Lately, I’ve been reflecting on Hannah, the main character of Deep River Crossings. She made me recall the generations of Black women who have labored diligently, often in silence, their worth overlooked. In them, I see a beautiful tapestry woven from struggle and resilience. When they felt lost and burdened by the weight of this world, I wonder if they embraced the wisdom found in Luke 6:20-22 (NKJV):
“Then [Jesus] lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil….'”
This scripture is a source of comfort. In this passage, Jesus speaks directly to those who find themselves in the margins—those who are poor, hungry, grieving, and scorned. Their experience has value, for Jesus refers to them as blessed. He affirms that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are often dismissed. Their struggles are seen and cherished by the Divine.
Hannah’s experience mirrors this teaching. She carries the legacy of women who labored tirelessly, their dreams often sacrificed at the altar of survival. Yet, their resilience laid the foundations for future generations—like a tree whose roots grow deep, providing shade and shelter for those who come after. Each act of service and each moment of endurance contributed to a narrative of hope that we, too, are a part of.
Even today, these words are a promise and a balm for the weary soul. They remind us that even in our pain, there is a divine assurance of hope. Like the river murmurs in the twilight, their stories flow through time, reminding us that we are never alone.
So, let us take heart. Let us hold onto the truth that we are blessed, even in our trials. Hope is not a distant whisper; it is the powerful current that runs through our veins, a reminder that our stories matter, that we are part of a grand narrative woven by the hands of a loving Creator.
Inspiration: Deep River Crossings, Chapter 1, p. 12
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