By Jyarland Daniels, executive director of Harriet SpeaksMy inbox usually contains questions from friends (and strangers) about things related to race. Today was no exception. This question, from a friend (a white woman) who I have known since childhood, reminded me why the Universe has called me to teach to the best of my ability. Here is the inbox message (shared with permission):
I’m asking this question because you are one of the most well read people I know – especially of your own culture. I’d like to spend this month getting to know the story of at least one Black person that has contributed to the goal of change. Now, I’d prefer it not be the mainstream celebrated figures. That’s too easy. And I don’t need a book reference unless you just happen to know one you WANT me to get into. I have no problem doing research and following that path. It’s part of why I enjoy historical fiction. It inspires me to get into the ditches and find my own truth. I could go online and easily find a random book. But I wanted to get to know someone who inspires you and get a new insight or deeper appreciation of one of the strongest, most driven women I know and who keeps my compass going forward. That would be you my friend — in case you were looking around trying to figure out who I was talking about.
I could barely contain my excitement and eagerness to respond. I quickly made two recommendations to my friend, and I might make the same recommendations for those who enjoy historical fiction and are making a sincere effort to learn about Black history. I recommended, The Warmth of Other Suns and The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. The reasons I recommended them might be of interest to others.
Today we honor the Lorde with “A Litany for Survival.”
As the issue of water accessibility and affordability intensifies more and more every waking hour, let’s tap into the facts in the ground regarding actual consumption (from a Wall Street Journal article from a few years back).
By Laurel Dykstra
Lent 1B
If you are in the Philly area this weekend, check out this adventure in radical discipleship:
A litany of repentance from the 
