From a Black Female Congregant

My friend, Trillia Newbell, wrote a piece for her online magazine that was picked up by The Gospel Coalition blog. I'm glad to see "Dear Pastor: From a Black Female Congregant" get some traction. Here are two excerpts to introduce the topic:

The topic of race and church life has been billowing about in the blogosphere. Maybe there is a renewed interest because of the release of John Piper’s book Bloodlines and the subsequent features on Desiring God. Whatever it is, I’m thankful. I’m thankful that there seems to be an open dialogue about race particularly as it relates to black and whites worshiping together. With that said, I do believe after reading books, articles, and blog posts I find one element of the black experience missing-that is the black female experience.

I grew up being told that I have to work triple as hard because I am black and then triple that because I am female. So, that’s what I did. I grew wanting to be Oprah but “better”. Because of the socio-economic position of many blacks this need to be driven is ingrained in us. And if we have opportunities like I did, we best take advantage of them. Many of the black females I ran with in college went on to be doctors, lawyers, etc. I was looked down upon by a research professor when I expressed my desire to stop grad school and do the internship with my church college ministry Volunteers For Christ. See, I was forfeiting all that the civil rights leaders had worked so hard for me to be able to do- I had gotten into law school and wasn’t going to go.

I highly recommend that you read all of "Dear Pastor" on Trillia's webzine, especially her gracious conclusion.

Comments

[debt]

Thanks, Carolyn, for bringing this to our attention! Much needed discussion.

[Aurana Books]

I should say that I’m really impressed by your way of thinking and the ideas you’re sharing with each of your readers.Really original way of thinking! Go on the same, way!