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Reflections

A sketched image of the exterior of a Brooklyn brownstone

Learning to Follow

I’ve had some form of this dream for over 10 years and it has morphed in so many ways since then.  Being an introvert and Enneagram 5, I am driven most by my need to feel competent, which means I lean on my own understanding and ability.  And so when God showed me this dream, I naturally leaned into trying to take the matter into my own hands, solving the problem… Read More »Learning to Follow

train rail between green trees

A Freight Train Fueled by Uncertainty

At the beginning of 2023, I finally decided to do what others had been encouraging me to do for years: Start my own thing. I registered a web domain, applied for an L3C with the Illinois Secretary of State, and began telling family and friends about my plans to start a mediation and restorative justice practice to address sexual harm. And, suddenly, after five years of thinking, planning, learning, and–to… Read More »A Freight Train Fueled by Uncertainty

Diverse women conversing and supporting each other

An Invitation Into Adventure

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Women experience collective trauma when they live and operate in systems–parenting, corporate, legal–that were not built by them. There is a journey each woman must take through frustration and pain to forgiveness, healing, agency and re-capturing creativity. Much of the latter part of the journey takes place in a community of witness and recognition, and there is usually no better person to walk them through this journey than someone who… Read More »An Invitation Into Adventure

Woman sitting on the edge of a body of water at sunset, featuring bold jewelry she is wearing

Freed, Surprised, Empowered

Dream Forum! What a gift it was for me! God in His sovereignty brought it into my life when I needed it most, when I was looking for ways to be true to my gifts and abilities that He gave me, when I needed a creative outlet to go through a very difficult time in my life. God showed up in a quiet way and told me, “I got you!”… Read More »Freed, Surprised, Empowered

hands in the center holding a pile of dirt from which a single green plant sprouts

Leaning Into God

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My co-founder and I met by God’s divine providence less than a year ago. Since our meeting, it has been a continuous journey requiring us to lean on Him. Since joining Goldenwood’s Dream Forum, the last five months have been a pivotal time of our journey with God and with this dream. We were so grateful to be selected to participate in the Dream Forum right when we were starting… Read More »Leaning Into God

Land riddled with war damage

Afraid to Dream

The Dream Forum found me at a place when I was afraid to dream. Afraid to dream about something small and would not dare to dream about a big and brave thing. Dreams were substances from another world, another life. In my house they lay in the closet waiting for better times, for a world where dreams have a place to bloom. As the war broke out, my dreams were… Read More »Afraid to Dream

Two Joyful Black Women at Work

The Paradox of Leadership

I set out to start a leadership community after my experience leading through a difficult season. During that time I longed for a safe-space that could, in the words of author Kobe Campell “offer the tenderness the world and even those in our community refuse to give.” I knew that a community for black women would be received with mixed reviews. However, the support system I developed as a leader… Read More »The Paradox of Leadership

The Practice of Dreams

As I reflect on this season of exploring my dream through Goldenwood’s Dream Pod cohort I am most grateful for the introduction of new rhythms that are now becoming part of my practice. David Kim’s teaching, some of which has included combining sacred teachings from both Jesus and Rick Rubin (!), have been illuminating considering the creative work I’m pursuing trying to grow the Justice Film Festival. I am learning… Read More »The Practice of Dreams

Robot shaking hands with human

The Parallel between AI & Creation

As a pastor, theologian, and co-founder of a non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate a new vision of work, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) raises a growing number of existential questions. From actors to lawyers, an increasing number of professionals feel threatened by the growing applications of AI. How can the ancient text of the Bible provide any insight to guide us in responding to this quickly… Read More »The Parallel between AI & Creation

Lush spring garden scene

Bioimimicry and Being Easter People

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”  Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” John 20:15 (NIV) It was always curious to me that in Jesus’ first resurrection appearance, he was mistaken as the caretaker of the garden.  Yet, the more I consider… Read More »Bioimimicry and Being Easter People