For those of you who are asking why I am here, please know I understand it comes from a good place. But it is not productive. I feel extreme shame and guilt at the thought of leaving here when people I love can't. Please stop asking me to leave. I won't! I know the risks.
In American culture, we don't have language that explains bonds that are not blood, but are stronger than friendships. That is what I have in Ukraine. To say I simply have friends here doesn't describe the depth of my relationships here. I'm not abandoning that.
So, I am gonna share with you the main reason I do what I do in Ukraine. I am a believer in Jesus Christ and my first experience in this part of the world came via church-funded trip to Russia in 2001. No religious activity. Just funded by the UMC.
I attended an HBCU that was founded by a UMC minister. My 2001 trip to Russia was funded by a major UMC org. I am a Baptist now and attend @ConcordBrooklyn, where we practice Black Liberation theology. I never proselytize, but my faith keeps me in Ukraine.
Those of you who pay attention to my TL or know me, know I am a person of considerable faith. In Black theology liberates non white folks from oppressive systems. For me, I have seen many parallels between Black oppression and that of Ukrainians.
As a Black Liberation Christian, I feel it is my duty to help other oppressed people to seek liberation. Black Liberation believes in all liberation. That, not politics, is what drives my love for Ukraine. I am *faith bound* to be here.
A person of faith cannot be faithful and fearful at once. You have to pick. I choose the side of my God, not that of the Devil's henchmen.
My godmother tells me this, which is why she never asks me to leave. She knows I walk in faith. She prays for my safety. That's all I need.
My godmother tells me this, which is why she never asks me to leave. She knows I walk in faith. She prays for my safety. That's all I need.
If you aren't a believer, you won't understand this thread. And that's OK. My resolve to be in Ukraine is faith based. Not logic based.
I will be here and leave when I am good and ready.
God sets my timeline, not the Devil.
I will be here and leave when I am good and ready.
God sets my timeline, not the Devil.
If you are a believer of anything (or not), instead of asking me to leave, please pray for me or do whatever you can to spiritually provide support. I need that more than anything.
Thank you.
Thank you.
If you have any readings from the Bible, Torah, Koran or anything book of faith to send my way about being faithful to your believes, please send my way.
If you aren't a believer at all, your good will is enough.
If you aren't a believer at all, your good will is enough.
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