We. Were. Built. For. This.

“You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.” Psalms 139:39 NLT 

We were knitted together in our mothers’ wombs with the wisdom and strength of our ancestors whuch currently reside in each atom in our bodies. We were also designed in the image of Yaweh (Exodus 3:13-15), Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14), Jehovah Rapha (Exodus 15:26), Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15), Jehovah Raah (Psalms 23:1), Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 23:6), Jehovah Shammah (Ezekiel 48:35), and Jehovah Shalom (Judges 6:24). 

We have the knowledge of how to plant, water and grow seeds that produce joy in the midst of pain, safety in the midst of danger, resilience in the midst of challenges, community in the midst of rugged individualism, and peace in the midst of chaos living in our DNA. All precious gifts from the ancestors. 

And from the Lord, we have the ability to provide for one another, heal one another, cover one another, guide and care for one another, stand on the side of righteousness with one another, be in community with one another, and most of all create peace with one another. 

My Beloved, do not fret or be dismayed. Instead, let us sit with our emotions for a moment in love and healing. Then let us get on with the liberation work started by our ancestors centuries ago. 

To get us all started, please allow me to pour over you the words of our beloved elder Assata Shakur like balm to our souls. 

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” 

Indeed, we were built for this. àṣẹ and Amen. 

With Love and Lament,

Rev. Avalon Betts-Gaston CRS Board Member and Chairperson Project Manager, Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice