How We Learn To Be Brave: Standing in Our Power

In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending. 

I’m loving this series! The past two Sundays we’ve heard from two strong women public defenders about what it means to be brave in their work and what in their personal lives made them brave. And it’s been powerful! This Sunday we hear from another lawyer about a more personal story — what it has meant for her to be brave, first as a college student and then as a mom.

We like to think that Brookline is this liberal, our-kind-of-Progressive-Christian values, sort of place. But talk with any parent of a student of color and you’ll hear a different story. Particularly in our public schools. On Sunday, we’ll hear from Koinonia about what it’s meant to raise three African-American boys in our school system. We’ll also hear about how she pulled upon her experience as a pre-frosh Southern Black woman confronting power in the Ivy League years earlier. It’s powerful, inspiring stuff.

Koinonia grew up scripture-steeped in the South (to which I say, amen!) and for this Sunday, the Lord has placed on her heart the classic story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and their courage in the face of the crazy, narcissistic, authoritarian Babylonian tyrant King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:8-30). Sound familiar? If you’re reading the news today, you’re reading the same story.

Folks, it’s gonna be good, really good. If you’re in town, you don’t want to miss it.

In faith,
Kent

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