listen to and settle disputes or as "Points of Light," if you will, in rallying the "troops" against the peoples of the neighboring regions.  Regardless of the circumstances, the "judges," were viewed as God's select.  That Deborah, arguably not a "judge," but mentioned in the book of Judges, speaks volumes of her significance and notoriety among the people.  Thus, her gender was of little to no consequence to them.   

Now, after the death of Ehud, "The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD" (Judges 4:1).  What else is new right?  And as usual, the consequences remain the same - they were oppressed, they cried out for help, and God answered by sending a message to the "Prophetess," Deborah...  Deborah, by the way, in Hebrew means "Bee."  You know like, "float like a butterfly and STING like a bee, kinda "Bee."  Yep, the original "Queen honey bee," often depicted as sitting under a special palm tree giving out "oracular" (now there's a word for you) answers and responses to concerns of those seeking it.  There she gets a message from God to, "Go, take position at Mount Tabor," a region ruled under King Jabin of Canaan (v. 6b).  Soon thereafter, she summons and explains to Barak, "I will draw out Sisera, the general of Jabin's army, to meet you by the Wadi Kishon with his chariots and his troops; and I will give him into your hand."  He hesitates, but says to her, "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go" (vv. 7,8a).  Deborah agrees to go with him, but before they depart on their journey, she makes it clear to Barak, that although he is being obedient - albeit reluctantly, "The LORD will sell (deliver) Sisera into the hand of a woman" (v. 9).  Ummm hmmm...  Yuummmy... The plot thickens...

As the narrative goes, Deborah - "Prophetess," "judge," that "Queen honey bee" - draws Sisera out like she said she would and tells Barak to get up and go after them.  The text doesn't tell us how she drew Sisera out, but if the song and video accompanying this post teaches us anything, it teaches us that women are more than capable of doing just about anything.  Anyhue, following Deborah's instructions, Barak leads his men in pursuit of Sisera and something strange happens to Sisera's chariots and army that no human is able to take credit for.  Consequently, Sisera gets out of his chariot and takes off running.  SIDEBAR: I know the text states that Barak had "ten thousand warriors," and Sisera had "nine hundred chariots of iron," and an undisclosed number of men with him, but as with alot in the bible, these numbers are exaggerated.  They more likely refer to what is called "muster units."  That is, that it refers more accurately to members of clans or villages that range anywhere from 5 to 15 people.  Back to the narrative...  Sisera, now on foot, flees into "the tent of Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite."  Right about now, you all should have on your "Black woman's" suspicious look.  If not, let me reach for the Black Woman's Cotton Patch version and help you out with this;  "Why in the hell is a man going into the tent of another man's wife?"  Those who ignore the obvious would likely say, "She is the wife of an ally of King Jabin."  Yeah well, whatever!  

For the record, ancient Near Eastern customs of hospitality required that travelers and strangers be invited into tents or domiciles, given shelter, food and water, and even protection by the host.  Of course that invitation would come by way of the husband and not the wife.  Second, it was common for men to have more than one wife and each of those wives had their own individual tents.  Third, although Jael is the wife of Heber, an "ally" of King Jabin, she is somewhat related to the Israelite people.  Her husband, Heber is a descendant of Jethro (the father of Zipporah - Moses' wife).  Thereby making her loyalties a bit questionable to say the least.  Have I lost you?  Stay with me, stay with me.  I told you this book would have you scratching your head and asking "wtf?"  But hang in there with me, c'mo...

Sooo...  As a woman and sorta kinda obligated by the rituals and customs of hospitality, Jael entreats Sisera to "Turn aside, my lord, turn aside to me; have no fear."  Sisera, scared, tired and thirsty, asks for something to drink and that she keep watch at the tent's entrance.  Jael "opened a skin of milk (goats milk) and gave him a drink and covered him."  I am inclined to suggest goats milk because of its use in that region of the world and also, among its many benefits, goats milk has been known to be a sleep agent - especially with children.  Why is that important?  Because not long after Sisera is taken in by Jael, he falls asleep.  The record states that while he was sleeping, Jael, "went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple, until it went down into the ground."  Whoa Lawd...  Yeah that's pretty much it...  The rest of the story is quick; Jael goes out to meet Barak who is yet pursuing Sisera, and tells him to, "Come and I will show you the man whom you are seeking."  And there, lying dead on the floor is Sisera (vv. 10-21).  Ahhh c'mon... Don't feel so bad for Sisera, at least he got nailed first...  ;)

"My persuasion can build a nation

Endless power

With our love we can devour

You'll do anything for me...

Who run the world?  Girls!

Who run this motha?  Girls! 

Who run the world?  Girls!"

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011 

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Here Comes the Judge"

Judges:  An Introduction

As we enter the book of Judges, one of the first things you will learn is that contrary to popular belief, Joshua was unable to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan.  Along with the presence and influence of the neighboring people and their God(s), the wandering people, aka Israel, the "Chosen Ones," are increasingly faced with internal strife and tribal conflict. 

To maintain order and to legitimize rule among the people, God raises up 12 leaders whose leadership was recorded as hit and misses at best.  They were; Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.  Yep, there he is, one of the most "charismatic" and controversial figures of the bible.  Surprisingly, however, he is considered by scholars as neither a "major," nor a "minor" judge.  He just happens to be associated with a really good story.  But ultimately, the book of Judges is about God taking on a new title and position as the "Universal Judge."  A title, position and duty attributed to the God(s) of the neighboring people of Canaan.  That is to say that faith traditions and practices of the people of Canaan were co-opted by the wandering people known as Israel.  This marks the beginning of the battle of the Deities.  

With that, I'll end this introduction.  Just know that this is going to be an interesting read, so grab your bibles and follow closely, because this ride is full of magical twists, turns, hocus-pocus and disappearing acts that'll have you scratching your head and wondering "wtf?"

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"The Battle Is Not Yours"

Well...  Hello again...  I thank you all for continuing to check in.  It has been a hard couple of months, but I'm still standing and slowly coming up on the other side of "through."  I know it's been a minute, but if you recall, we were nearing the end of Joshua.  Since that post, and the loss of my mother, we have been steadfast in our Reading the Bible Again for the First Time. 

