A Minister Making Sense of Her Modeling Career

The other week I had an audition at Universal Studios. I was the mother of a beautiful little girl.  They asked us to act as if we were in the theme park very excited about the fireworks, roller coasters, etc.  We spoke about the rollers coasters with excitement, actually jumped up and down, and pointed towards the imaginary theme park.  It was fun! 

After the audition I looked at the little girl and smiled.  “You did a great job! Hi five!”  She smiled at me.  After that I started to process the audition. “I didn’t know the name of any of the roller coasters! But, we did our best and we did well.”  The beautiful little girl looked at me with anxious eyes. As we walked alongside her biological mother the baby girl looked at her and asked, “Mama, will we not get the part since we didn’t know the name of the roller coasters?”  I could tell her heart had speed up. Her mother looked at her and said, “Sweetheart, we do this for fun. Just have fun! This is all for fun!”  The beautiful girl looked at her mother with an anxious smile. My heart tensed up as I looked at the baby girl with concern.  I could totally relate.

In order to survive in the entertainment industry, regardless of how old a person is, you have to have some thick skin.  I entered this business and submitted my pictures to agencies because I wanted to try it out.  I wanted to have fun taking pictures and share with others through smiling!  But, I quickly realized that modeling, commercial acting, film acting, commercial print modeling and working with agencies and client’s is a business. Either they like you or they don’t.  Either they like your look or they don’t.  Either your pictures are good enough or they are not.  In order to take this business seriously you have to get training, superb photos, and find your market. Out of the 6 agencies I have signed with, once I submitted my pictures to them they called or emailed me back within 30 minutes of my submission. The other’s never responded.  This is a yes or no business. 

When working with agencies if you are valuable to them, they invest in you. If you are not, your call will not be answered and your email will not be responded to.  Intense hugh?  I guess as I write this, I am working to make sense of it myself.  Working as a model gives me the flexibility to be able to help fund ministry initiatives, such as Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website at testimoniesofhope.org.  I am grateful for the opportunity to move forward in the entertainment business, however, I have to get thicker skin!

I continuosly have to remind myself that God thinks we are so special he knows every hair on our heads. "But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows (Luke 12: 7)." We are fearfully and wonderfully made. "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14)." We are valuable, loved, gifted, rare jewels.

Regardless of the career we are in we often have to prove ourselves, to show our worth to a client/employer who then confirms and affirms our value.  This is the reality of the world.  However, as children of God we must remember that ultimately our value comes from God who loves us unconditionally. This agape love gives us value regardless of if someone says yes or no to us.  Regardless of if someone says we are pretty or not.  Regardless of if someone says we are smart enough or not.  Because of God’s unconditional love towards us we can stand and be confident in our God given gifts and talents. We can let our light shine. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5: 16)." That is what life is ultimately about.

So when I go for my next audition. Or get my next “first” in commercial print modeling and commercial acting I will walk in without anxiety, but the confidence that comes from knowing that our Heavenly Father has our back and that he will always see us as rubies, gems who he loves and values unconditionally. 

If I ever see the beautiful baby girl auditioning again I will tell her that regardless of what the world says, “You are God’s ruby, you are priceless, gifted, talented, smart, and loved.” 

Peace Ya'll,

Argrow "Kit" Evans

Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website Launch at testimoniesofhope.org

Spreading Hope and Love this Valentine's Day with the launch of Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website (Wooo hooo! Thank you God!)

Join our community at: testimoniesofhope.org

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We pray that you are blessed by our Hope Artist Reflection's and Hope Writer Devotional's! Head on over to testimoniesofhope.org Welcome to the Testimonies of Hope family!

In Hope,

Kit Evans
Founder, Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website
testimoniesofhope.org
info@testimoniesofhope.org

Reflections: First National Commercial Call Back and Making Sense of Life... "Relax, I Got This!" - Jesus

"Relax, I Got This" -  Jesus

Last week I had my first call back for a national commercial.  There were about 6 other women who had call backs, 6 men, and 6 cutie pututie boys. I knew my lines, my on camera husband was Omarr Dixon (http://www.omarrdixon.com/) and my son was so sharp with the casting director's recommendations.  We had fun! It felt good. However, I did not receive a call back for the job. I'm learning that in this business it's not necessarily about how well you  perform, but it's also about what the casting director is looking for. For whatever reason I did not get this particular job, but this just means that there will be another opportunity for me. 

Over the last 8 months I have been working to figure out next steps post graduation.  I graduated from seminary in May 2012.  When I first graduated I asked myself:  What in the world am I supposed to be doing?  I applied for non-profit and faith based jobs.  Networked my butt off!  Started dream chasing in the area of modeling! Started a speaker's academy program to move forward with my speaking business.  I moved across the country to be closer to my family.  Worked to foster new and healthy long term relationships.  Over the months I have worked to listen to my heart and to also see what actually is sticking.  I figured if I put the time into something that I enjoy and it actually sticks or something good comes out of it...keep walking through the door.  

