Now Don’t Forget What I Told Ya

Scripture: Philippians 2:25-3:1

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

“I have always thought that what is needed is the development of people who are interested not in being leaders as much as in developing leadership in others.” - Ella Baker

“​​We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” - Dr. Martin Luther King, Letter from a Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

Meditation:

Growing up my parents would regularly send my sister and me to my grandmother’s house in eastern North Carolina for summer visits. There were always long goodbyes, tears, prayers for safety when traveling, and reminders to be on our best behavior and a loving yet firm “don’t forget what I told ya.” Although I knew I would see my parents again and that I would still be with my family, the uncertainty and possibility of what could happen while I was away from my parents made me anxious and miss my parents even more.

Fast forward to the present. My mother still prays for me before I travel somewhere, encourages me to remember all I’ve been taught, and that no matter where I go I’m never alone. I know her words and prayers took on new shape when I became involved in organizing efforts and movements that followed in the footsteps of the Black figures I was encouraged to elevate and emulate as a child. The uncertainty and possibility of what could happen while away does not overwhelm me like it did when I was younger. At this point I’ve been on multiple trips where unexpected things have happened and I have needed to adapt, use discernment, be aided by and aid others. Girded by the wisdom of my tribe, my connection to spirit, and life’s lessons, I’ve been able to embrace not having all the answers.

In the book of Philippians Paul writes a letter to the church of Philippi. He was traveling all across the Roman world establishing churches and spent some time supporting Philippi. While writing his letter to the young church he is being detained in a secure home by the Roman authorities. In his letter he encourages the community to be humble, move in unity, and to not forget the message of Christ and what Paul taught them while he was there. He also tells them he’s sending back two comrades who will continue to aid the church with the same commitment they have shown to him. Much like Ella Baker, Paul knew that the work of leadership and organizational development didn’t end once you left, but that it’s essential to reiterate the teachings and even send yourself or others back to support folks in being grounded in the values and practices that will ensure long term sustainability.

I am grateful for the many teachings that guide me down the most beneficial and sustainable path. In uncertain times when loved ones and mentors feel distant, I know that in one form or another they will return to me. In the tenderness of reconnection I am able to celebrate and honor how their lives have made mine more possible, and in their absence I pass along their letters of love and encouragement to those I am building beloved community with.

Song: “Where You Go I will Go” by Shoshana Jedwab arrangement by Glen Thomas Rideout

Reflection Questions:

1. What are some important teachings that have shaped how you show up in your community?

2. How are you sharing those learnings with others in a way that supports their growth and yours?

3. How are you actualizing these learnings in the world?

Call to Practice:

Create a list of people living, those who have transitioned on, and institutions (organizations, churches, etc.) that have informed who you are, your commitments, and how you practice being in community.

Light a white candle and place a glass of water next to it. Meditate on this list and extend gratitude for what you have learned from them. If you feel called, find ways to express gratitude beyond meditation.

About the Author

Holden Cession (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist, activist, and change agent. They serve as Local Power Coordinator at North Carolina Black Leadership and Organizing Collective (NC BLOC) where they support grassroots groups in getting resources and building relationships. When they're not working they are making art and music.

Stay connected to Holden:

IG: @holdenxcess.art

FB: Holden Cession

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

Image: Ella Baker and others at a Highlander Folk School workshop in 1960. Four months later, with the guidance and support of Ella Baker, students of the sit-in movement formed the structure of SNCC in October of 1960.