Church, Shame, Fear and Black people Part 1

Are we performing our worthiness? " I recognize the shame and judgements."

This is a raw and open conversation between 5 black women. They have journeyed together for over 25 years in learning, parenting, self-discovery and development. 

After listening to a chapter by Tracey Michael Lewis -Giggetts: from the book 'You Are the Best Thing by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.' 

This is one heated discussion with so many different perspectives based on our life experiences and growing up with religion being the backbone of our community.

We discuss some challenging subjects, and we talk about shaming, judgement, controlling, and we remember some of the elders of teh church. No short skirts, no makeup, and often you would hear teh elders of teh church say look how much neck or arms some sister was showing; we experience it directly and or observed. Also, we discuss how sex and sexuality are introduced to us through the church before we are mature to understand the impact on our ability to experience intimacy. 

Why? Maybe because the black community tends to distance themselves from talking about something they don't quite have control of, or they feel powerless to change that narrative!

Maybe because the church has been a place for community, connection, support and hopes, we are worried we do not want to erode that notion that the church is our haven and a safe place?

I asked each of teh women if they had a billboard, and every black girl would see it! What would it say?

 

They shared: 

"Feel the fear and do it anyway."

"Speak up"

"Take up as much space as you want."

"Don't edit yourself."

"Courage to be who you are"

To know more, check out our  website;

https://www.podpage.com/speaking-the-unspoken-1/s1e4