When I first started with the modeling agency I thought that this was a great opportunity to try this with an agency at least once.  I told myself "at least I can say I tried."  I did my first modeling gig with Disney and it was a lot of fun. I didn't think I would get other calls. As opportunities present themselves I am realizing that modeling, acting, hosting is a business.  It is a lot of fun, but there can also be a lot of pressure to get the job, get the call back, and make the money. I actually got upset when I saw how much money someone makes for doing a national commercial.  As a former public school teacher I was actually offended because there was absolutely no comparison.  

As I move forward I am realizing that God has a plan for everything and everyone. I am seminary trained, called to ministry, and God has me in this field doing this type of work.  Really? Romans 8: 28 notes, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose."    Romans 12: 6 reads:  "Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly."  The text goes on to speak about different spiritual gifts. 

All things work together for good and we all have some type of gift that God has blessed us with.  Even if it seems random it is still a gift and can be used to build the kin-dom of God.  I have a t-shirt that says "Relax, I Got This" -Jesus.  We have to put in the hard work here on earth because "faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead." (James 2: 17) I also truly believe that God is often behind the scenes making things happen; sometimes when we least expect it.  God has our back!

On February 14, my friend Jacalyn Barnes and I am starting Testimonies of Hope: The Intercultural Christian Devotional Website at testimoniesofhope.org  Check it out!  If God gives you a voice and a gift, use it to build up the kin-dom!  I encourage you to move forward in those gifts while also letting folk know where your gifts come from, God.   

"Relax, I Got This" - Jesus. 

Blessings Ya'll,


Kit 

Alaska: Polar Bears, Global Warming, and Preserving God’s Creation

When I got off the plane in Alaska I was excited to step into the cold walkway from the plane leading to the physical airport.  I took a deep breath looking like a child visiting a candy store for the first time. I had never been to Alaska:  I love experiencing new things and new places so I was intrigued, excited!  One of the first things I saw in the airport was a huge model of a white polar bear.  As I looked in the glass case the bear towered over me and though it was not alive, my heart skipped a beat.  As I continued to look closely at the bear, it’s white fur, tall and strong stature I started to see that this huge creature in essence embraced it’s own beauty.  As I walked away I kept these thoughts in mind.

I went to Alaska for a community organizing and advocacy gathering with the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church.  I am grateful.  The topic: Climate & Environmental Justice, Sustainable Development & Ministry With The Poor. There was so much wisdom and knowledge in the room of scholars, activists, ministers, educators, but I remembered one simple quote:  “If you want to know about the polar bears, ask the bears.”  This is what Rev. Ray, a clergyman, and native Alaskan said regarding polar bears and global warming in Alaska.

Before coming to this meeting I had never thought about how polar bears are affected by climate change.  I knew things about climate change:  the climate is getting warmer and warmer around the world, we should use alternative means of energy, fair trade is awesome, animals are effected.  But, how really is this issue-affecting animals and people whose livelihood come from the land and sea?

Ray stated the fact that polar bears are diminishing. How and Why?  Because of increased temperatures and global warming sea ice is melting and it can’t support the weight of the bear.  The melting of the ice is also impacting access and the numbers of the polar bear’s prey.  Walrus’, seals, and other animal’s livelihood are taken away causing strain on their ability to survive. 

Climate Change is also impacting the native people of Alaska.  Rev. Ray spoke about how the Native people of Alaska are subsistence hunters and fisherman (hunting, fishing, gathering berries and food).  Global warming impacts their ability to get meat, keep meat, house their berries, and survive.  These realities also affect folk spiritually and culturally. 

During the gathering I learned so much about the realities of global warming around the world. Some I knew, some I didn’t.  The reality of mountain top removal in the Appalachian Mountains and it’s impact on poor people.  The truth about islands in the Pacific Islands being submerged:  people’s homes going away with the ocean and families being displaced. I was reminded that families throughout the world who live off of the land, particularly throughout Africa, are suffering because of drought and inability to get a harvest off of their crops because of climate change. How fishing communities income and livelihoods in Grand Bayou, Louisiana are being impacted negatively.  Global warming affects the privileged at times, but it is communities who are poor who bear the brunt of climate change.

As I write this and reflect I am working to make sense of this myself.  I am privileged in many ways. I drive a car, I have air condition and heat, I am able to purchase groceries from the store, and I can take long hot showers amongst other things. However, I am challenging myself and also anyone who reads this to think twice about how we use what we have.  Here is a couple of sites with helpful tips:  http://globalwarming-facts.info/50-tips.html http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/public_transit.htm

Here are some quick tips I took from the above sites: 

1. Replace a regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl)

2. Recycle

3. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning

4. Do not leave appliances on standby

5. Drive Smart

6. Buy Energy-Efficient Products

7. Use Less Hot Water

8. Turn stuff off!

9. Plant a Tree

10. Reuse your shopping bag

Genesis 1:1 reads: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The text goes on to speak about God’s creation of the land, sea, animals, sky, seasons and the list illustrates the beauty of God’s creation. Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, noted that global warming today is like Genesis 1 running backwards.  Yikes!

