Introspective Sheppardese

I want to share three different stories from three women I had the opportunity to know closely. These three women have two things in common: they are immigrants from Central America and South America respectively, and they are active members in their local churches. The struggle of these women has been an example for me within my own struggle: as an immigrant, as a lay professional, and as a young adult. In this article I cannot discuss why I need to keep their names anonymous. I have chosen three biblical women that have played an important role in theological reflections and bible studies I have been involved with. My intention as you read this article, is to give you a story behind the face you have met in your churches. These Latinas have expressed they have recovered their social status while becoming part of a spiritual community of support in our local churches. I want to take this opportunity to honor their experiences of survival and their spiritual journey. “Naomi” is in her...

Who has created this idea of what it is meant to be ...it's meant to be? I participated in Lindsay’s and Omar’s ceremony of renewal of vows. This particular couple has a particular way to express and live their love. I have learned a lot from them. How corporate love could be consider a model to see the "G-D's Kin-Dom."? It was a ceremony enriched by many expressions of love. The appearance of unexpected movements called improvisations, the leaders of the service met one hour before, the rehearsal was missed by a group of six, and the bulletin was created hours before the event. In all fairness, isn’t love full of improvisations? The unexpected ways that love uses to appear in our lives. Love moves not only mountains but also creates room where differences become like “the spices” of life. Sometimes spices are not what people expect to make a meal full of flavor but the more you taste it the more you yearn for that special flavor. Love through the experience of love I...

This service was celebrated on Good Friday at Trinity AME Church in Smithtown, Long Island, New York. My friend and colleague theologian Rev. Brenda Ford is the Pastor at this church. I never had the opportunity to experience this service from the perspective of women. Seven as they said is “one of the perfect numbers chosen by God.” This number was perfect, indeed. The seven women Brenda chose to preach and meditate on the last words of Jesus were connected. We did not have a previous rehearsal or exchange ideas before the service. Some of us just met at the church during the Good Friday celebration. Few of us knew Brenda from Union Theological Seminary. Brenda and I graduated the same year. It was an ecumenical service where we honored “ oikoumene ” the essence of the word. Oh Brenda! Oh Sister! I thank you for your wisdom. You gathered the perfect group of women. This group was supported by different traditions, one Episcopalian, two Baptists, and four AME. Later, during the fellows...