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  • Essay / Pastoral Reflection - 1102

    EB Dubois says black people in America struggle with double consciousness. He defines double consciousness as the feeling of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul against a world that looks at one with amused contempt and pity. This is one of the reasons why black people need to renew their minds with the word of God. The Bible tells us that we are created in wonderful and fearful ways (Psalm 139:14). So, we should think of ourselves based on what God says about us in his word. Although man can kill the body, he cannot kill the soul (Matt. 10:28). By preaching God's word to black people, I can remind them of who they are in Christ. When we know who they are in Christ, it gives them power in the face of racism. The Bible is full of liberating texts for Black people, so I must intentionally select them and apply them appropriately to current situations. I need to stay current on social issues that affect black people. An effective minister should have a Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other. How can I empower black lives if I ignore what is happening in their lives? Another way I empower Black people in my congregation is to educate them about finances, homeownership, self-esteem, and sexual health, to name a few. I realize that the Church cannot meet all the needs of Black people, but if the Church focuses on one of these areas, it will empower them in that area. My practice