Because I've been away for some time now, and as I ease myself back into the blogging water, there are a couple of things you need to know about the book of Joshua.  First, it is a rather boring book I must admit.  Second, there are only two major events that many of you might find noteworthy - the spies encounter with Rahab (which you read about in a previous post), and the battle of Jericho, which will be the focus of this post.  But first, some housekeeping. 

If I haven't already mentioned it, Joshua is one of the books in what is known in scholarly circles as the "Deuteronomic History" of Israel, with the book of Deuteronomy being its introduction.  This "history" encompasses the books of Joshua, Judges, 1&2 Samuel, and 1&2 Kings, also referred to as "The Former Prophets."  Now, don't get your panties in a wad about the word former meaning less than.  A more common label would be the "Historical books," for their focus on telling Israel's history from the first entrance into the "Promised Land," on through the period of the Babylonian exile, beginning in 586 BCE.  So, before I go any further, the book of Joshua can be summed up into three major points: 1) "The Word of God for the people of God" - that is, remembering the words and instructions of Moses, to follow and be obedient/faithful, as God has been faithful to you, 2) God will fight your battles - that is, killing off all your enemies and giving you their land, and 3) Worship no other Gods but God - no explanation needed there.

With that said, and coincidentally after the couple of months I have had, the battle of Jericho and the notion that God fights our battles for us resonates within me (Joshua 6:1-20).  Now, it is believed that Jericho was indeed a providence in Canaan, fortified by a great wall.  But what happened to that wall remains unknown.  Scholars have found evidence of a great fire, but where that fire came from and what caused it, is still unknown.  What is clear for me is the message within the battle of Jericho.  If you're like me, that is, not wealthy, arguably comely, committed to social justice, fairness, equality, economic parity, and against the death penalty, (just to mention a few of my character traits), then you too have come up against many seemingly insurmountable walls that block your progress, your aspirations, and thus, your happiness.  In light of the "Occupy Wall Street," protests cropping up all over the country, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do like Joshua?  You know, call forth the warriors/activists - we'll call them Patriots, the Priest armed with trumpets, and together with the PEOPLE, circle the places that guard and protect the keys to the kingdom.  On the seventh day, after seven trips around the identified bastions of excess, greed, nullification and interposition, when the sound of the trumpets are heard, and the PEOPLE shout, the walls would miraculously come tumbling down.  

Well, that isn't going to happen.  It didn't happen then and it ain't g'on happen now.  What is going to happen is what is already happening.  God, always present and accounted for is watching the PEOPLE do what is required of them.  They have shown up on the battlefield.  They are raising their collective voice in a chorus of freedom, a chorus of righteousness, a chorus of "being sick and tired of being sick and tired."  It is a chorus that is so loud, so harmonious, so divine that it will reverberate throughout this country, to your country and throughout the world.  It is a divine chorus with divine intent, that calls out with great expectation of a divine response from the Ancestors, the Universe, the Creator, The Great One, The Truth, the Really Real, Oladumare, Allah, Krishna and all the names used, known and unknown.  And that response will come.  It is sure to come.  For when we do our part, we are met with an equal and greater power that burns with a heat so hot that it will lay mountains low, and bring down the strongest and most fortified walls so the PEOPLE may proceed forward, onward and upward.  

Shhh...  Listen to the sound of the trumpet.  PEOPLE it's time to make our way to the battlefield, raise our voices, and then stand back, "Be still and know that I AM God (Psalm 46:10a)."

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"For All We Know..."

My Dearest Beloved: 

Once again, life has dealt me a devastating blow.  On August 8, 2011, I lost my mother, Patricia Lawrence Henry, "Pat."  What follows is a short tribute to the woman through which I chose to enter into this earthly realm.  I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as I wade through these dark and troubling waters.

...AND I REMEMBER

               Patricia Lawrence Henry

                                 "Pat"

             10/29/1947 - 08/08/2011

Living ain’t easy.  Dying ain’t either.  Failure to do either is not an option.  West African tradition teaches us that before we enter into this earthly realm, our soul makes a contract with our Father/Mother/God to do a certain thing or things while we are here on earth.  Another component of this tradition is that we are afforded the opportunity to choose our earthly mother and father, and I chose you.  For while in a spiritual time, space and place, I saw you and knew all that you were in a pure, unlimited and in an all understanding way – and I saw in you traits that I wished to have in order to carry out my soul’s contract.  For obvious reasons, I wanted your looks.  I wanted your smarts and intelligence, your laughter, your “mother wit,” your creative writing skills, and a flare for the dramatic in style and being.  I wanted your strength and courage.  I desired to love fiercely and to fight with reckless and determined abandonment.  For if I had not chosen you for my mother, I would not be the woman I am today.  In your leaving, and through all of our experiences, good, bad, or ugly; right, wrong or indifferent, if I had it to do all over; I would choose to be your daughter again.

Goodnight Pat, I love you.  I have loved you all of my life.  Look for me, because I'll be looking for you - on the other side of midnight.  Peace.

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Jericho"

Joshua; Chapter 2

As we enter into the next stage of our bible study and into the storytelling of the history of the Israelite people, we begin with a curious, yet, close encounter with a prostitute by the name of Rahab.  I know the title of this post is going to get me into trouble, but hey, what else is new?  I don't know how I, Rev. Dorinda "Make it plain" Henry, could tell this story any other way.  Do you?  I didn't think so.  So let's begin...

When we get into the book of Joshua, we like to run on to the fall of Jericho.  Preachers, teachers, and lay leaders like to run on past this cute and yet, arguably, unnecessary narrative of the "prostitute," Rahab.  I find it interesting that this narrative was even included - until I realized Rahab is the second woman named in the genealogy of Jesus.  She is also the second woman in this small group of women, who found herself in the royal ancestral line through particularly particular circumstances.  Like her predecessor, Tamar, (Whom we'll get to in just a moment), she is identified as being a prostitute, or harlot if you're reading the King James Version.  Rahab lived in a house on the "wall" of Jericho.  The scripture tells us after getting instruction from Joshua to go and spy out the land, "especially Jericho," the first order of business for the spies must have been for them to get a piece of @$$, so they went, "and entered the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab."  After spending the night with Rahab and after she risks her life to hide the men from the King of Jericho, and helped them escape, they make an oath to her that they will spare her life and the lives of her "father, mother, brothers, sisters and all who belong to them" if she ties a crimson cord in the same window they escaped from (Joshua 2:1-21).  I know when you read these blogs you struggle to believe that I am a real card carrying, bonafide Preacher, but I assure you that I am.  I write these blogs this way, because I need the masses, regular ole folk, to stop being intimidated by the bible and bible thumpers.  For it is a moral imperative to know for certainty, that without prostitutes, misfits and miscreants, the world would have never heard of the most famous Mediterranean Jewish peasant man named Jesus.

