
July 2021
Recognizing personal agency is a valuable life skill. The theme has been raised through client work, professional networking, church community, and theological readings. Agency is one of those words that gets passed around and can fall into self-help jargon if not considered with honesty.
So here’s my takeaway:
Agency means a deeply held belief in who God created you to be – with “clarity, conviction, and direction.” A sense of agency refers to ownership of one’s response to the conditions of their environment. A mental, physical, and soulful choice is made on how to act and the consequences of such action. Confidence originating from self-love is the foundation. Howard Thurman, the revered mystic and religious scholar, explains it as turning to oneself as protector when situations undercut basic dignity. It is to never relinquish a powerful knowing the kingdom of God is within you. Some are graced with agency from the start while others have no choice but to reckon with it for daily survival.
I can stumble when calling on my own sense of agency. Sometimes it is a habit of over-politeness or a social privilege reflex. Either way, I am working on a more resilient confidence to face what is instead of what should be. This is not to say I no longer dream. In fact, I am more open and faithfully optimistic than at any other point. I am interested in serving the under-resourced in ways that support avenues to higher education. This includes advocating for equity, belonging, and culturally responsive teaching. There is a distinct role here for spiritual mentorship and faith-based engagement.
This month’s image shares the work of Yubi Kirindongo, a visionary artist from the island of Curaçao. The powerful raised fist with a broken shackle is part of his 2009 series honoring the Caribbean island’s slave resistance in 1795 against Dutch colonialist rule. Historical records say the revolt was led by Tula. His personal life is largely unknown but there is agreement he was inspired by the liberty-seeking ideals of the French Revolution and the successful but short-lived emancipation of slaves led by Toussaint L’Ouverture in what is now the country of Haiti. Tula is a national hero of Curaçao – and a person with agency!
For the Kingdom,
Christopher
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