Numbers Don’t Lie. Liars Use Numbers.

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

3/19/20253 min read

Scripture: Psalm 105:12-15 (The VOICE)

When God’s people were only a few in number—indeed, very few—they were strangers in a foreign land. They roamed from place to place, from one kingdom to another. God didn’t allow anyone to tyrannize them; He rebuked kings in order to protect His people: “Do not lay a hand on My anointed people; do not do any harm to My prophets.”

POEM:

I am very reliable and trustworthy, honest

I like that I am confident about myself

I have a lot of talent, and I know whatever I set my mind on something,

I am going to accomplish it

I show people that I care by giving what I have to people who actually need it

I also show I care by showing respect to all adults

And ones my age and younger

I know I care.

What I want most in life is to fulfill my goal to be an attorney

And also to graduate from high school with an almost perfect GPA to go to college

The most important thing to me is that my family is always protected by a shield

So they won’t be harmed by dangerous, ruthless, uncaring people

-- “Latasha’s Shield” by Latasha Lavon Harlins (written in February 1991; recited in A Love Song for Latasha, a 2020 Academy Award-nominated short documentary film)

A mural of Latasha Harlins at the Algin Sutton Recreation Center in Los Angleles.Unveiled January 1, 2021. Mural created by visual artist Victoria Cassinova.

Meditation:

Do Black lives matter to God? The writer of this psalm seems to think so, but I stay looking for the pudding and the proof.

Latasha Harlins should be a grown-ass Black woman in the prime of her life - young enough to be able to twerk, yet old enough to be in bed by 11pm. Instead, she is frozen in time as a 10th grader who tried to buy a $1.79 bottle of orange juice and ended up paying her whole life 31 years ago today. As I write, the global ground trembles (again) from war, and even though Russia’s goals have nothing to do with us, white supremacy has (again) reminded us that all territory is enemy territory for Black folk.

And what about the personal dying and private desperation that persists too? What becomes of our brokenheartedness? Why hasn’t Black doubt been rebuked?

God, where you at? Ain’t we Your anointed people?

This Lent, cry your tears. Lament your lamentable circumstances. Ask God, WTF? Then gather yourself with tender care. You are Black, and Blackness is, as Ossie Davis knew, “a thing of beauty: a joy; a strength; a secret cup of gladness.” Though we are fewer in number, bouncing between exile and home, leaning against the ropes in a fight against the whole damn world, God has already overcome the world. And because we are God’s prophets, so have we.

Reflection Questions & Call to Action:

Watch this musical sermon, “Revival Song,” by Gregory Porter. As you listen, read the lyrics below and reflect on these questions and call to action:

In the video, “revival” is both sonic and embodied. How does this song land on your ears? Where does it land in your body?
Who or what revives you when you feel overcome by the tyranny of anti-Blackness?
Create a Lenten practice of singing revival. Build a playlist of revival songs. Write your own revival tune. Remember, the world didn’t give and can’t take away your song.

I try to run

I grow weary

I try to walk

And I grow faint

Oh, I long to soar

On the wings like an eagle

But I look down

I'm afraid

But you lift me higher

Out of the fire

Out of the flames

I lost the feeling

But you give me meaning again

I'm singing revival (Revival)

Revival song (Revival)

I'm singing revival (Revival)

Revival song (Revival)

I try to find you

Lost my way

Walk in the darkness

In search of day

I followed your footsteps

To the gates of the city

I saw your face

I'm not afraid

You lift me higher

Out of the fire

Out of the flames

I lost a feeling

But you give me meaning again

You lift me higher

Out of the fire

Out of the flame

I lost a feeling

But you give me meaning again

Singing revival

Revival song

I'm singing revival

Revival song

Songwriters: Troy James Miller / Gregory F Porter / Oliver Joel Rockberger

About the Author:

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart (she/her), a Black-queer church girl, preacher, professor, and activist, develops spaces of theological candor, disruption, reflection, transformation, and public action as Curator of Salt | Yeast | Light.

Stay connected to Naomi:

IG and Twitter: @oholyshift

FB: Naomi Washington-Leapheart

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