Now where was I?  Oh yeah, this "whore," is not the first in the royal lineage of Jesus.  There was another woman said to have "played the whore."  Enter stage left - Tamar.  If you remember, Tamar, was the Canaanite woman Judah gave to his firstborn son, Er.  The scripture tells us that Er "was wicked in the sight of the Lord and the Lord put him to death" (Genesis 38: 1-8).  According to the Levirate Law (Deuteronomy 25:5-10), Judah commanded his second son, Onan, "Go in to your brother's wife and perform the duty of a brother-in-law to her; raise up offspring for your brother."  Now, if you have been following this blog and reading along with us, then you know Onan, knowing that the offspring from these encounters with Tamar would not be his, he spilled his seed upon the ground.  Consequently, for his disobedience, he too, was put to death by the Lord (Genesis38:8-10).  Although Judah had a third son, Shelah, he was not of age and therefore, Judah instructed Tamar to return to her father's house until the young boy grew up.  

Well, in due course, Judah's unnamed wife dies and after a period of morning, he and a friend goes to Timnah.  When Tamar hears of it, she takes off her "widow's garments, put on a veil, wrapped herself up, and sat down at the entrance of Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah (vv. 12-14c).  To make a long story short, Tamar sees that Shelah, Judah's youngest son has grown up and yet, she has not been given to him for marriage.  Can you hear the Black Woman's Cotton Patch Version's commentary?  It sounds a little sumptn like this; "Ah, okay, okay, are you for real?  Huh?  Are you for real?  Watch this... Ima take off these mourning rags, put my freak 'em dress on, and meet ya @$$ right where you are!"  And it works.  Judah sees her, mistakes her for a prostitute and negotiates with her a payment to "go in to her."  He offers a kid (a baby goat), but knowing her own worth - she countered; "Your signet, and your cord and the staff that is in your hand."  Whaaaat?  All of the identifying accoutrements of a man with significant authority!  And he gave the items up to her!  Ummm umph!  I won't say it, but you know what I'm thinking...  That's alright, take ya time... ;)  Oh and did I mention she became pregnant, and for his failure to restore her (his daughter-in-law's) honor, she, like Rahab, is saved from being burned alive (vv. 15-26).

Both of these women, Tamar and Rahab are but two of the women mentioned by name in the genealogy of Jesus.  They are women, of questionable reputation.  Women who have been painted with a broad brush of insignificance, labeled as being among the underbelly of society, and yet, had it not been for their actions, their sense of self-worth, their act of holding men accountable to the law, or for their example of faith, where would our Jesus be without them?  For me, however, they are tenacious women, women with moxy, women who dared to challenge the Patriarchal constructs of conventional wisdom and mores of the day to secure their own safety and the safety of others.  They are women who should be lifted up and revered alongside the men of the bible.  Their courage and acts of faith are no less than that of the men.  We are simply more likely to forgive and overlook what the men do and applaud them when they finally do what is expected of them.  On the contrary, we make examples of the women in an effort to exert power and control of women in present day.  To that I say, ladies, take a lesson from these women - know the power of the .....   Did I say that?  Noooo... I did not.  ;)

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"The Big One"

Well, here it is.  "This is it!"  We have reached the end of Deuteronomy.  I feel a little like Fred Sanford - out of breath, stumbling and staggering about, holding my heart for full affect and hopefully some attention.  Because what we have done as a group, is a great accomplishment.  We should pause to take a look back at the first 5 books of the bible - the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah with pride.  We ought to retrace our steps, our commitment and due diligence in completing this very crucial, at times incredibly boring, repetitive, and undeniably disjointed telling of Israel's humble beginnings.

Approaching the final chapters, which include the "Song of Moses" and the "Blessing of Moses," it is hard not to realize that something quirky has happened along the way.  We have gone from reading about a people that were brought out of Egypt with the mighty hand of the Lord, a people Moses gives the rules and ordinances to live by when they enter into the Promised Land - along with admonishments of what will happen if they fail to remain faithful to the One true God - YHWH, and finally, to the "prophetic" encouragement that even if the people did disobey his instructions, the law, and worship other Gods, all they would need to do is "repent."  Although God would first punish and disperse them from the land into "strange and unfamiliar lands," S/HE would show them mercy and compassion and bring them back again.  Moving forward into the rest of the Deuteronomic History, it would seem as if this is a perfect example of the adage, "Hindsight is 20/20."  For we'll see in the upcoming books that Israel did all that Moses warned them about and God's response to it was exactly as Moses said it would be.  How neat and perfect is that?  Surely you too know that it is a little too neat and a little too perfect.

We have read these books and we have heard the stories from our preachers, parents, teachers and the like.  We, Christians have been led to believe the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament is all prophecy.  That it is a foretelling of the coming Messiah, Jesus.  But it isn't.  As I stated in previous posts, Deuteronomy, in its final form, was the work of scribes, and Jerusalemite priests under the direction and instruction of King Josiah during the Babylonian Exile, in 586 BCE (Before the Common Era).  Thus, the latter chapters of Deuteronomy, like the first 4 chapters are added separately and are independent.  I know it's a bit confusing, but let me put it this way; The story is written after the fact.  The editors, King Josiah and his minions redacted earlier texts to fit the circumstances under which the exiled Jews were living in an effort to establish a nation that worshiped the one true God - YHWH.  Trust me, it will all make sense later when we begin our reading Joshua, and on into 1 and 2 Kings.

Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, I was struck by how many times we read of Moses' impending death.  If I didn't know better, it seemed like every time we entered a new chapter, we were going to be reading of one of the most anticipated, yet mysterious deaths in the bible.  It was so frequent, that I couldn't help but reflect back on my younger days watching one of my favorite characters, and junk men, Fred Sanford, played by the late comedic genius, Redd Foxx.  At every turn when time and chance proved unfavorable to Fred, he would act as if he was having a heart attack.  He did it so often that it was one of the funniest and most familiar scenes of the hit TV show, Sanford and Son.  And if you know like I know, it never happened.  In this instance, however, he is our Moses - stumbling, staggering about, holding his heart, warning any and all in Israel that would listen, "Uh, oh...  This is it...  It's the big one!"  The Black Woman's Cotton Patch Version of the bible would record Moses' frequent scares this way;  "If you don't do it the way I say do it, I'm gonna die and the Lord is gonna get you!"  Well, in chapter 34, Moses, supposedly, still a strong man, "Goes up to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah," to gaze once more upon a land he would not enter, and promptly died (Deuteronomy 34:1-7).  I suppose the reality of that was finally too much for what Moses' heart could take.  So he grabbed his chest, looked toward the sky, and stumbled his @$$ right off that mountain.  I'm jes sayn...  :)
© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Cast The First Stone"

"Sticks and stones

may break my bones,

but words will never 

hurt me."

I remember childhood days of sneaking around corners and running home after school trying to avoid a bully or two or three.  Looking back on those days when the bullies would boldly stand in the street calling me names and yelling other mean and cruel things at me, I can smile and remember fondly my defiant dance of champions as I recited the aforementioned phrase.  I knew they may have been big, bad and bold, but they were not big, bad and bold enough to come into my yard and say or do anything to me.  Everyone involved knew if that boundary was crossed, we'd all meet our fate.  Either I would be beaten to a bloody pulp or they and those watching and instigating, would soon learn that I was more afraid of facing my mother after being beaten up than I was of them.  And there was absolutely no way in hell, I was gonna go back in the house after I allowed someone to beat me up in my own front yard.  The word in my house was; "If you stand out there and let them hit on you and beat you up, Ima whoop ya ass again when they're done."  Now listen, if you know anything about me and by now you should, then you know THAT was not going to happen.  Needless to say, in the homes of many, if not most black people, Mama's "word," was THE "word."  So those taunting me with threats also knew they dare not cross that line or their reputation and status as the big bad wolf may also end with their ass in a pot of boiling hot water.

Today, however, cute little nursery rhymes aren't doing the trick.  "Sticks and stones," have been replaced by "sexting," "cyberbullying," knives and guns.  And with the increase of child and teenage suicide, the adage, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is causing me to rethink whether or not the "words" are more hurtful and damaging than the sticks and stones.  Why am I talking about this on this Christian blog?  Well, I'm glad you asked.  As you know we are in the final chapters of Deuteronomy and yes, we have walked right smack dab into cause and reasons for the punishment of "stoning" as an act of capital punishment.  And of course, more often than not, it is women who are condemned to death by "stoning."  I invite you to read Deuteronomy chapters 17:2-7; 19:15-20; 21:18-21, "The Incorrigible Son;" And 22:13-29.  These chapters are critical to the understanding of the plight of women in ancient Near Eastern Culture and sadly, within certain cultures, it continues to this day.  It is also critical for us Christians to get our collective minds around the sacred text when it comes to women being accused of adultery and thus, subject to being "stoned" to death.  There are two passages in particular that comes to mind.  Briefly...  I know, I know - briefly is not what I do well.  But c'mon, hang out wit me for a moment.  I'm going somewhere here. 

In the book of John, a Mediterranean Jewish peasant named Jesus is confronted by a crowd of men, lead by scribes (transcribers and expounders of the Mosaic Law) and Pharisees (spiritual leaders that held a strict adherence to the belief of the oral/aural communication and written word of the laws given to Moses by God).  They have brought out a woman, accused of adultery, to be "stoned" to death according to the law of Moses.  Funny thing, the man is....  Umph...  Where is he?  He is conspicuously missing.  Why is that?  Because somewhere I read, "both of them shall die."  Anyhue...  In a haphazard attempt to catch him [Jesus] violating some ancient Mosaic Law, they inquire of him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery.  Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women.  Now what do you say..."  Excuse me while I reach for my King James Version...  Jesus' reply - one of the most preached about passages by old and new preachers alike - "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (KJV John 8:3-11).  If we were in church, someone would have blurted out "Yes suh!  Preach Preacher!"  Because of course no one throws a rock at the woman and they - the men of the town - leave that place disappointed that there will be no pummeling a woman with rocks that day.  Side note:  You do know women were not allowed to throw any rocks right?  No?  Well now you do.

The other text that comes to mind is Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well, better known as the "Woman of Samaria."  In this passage, the text records Jesus' encounter with a Samarian woman as she draws water from a well, Jacobs well.  They get involved in one of the longest and most misinterpreted conversations recorded between Jesus and anyone for that matter.  One of the most profound wonders of this conversation is that he engages her (a woman) as his intellectual equal.  But after some time, he says to her, "Go, call your husband and come back."  Her reply, "Sir I have no husband."  Jesus says to her and I paraphrase, You're right to have said that, "for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband" (John 4:1-18).  Okay, here we go...  Without fail, every time I have heard this passage preached, the preacher has talked so badly about the woman that it is absolutely re-damn-dic-u-lous!  Through narrowly focused, patriarchal and misogynistic lenses, they read the text, "You have had five husbands and the one you have now is not your husband" to mean a charge of multiple acts of adultery.  As such, they barely stop short of calling her a whore and a harlot.   But if we believe that cursory interpretation and understanding of the text, this woman has sexually involved herself with five other married men, and is now on her sixth.  And if that is the case, then ladies and gentlemen, we have our first serial adulteress who lived to tell the story.  But we are grown folk, who are Reading the Bible Again for the First Time, and we know better.  We now have a better understanding of the consequences women faced when charged with "adultery," and therefore, we also know that when preachers approach this text in this lazy and haphazard sort of way, know that it is selectively misleading and a gross misinterpretation.  The passage is more about the people (Exiled Jews), practicing the 5 to 6 religious beliefs, practices and traditions of neighboring peoples in the region.  So now that you know better, do better and don't sit still for that crap again! 

Ending where I began, my bible study class is preparing for another movie night.  I felt it important to get a clearer picture of what it means to be condemned to death by "stoning."  I also want to drive home the plight of women across the world who live within cultures where the practice continues to this very day.  We hear your cries, we stand as witnesses to your life and God forbid, your death by this archaic and misogynistic application of this method of punishment.  We will, until we no longer have breath in our bodies, shout aloud and carry your voice with us.  For we now know that sticks and stones will not only break our bones, but they will also kill us, and kill us in a most horrific way.

