Faith is a huge part of Black culture. On the last Sunday of Black History Month, I took the liberty of visiting Toronto’s first Black church and establishment—First Baptist Church. It was a true jubilee. Rev. Dr. Wendell Gibbs's message was powerful and deeply moving. He reminded us of our identity in Christ, declaring, “Black history didn’t begin with slavery or emancipation but in the Genesis beginning.” He also spoke of “The anguish of our ancestors… those who died [so we could have] peace… May humanity never again perpetrate such injustice against humanity. [And] we… vow[ed] to uphold this.” The service reached a pivotal moment when the congregation joined the choir in singing: I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God. Founded in 1826 by formerly enslaved people who sought refuge in Canada, First Baptist Church has long stood as a pillar of the Black community. While the original congregation laid its foundation nearly two centuries ago, the current building, complet...
A New Year's Eve Devotion - The Hands of God My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens. ~Isaiah 48:13 NIV What I woke up to this morning. I quickly sprang from my bed, okay, sofa where I have been sleeping for a while now, and grabbed my phone quickly to capture the vision in front of me. Half hour later, I am still snapping pix and vids. If only my camera could see what I could see. One of the best things about living in this space is the marvellous sunrise and moons I get to experience. REFLECT & PRAY The vision inspired me write a poem reflecting what the image of God's hand was saying to me: THE HANDS OF GOD: Crimson Curtain, Sunrise Framed Through crimson curtains God kissed my eyes, A glowing dawn begins to spread. The city rests still and serene, While crimson skies ignite the scene. A balcony, aged but full of grace, Embraces the glow in its weathered space. Below, a waking town appears, Its shops and streets, calm pion...