God Will Give You a Way Out

Meditation:

let love be

at the end ⁠

—Lucille Clifton

At the end, may there be love.

In the deepest of heartache, in the greatest joy, “let love be at the end.”

Today marks a new beginning in the cosmos. If nothing is constant but change, the transition from what was into what is ought to be noted, and I believe, celebrated.

The same poet who asked “won’t you celebrate with me” utters an invocation of “let there be new flowering.”

We have been waiting for springtime to arrive. After a long winter that resembled the shadows of death, we are now officially entering a new season.

God is faithful. God will not let you be tempted any more than you can take. But when you are tempted, God will give you a way out. Then you will be able to deal with it.

—1 Corinthians 10:13

Many of our faith spaces have taught us that God is manipulative, cruel, constantly testing, trying, and tempting us to prove just how faithful we are. That is not my God.

My God has proven time and time again that God can be trusted.

I have seen God in my grandmother. A woman who is known for being steady and sure. A woman who takes no disrespect, but absolutely gives the best hugs this side of glory. This woman is a fountain of wisdom, a guide and a cautionary tale, giving a glimpse into what could be if her words are heeded. This woman has been faithful. Somehow makes a way out of no way. Is able to help me deal with all life throws my way.

Do you have such a gift of a person? Are you this person to any of your loves?

This Lenten season, full of the necessary showers to produce and nourish the Spring flowers, I invite you to keep going. The things that have attempted to take us out have not won. God has and will continue to make a way out. We must attune our hearts and spirits to receive the gift being offered to us.

It is us.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for and we are the ones who will scheme and dream up new realities. Let there be new flowerings as we rest in the arms of a trustworthy God and rely more on our loves.

let love be

at the end ⁠

Song: Trust Me by Richard Smallwood & Vision

Reflection Questions:

• What are you trusting God for in this new season?

• How are you reflecting the lovingkindness of God in your circles of connection and influence?
  

Call to Action: Donate to the Black GSO Lent Movement, a new offering in our community to support people of faith living their faith out loud.

About the Author

Venneikia Williams (she/her) is a person whose pursuit of justice is informed by the radical Black tradition. From designing curriculum, graphics, and events to facilitating in-person and virtual trainings on racial, political, and spiritual matters, Venneikia is a lifelong learner and instructor.

Stay connected to Venneikia:

IG: @vsw_

FB: Venneikia Samantha Williams

Website: www.venneikiawilliams.com.

These Black Lent devotionals were originally curated by IG: goodneighbormovement.

Image: The Light Worker by Kendario La’Pierre

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (NIV)

Poem: “let there be new flowering” by Lucille Clifton