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Mother God"

ASHERAH

"You shall not plant any tree as a sacred pole beside the altar that you make for the LORD your God; nor shall you set up a stone pillar - things that the LORD your God hates" (Deuteronomy 16:21,22).

I really wish you all could see me right now.  I am smiling as mischievously as I did when I was a young girl and Mama or one of my aunts made the mistake of bending over in front of me.  It is also not lost on me that this particular post is coming immediately after my Father's Day post.  It's the kind of "stuff," my father would have gotten a great laugh out of.  He would have thought it to be utterly hilarious and fitting that I present the following information and yes, that his daughter, is one of the folks trying to introduce it into mainstream - you know, where regular ole "common" folk, the people, the masses, would be able to access it.  So as I, we delve further into the book of Deuteronomy, we encounter the aforementioned scriptural text.  It is a scriptural text that many of you might not have ever paid any particular attention to, but one that actually introduces us to a particularly particular character and name that does and does not exist in the Bible.  A name synonymous with the "sacred pole," and an "almond tree" designed with divine specifications.  It is a character with a name that brings home the three main selling points in real estate - location, location, location.

Yes, location IS everything!  And where the "sacred pole" and the stylized "almond tree" was "located" in the Tabernacle - within the "Holy of Holies" - is everything too.  For you see, there you will find or shall I say, there you would have found ASHERAH - God's (YHWH's) beloved wife, consort, and co-creator.  I say "would have found" her if a full scale rewriting of the sacred text had not taken place under the direction of King Josiah during the Babylonian Exile.  But of course, we won't get into that until 2 Kings.  But for now, know this, a full fledged campaign went into destroying Her image and all manner of reverence and worship of Her.  It was all a part of what would set Israel apart from other peoples and their Gods - Monotheism (The doctrine or belief in one God).  In contrast, Polytheism (The doctrine and/or belief in more than one God or Gods) was the usual religious practice of neighboring peoples in Canaan.  And, quiet as it's kept, Israel was no exception.  They, too, worshiped, burnt incense and made offerings of raisin cakes to ASHERAH, also known as the "Queen of Heaven" (Jeremiah 44:15-19).  And while we may have been given her name in Deuteronomy, I don't believe this to be the first time we've encountered her.

Back in the book of Numbers, another peculiar event takes place in the history of Israel and it goes a little sumptn like this:  When setting out from the Mount of Hor, "The people, spoke against God and Moses, 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?  For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.'  Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died..."  I don't need to tell you the people got themselves right together after that and cried out to Moses, confessing their sin against him and God and asked him to pray for them, asking God to take away the serpents.  Being a gracious and compassionate God, the LORD instructed Moses to "Make a poisonous (Fiery) serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.  So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live" (Numbers 21:4-9).  At this point, there are two things that I feel I should not have to tell you...  First, yes, it is no real stretch to connect the dots to the caduceus of Hermes (the image of two snakes intertwined around a staff ) that eventually became associated with the practice of medicine.  The second thing I should not have to tell you is that throughout ancient Near Eastern culture, ASHERAH was known as the "Goddess of Healing," fertility, and immortality.

Surely you know this is only the beginning of our "getting to know" our Mother God, ASHERAH.  While King Josiah and his scriveners, along with a whole host of very creative and very determined men, tried as they might, to eradicate the presence, knowledge and importance of our Mother God, She is there and available to us.  And in this age of Truth, Understanding, Revelation and Liberation, all we have to do is to desire to know Her, seek Her and dare to speak of Her.  For if we do, She will surely be found - out.

"Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revelation
And the mind's true liberation..." 

     (James Rado, Gerome Ragni, Galt MacDermot) 

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"My Father, Myself"

HAYWARD RAY HALL, Sr.  "Bulldog"

I was numb.

He was dangerous. 

He was bad.  He was fierce, one of the biggest and baddest linebackers "Podunk" had ever seen.  If you ever found yourself on the opposing team in a football game and had the nerve, the audacity, the unmitigated gall to think that you could or should try to traverse the football field anywhere near him; you were… well, hopefully you're okay today.  He was popular.  No, he would have never been voted "best looking," or even "most likely to succeed," but he, Elvin “Coach” Carlton and the rest of the crew, all but ran Black Hollywood High.  They were the boys that all the teachers kept a watchful eye on.  They were the boys for which all the girls jockeyed to get their attention.  They were the boys the other boys wanted to be.  They were cool, loud, obnoxious, class clowns and yes, the stars of the football team that gave "Podunk" its first State Championship. 

There he was.

There death was. 

In an instant, I found myself standing face to face with death.  I remembered the heaviness of my body as some sinister force began tugging at it, seemingly threatening to yank my entire skeletal system right out of my body.  My legs, once strong enough to run the 400 and 800 meter relays, 100 meter hurdles and compete in the high jump – in one track meet – were suddenly too weak to carry me five steps from the spot that held me.  Colored in the hue of death, his lifeless body, once so strong and impervious, was under siege.  “What have they done to you” I asked?  I had to get to him.  Weakened, I prayed for fortified steel.  Without it, I would have pulled my father and all that was attached to him down on top of me.  I leaned over and pulled him to me.  I tried as hard as I could to smell him, but there was no scent – none.  I tried to hear him – there was no sound – nothing but the incessant beeping of rude machines busy robbing him of his dignity.  His face was distorted.  His body was odd and unfamiliar.  My father – the muthafucka of all muthafuckas – was no more.

My father was not a religious man.  He believed in a higher power, whatever that power may be, but church, the bible, Christians – they didn’t have a chance with my father.  I loved and respected him for that.  Like most of everything in his life, my father lived by his own rules and on his own terms.  No one could tell him what to do or how to believe. 

So, I called them. 

I called them all – God, Allah, Budda, Krishna, Oladumare, the Universe, the Ancestors, Saints, Orishas and even Jesus.  I summoned them all to bear witness of my father, to make an account of his life, his service, his commitment to his people, his art, his passion, his pain, his hopes, fears and joy.  'Remember him and re-member him into your midst, and into your care.  Re-join him with his ancestral clan and set him in a high place of honor.  Grant him space and chance to continue to walk with me, to watch over and protect me.   In the name of all that is good, all that is right, all that is just, all that is peace and even Jesus – Amen – Ase’, Ase’, Ase’o.'

Goodnight daddy, I love you.  I'll see you on the other side of midnight. 
(The above is an excerpt from my novel, title and publication pending)

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Dear Diary"

Deuteronomy

"Soon I will be done
With the troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
Soon I will be done
Troubles of the world
I'm going home to live with God..."

 

Dear Journal: 

This is my last [Will and] Testament.  My name is Moshe, aka Moses.  I am also known affectionately as, Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses, our Teacher/Rabbi).  I don't know why I said, "affectionately," because from the beginning of my walk with the LORD, the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob, you so-called "chosen" people have vigorously come against me.  Starting as far back as my birth, my life has consisted of having to fight for one thing after another - and often times, for an ungrateful, rebellious and stiff-necked group of people.  But, before I get into that, let me just say that I am coming to the end and I feel the need to get a few things off my chest before I turn this thing over to my adjutant, Joshua.

The first thing I need to do is remind you, O Israel, that when you were an enslaved people, under the yoke of Egypt's Pharaoh, I am the one that brought you out of that bondage.  Yeah, that's right, I, at the LORD's behest, returned to Egypt, brought plagues down on Egypt - right down to the death of all of their firstborn males, until Pharaoh let you go!  Then, after the LORD blew his nose or something and parted the Red Sea, it was I that walked you through on dry land, and not one of you even got wet.  Were you impressed by that?  No!  Every time I turned around, I had to deal with your moaning and groaning and constant complaining about one thing or another.  First it was the golden calf incident, the scouts I sent into the land, and your appetite!  Geez Louise!  Your cry for food prompted the LORD to provide manna for you to eat.  No, you had never seen it before, and neither had I, but it did the trick.  Then you complained about not having any meat!  So the LORD sent out a wind to the Red Sea, causing quail to come into the camp.  To your delight, you went about your way and collected the quail all day.  While the meat, which you demanded, was still in your greedy little mouths, the LORD's anger was kindled against you and brought a plague against you by way of the very thing you wanted so much.  Many of you fell to that plague.  We buried those who died from it in that same place (NRSV Numbers 11:31-34). 

Throughout the forty years that we wandered in the wilderness, you also complained about my leadership, so I anointed my brother, Aaron, Priest of priest to help with management.  I even elevated my sister, Miriam, but in due time, both she and Aaron rose up against me because I married an Ethiopian woman!  Are you serious?  Have you seen the Ethiopian women?  You'll soon find it difficult to stay away from them too.  Anyhue, needless to say, my friend, the LORD - whom I, and I alone, spoke to "face to face," and "mouth to mouth" - for my sake, punished them both.  Surely you know because Miriam was a woman, her punishment was much more severe than Aaron's (vv. 12:1-10).  Nevertheless, we waited until she was better and her leprosy had gone away before we set out to our next camp site. 

Every freaking step of the way, you were a faithless and disobedient nation.  I grew weary of you and that weariness cost me greatly.  Because of your lack of faith and disobedience, the LORD determined that no one from this generation would enter into the Promised Land.  No one, no not even I, would be granted passage into the land promised to our ancestors.  Why?  Well, it happened back at the rock, when you complained yet again about being thirsty.  The LORD instructed me to stand before the congregation and speak to the rock and it rock would yield its life-giving water.  But, I heard your grumblings, and I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired," so I raised my hands and spoke harshly to you as I struck the rock twice.  Most assuredly, the rock yielded refreshing, and rejuvenating water for you and all your livestock.  Yet the LORD was angry with me because I did not trust and obey by doing what I was instructed to do.  As such, and even after all I had done, I, too, was forbidden to enter into the Promised Land (vv. 20:5-12).  I am left only to prepare you to take possession of a good land, "a land flowing with milk and honey," and to leave you with the Law, the ways of governance and all of the LORD's commandments.

"So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.  You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God with which I am charging you" (Deuteronomy 4:1,2).  My time with you is not long and soon, I, too, will go the way of the ancestors...  Goodbye, good luck and good riddance!

"No more weepin' and wailin'
No more weepin' and wailin'
No more weepin' and wailin'
I'm going home to live my Lord

Soon I will be done
With the troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
Soon I will be done
Troubles of the world
I'm going home to live with my Lord..."
                                    (Mahalia Jackson) 

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST! 

"In With The New..."

Numbers 26-36

Please indulge a black woman for a moment.  I realized my failure to mention on my last post, the very weird narrative of the talking ass (donkey) in Numbers 22:22-30.  How I forgot to include that little tidbit escapes me.  After all, it is the scripture referenced by many women when the need is felt to justify or qualify our call into the ministry.  So very quickly, here's a synopsis of the narrative; Israel is on the march and has just defeated King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan - killing the families of both Kings, all their people and taking possession of their land.  Balak, son of Zippor and King of Moab, observed Israel's military prowess and requisitions.  Real quick, if you've been following this blog, and I believe you have, then you know Moab was the child born out of the incestuous encounter between Lot and his eldest daughter (refer to "God's Got a LOT of Nerve," 11/30/2010).  Thus, the Moabites are the descendents of that incestuous encounter.  Back to the talking ass story... 

After watching Israel destroy two kingdoms, Balak summons Balaam, son of Beor, (also said to be a "seer of the gods"), to curse Israel.  After a couple of delays, Balaam, gets up, readies his donkey, secures a couple of servants for the journey and sets out to meet Balak.  Traveling on his donkey, Balaam is confronted by an angel of the Lord that appears on the road "as his adversary."  Unlike Balaam, the donkey sees the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword and turns aside onto a field.  Balaam struck the donkey to correct it and turn it back onto the road.  The angel of the Lord then stood in a narrow path with a wall on each side.  Seeing this, the donkey tried to avoid the angel and in doing so, scraped against the wall and thus scraped Balaam's foot along the wall.  Angered and yes, probably in some pain, Balaam struck the donkey again.  A third time, the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path, denying the passage of the donkey, and his master, Balaam, on either side.  With nowhere else to go, the donkey, laid down under his master.  Balaam's anger grew and again, he struck the donkey a third time with this staff.  At this point the "miraculous" happens...  God opens the mouth of the donkey, allowing it to ask his master; "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"  Taking a cue from Dr. Doolittle, Balaam responds to the talking ass, saying, "Because you have made a fool of me!  I wish I had a sword in my hand!  I would kill you right now!"  The talking ass admonishes Balaam in his statement; "Am I not your donkey, which you have ridden all your life to this day?  Have I been in the habit of treating you this way?"  Balaam replies, "No" (NRSV Numbers 22:20-30).  Yep, that's it!  That's the story of the talking ass.  As quickly as it was thrown in there, is as quickly as it's over. 

Now, if you've heard it once, you've heard it a hundred times, from women, or lesbian and gay men and women who have been called into the ministry; "If God can use a donkey, praise be to God!  I know He can use me!"  Hear me when I say this in the best black woman's tone and vernacular that I can summon up - "Chile please!"  Stop it!  We don't have to justify, qualify or quantify our calling into the ministry to anyone.  And we most certainly should not be comparing our "calling" to some weird, fictional account of a talking ass!  Give me a break!

Whew...  Okay, I'm done with that nonsense...  In the last post I talked about Israel's journey and march toward the banks of Jordan.  It was the end of a rebellious and disobedient generation of people who had seen all the signs and wonders of God and yet, could not, would not, remain faithful.  As a consequence, not one of them were allowed to enter into the Promised Land.  Instead, Joshua was anointed/commissioned as prophet and priest to lead this new generation of Israel into the Promised Land.  And a good time was had for all.  Joshua and the new generation got together, fired up the grill, poured a bounty of "strong drink" unto the Lord and partied harder than attendees at a Prince concert.

If we read the scriptures literally, that is, as they are written and believe they are a continuous document, written in chronological order, from Genesis to Revelation, then I suppose, while Joshua and the "Next Generation," were partying all night, Moses took a much needed break to write in his diary all that had happened during their time in the wilderness.  That diary would be the next book in the bible, Deuteronomy.  So stay tuned as we sneak a peek into the private thoughts, feelings, frustrations, betrayals and disappointments of Moses, the great deliverer.  Right now though, I think I'm gonna do like Joshua and the next generation and get my groove on.  Thankfully, I don't have to wake up in the morning and invade other people's lands, annihilating all of them and then promptly set up shop like I was supposed to be there in the first place.
© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Out With The Old..."

Numbers 1-25

The adage, "Out with the old and in with the new," is one that takes a minute or two or three for many of us to get our mind around.  I have clothes that I simply cannot part with, furniture that is more hazardous to my body than trying to climb a tree, and friends that I know secretly wish for my misfortune.  But there is something about familiarity that comforts me and keeps me doing the same thing even if it is not in my best interest to continue to do so.  So too is the case when many Christians encounter our faith tradition and the sacred text.  As evidenced by the frequency of their appearance on this blog, I have a special affinity for the old Negro Spirituals.  They move me in ways the contemporary Gospel music does not.  It doesn't change the fact, however, that I am more left of center when it comes to my faith walk.  I, too, am often chided about my taste in Gospel music, although, I have found that when the music is heard again, it brings back fond memories of years past.

So yes, it is easier and more comfortable to continue down the same road.  We know the route, we know all the landmarks and nothing is different or changes.  The road becomes stale, dank and dusty with potholes of (mis)understanding and cracks of misinterpretation of the scriptures.  This is what I call "auto pilot Christianity."  Rather than delve deeper into our faith, utilizing our fully engaged mind, we walk into church and flip on the "auto pilot" switch, letting the preacher and the worship service take us down the same path the same way we went last week and the week before that and the week before that.  There are no new awakenings, no new sightings and experiences.  The same songs are sung and the same people get up and go on display (that is if you belong to one of those churches).  And if you do, you know exactly what I'm talking about. 

The problem with bringing our whole mind into the worship experience, however, is that we would have to admit to at least a few things; 1) The bible is not infallible, 2) The bible is not written in chronological order, and, in this case, 3) An individual by the name of "Moses" did not write the Pentateuch, rather - as scholars suggest - the first four books were compiled by a group of "Jerusalemite priests," during the Babylonian exile.  Believe it or not, I get it.  For many, letting go of the old, revamping tradition, is harder than throwing away an old comfortably worn out pair of jeans.  The operative word or phrase there is "worn out."  It is old, tired, outdated, antiquated, stultifying and repressive.

It appears this may have been the case for the first "wilderness" generation.  That is the generation that is reported to have endured extreme persecution in Egypt and fled into the wilderness.  They were the generation who lived through and gave us the stories of making bricks without straw, the plagues on Egypt, the mass exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, that mysterious food from heaven, and the establishment and set up of the Priesthood and the Tabernacle respectively.  They are also the generation that, surprisingly enough, was consistently disobedient to God.  Consequently, at the end of chapter 25, this entire generation dies and none of them (and we'll find out later, including Moses), is allowed to enter into the "Promised Land."

I don't know about you, but it seems to me that there could be an argument made here about tradition when it fails to remain faithful and relevant.  When tradition becomes so rigid in practice that it yields little to no ground for new, reinvigorating, rejuvenating energy, and ways of knowing and ways of being.  I mean for real, how much longer can we continue to go to church on those special "Holydays" and hear the same sermon that we've heard since we were children?  How much longer will we continue to sit, waiting for the moment when we can participate in the Black Church's tradition of "call and response," because we already know what the preacher is going to say?  Furthermore, the greatest reaction during the worship service is when the preacher manages to throw an unexpected twist into the story.  C'mon now... Where's the beef?!!

Like the first 25 chapters of Numbers, I am grateful for the experiences and sacrifices of those who have come before us.  I am grateful for the narratives that taught us "How [we] got over."  I am even grateful for the tradition that has brought us "thus far on the way."  But like the scripture informs us of Israel's lack of faith, that although they may have witnessed God's holiness and seen the signs of God's glory, "yet have tested [God] these ten times and have not obeyed [God's] voice" (Numbers 14: 1-24).  And again, like the writer's of the scriptures inform us, God is going to do a new thing.  S/HE, like the narrative of Numbers infers of Caleb, "because he has a different spirit and has followed me wholeheartedly," is calling forth a new socially, culturally, politically, religiously and spiritually conscious generation to take us into the next phase of our journey to the Promised Land (v.24). 

Are we there yet?  No.  Will we get there?  Yes, indeed we shall.  But we cannot and we will not get there, if we continue on the same course.  We must change our collective mind.  We need greater validation and prominence of women Pastors, more legitimacy of out lesbians and gays in the pulpits, theologians of every faith tradition, scholars and social critics, and spiritualist of every persuasion.  Then and only then will we be able to look back over the course of our life and testify in a new way of triumph over tragedy, liberation over persecution, of love over hate and sing a new song about, "How [we] got over!"

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST! 

"I Remember Mama"

You know I never realized how many "special days" there were between December and June.  Without a doubt they have played a major part in the postings of this blog.  Never fear, we will get back to our regularly scheduled blogs regarding the process of Reading the Bible Again for the First Time.  Especially since I have serendipitously learned that so-called bishops (little b), with little to no real theological education or training and who in times past, have showed no respect or regard for such, are now attempting to teach the same.  While I wrestled with continuing with the blog as it is, to God be the glory, for it is more important that the information and truth be revealed through as many avenues as possible to bring God's people to a place of mature and authentic faith and an understanding of that faith than my own human frailties.  So, for those of you following along with us in your reading, be informed that we are now squarely in the book of Numbers.  For now, however, I am compelled to do what many of us are doing or preparing to do, and that is to reflect upon, remember and honor our Mothers.

Since 2009, Mother's Day has been one of the most dreaded days of my life.  I was borne of a woman that was ill equipped and prepared to be a mother.  She was young, wild and loose.  Thankfully, she had a mother that would step in in a way unparalleled by most.  My maternal Grandmother (Mama), like many before her, took on the responsibility for my care, nourishment, protection and shelter.  She showed up in my life when my biological mother had chosen to leave and abandon me.  What's more, she took it a step further and legally adopted me - taking total and complete responsibility for my well-being, safety and security.  In an instant, I went from being an abandoned child to a wanted and cared for child.  She spent the rest of her life making sure that I knew and understood what love was and that I indeed, was loved.  Subsequently, I grew up to be a social, cultural, political, religious and spiritual activist that often times found myself in situations that threatened my life.  And as much as she prepared to care for me in life, in like manner, she equally prepared to care for me in death by keeping life insurance on me until the day she died in the event that she lost me to a just cause.  I, however, was never prepared to be in this world without her.  But, as God would have it, S/HE called Mama to return HOME - leaving me here still.

It took some time, but I'll never forget what it is to be lonely and alone.  I'll never forget being borne of a woman who didn't want me.  I'll never forget the sadness felt watching my birth mother walk out on me time and time again.  But thanks be to God, I'll remember, eternally being chosen by a mother to be her child.  I'll remember, eternally, being held and rocked in the bosom of a woman who represented in tangible ways, God with us.  I was her Ruth and she was my Naomi.  So in honor of my Mama, I confess the same vow, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you!  Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.  Where you die, I will die - there will I be buried.  May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you" (Ruth 1: 16,17)!  Rest easy Mama - I love you - eternally. 

"Now mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ
Somehow I know she's smiling, she's smiling on us right now
One day I'll see her again, how happy I will be
And I remember mama in a happy way."

                                             (Shirley Caesar)

© Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!

"Strange Fruit"

"Southern trees bear a strange fruit,

Blood on the leaves and blood at the root,

Black bodies swinging in the southern breeze,

Strange fruit hanging from the popular trees.

Pastoral scene of the gallant south,

The bulging eyes and the twisted mouth,

Scent of magnolias, sweet and fresh,

Then the sudden smell of burning flesh...

For those of you familiar with the song "Strange Fruit," originally written as a poem by Abel Meeropol under the pseudonym Lewis Allen, and sang by the incomparable Billie Holiday, no doubt you are wondering why I would highlight such a polarizing song that arguably has more to do with the social and political climate of the south in 1930 than it does with anything religious or spiritual.  Surely, you're probably thinking that I could have found something more suitable to write about on the most Holiest of Sundays for Christians than a song written about the 1930 lynching of two Black men (Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith in Marion, Indiana).  The truth of the matter is that I can't come up with anything more "Holy" to write about in remembrance of the reported crucifixion of a revolutionary Mediterranean Jewish Peasant  man than this. 

The title of the song bears witness to the regularity of lynchings of Black men across the south.  The act was often preceded by a public scourging with the intent to strike fear in the hearts and minds of any so-called "agitators," or individuals criminalized for the ordinary fact that they were Black, unprotected and/or that they had possibly broken some imaginary Jim Crow Law.  To ensure the message got out to any and all who might decide to challenge the social, cultural, and political power structure of the day, many, if not most of the lynchings took place in select places or on "popular trees" for farther reach and greater impact. The irony of the sweet smell of the magnolia trees, systematically robbed of their true purpose by the bile of hatred that lit the match that would help to create the stench of burning flesh suffocating its leaves and thus the atmosphere, is reminiscent of Mary using the sweet smelling nard to anoint Jesus feet before his impending death.

It is all the more reason that this is the perfect remembrance of  the reason for the season.  If one were to read articles written by theologians and physicians in medical journals exploring the reported events surrounding Jesus' ministry, public scourging and lynching/crucifixion, one would also find striking similarities between this revolutionary man's life and death and that of the lives and deaths for which the song sings about.  Often enslaved Africans were scourged with various instruments - quirt, "cat-o-nine tails," or a flagellum (a leather multi-thong, sometimes having pieces of wood, bone and steel balls attached) - for maximum punishment.  So too, were the reports surrounding the scourging of Jesus of Nazareth.  So too, were the reports for which he was accused - challenging the social, political, cultural, economic, religious and spiritual power structures of the day.  An "agitator," whose message and ministry was so threatening to the status quo, they had to kill him.

As we get all dressed up and gitty over this most "Holy" day, be reminded of the man, the message, the mission and his ministry.  Be reminded of his life and his death.  Do justice, shout aloud, challenge unjust laws.  Question the plethora of social, sexual and racial double standards.  Denounce excess, war, materialism, racism, sexism, homophobia, economic exploitation - and do this in remembrance of them all - Jesus, Martin Luther King, Jr. Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi,  Fannie Lou Hamer, Steven Biko and all the other freedom fighters known and unknown!  RIZE UP and BE FREE!

Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,

For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,

For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,

Here is a strange and bitter crop."

                                       (Abel Meeropol)

 © Dorinda G. Henry, 2011

THEOLOGIA HABITUS EST!