Intense blog, right?!  But, really, I am encouraging us both to think about the polar bears and how the issue of global warming affects animals, the land, the sea, and people in harsh ways.  We can start helping one light bulb at a time!

What do you all think about the issue of Global Warming and Climate Change? 

In Peace,

Kit

Hawaii The Beautiful and The Truth About Militarization and Colonization

Last week I was privileged to visit the beautiful island O'ahu in Hawaii.  On Tuesday I volunteered with a friend of a friend at the ocean; they say it was actually a pond!  For 3 and a-half hours we moved large rocks as a 13 person team to build a rock wall. For me this was labor intensive! The wall was built so that the employees of the pond could see the height of the water as it related to the ocean current. 

The rain fell upon us on the chilly, yet gorgeous night. As I looked down the shining rock wall and assembly line team I smiled.  I saw much beauty in the teamwork happening.  The team was passing rocks, building, laughing, joking, and setting a rock foundation. I was inspired. 

At the end of the building I wanted to take a picture of the rock wall.  Not because I was a tourist, but because the wall was extraordinarily beautiful.  I wanted to remember it.  As I got one of the women to use her cell phone to take the picture, a native Hawaiian laughed and said, “humph, tourists!”  I thought to myself, “Me, a tourist!”  My heart started to beat a little faster.  Without hesitation I said, “ If I were a normal tourist do you really think I would have spent my evening in the cold rain in the ocean moving super large rocks?  If I were here as a tourist I would be at a nice resort right now drinking a pina colada.” 

He looked at me and laughed noting, “You tourists like doing things like this to make you feel as if you are one of us.”  My presence seemed to disturb him. The people around kept silent.  Some people laughed with him, others looked at me with distanced concern.  For some reason I knew I needed to take a deep breathe and simply keep silent. So, I did.  In my mind I thought, “I never want to feel like I am anyone else other than myself.”  I walked away thinking, “Why would he seem so offended by my presence?  Who and what did I represent for him?   If I represented “tourist” for him, what did I trigger?”

I went to Hawaii for an advocacy and organizing meeting with the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church. The topic for the meeting was “immigration & global migration” and “indigenous peoples & Native peoples/Native Hawaiians.”  Within our organizing meetings I learned quite a lot from the Native Hawaiians who were present.  These insights helped me understand the young man at the pond’s reaction towards me a bit more. 

In the 1890’s the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown and with this reality and others Hawaii was colonized. This affected Native Hawaiin’s land, language, and culture. Can you imagine having all that you know stripped away from you?  Intense!  Since then the US military has taken over a large percentage of the Hawaiian land. The Native people of Hawaii considered much of which sacred. Highways have been built, military bases have been built, and migration to Hawaii continues to rise. 

As a result of militarization and colonialism native Hawaiian people’s cultural survival was and is impacted.  Native Hawaiians spirituality and livelihood is directly connected to the land. When this was taken away this impacted and is still impacting the community.  This is shown in high rates of homelessness, school drop out rates, higher infant mortality rates and the list goes on.

After digesting these realities I could now see how the native Hawaiian brother from the pond would feel a certain way about my presence at the pond.  Often times I go into other contexts as a visitor not knowing the history of systemic oppression that the native people have suffered.  His feelings were not just about me. I do believe for him the pond, the rocks, the ocean, the land these spaces were sacred for him and his ancestors. As an American, a “tourist," maybe for him I represented an invasive presence.  And if that was the reality, I have to give respect to this gentleman and his ancestors.  Maybe instead of me reacting, I could have fostered dialogue or maybe in that moment it was best to respect this brother and simply walk away. 

During our organizing and advocacy meetings there were several men and women working to restore the Hawaiian Kingdom.  They worked to embrace the language and teach, share the rituals with the next generation, preserve the land and culture. Though there was the reality of hurt sometimes present in their voices as they spoke there was a sense of power, passion, persistence, and perseverance that was inspiring. 

When visiting a new place I know it’s not always possible to learn the history of a specific context, but one thing I do know is that there are always systems of oppression at work.  Now, if I was to ever see the Hawaiian brother again I would be able to listen to his truth more, instead of making my own assumptions.  Mark 12: 31 notes, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.” Hawaii is a beautiful island, but the native Hawaiian language, spirituality, land, and culture are even more beautiful. This is what deserves to be respected and preserved!

What My First Modeling Gig Taught Me: Smile and Think On Good Things

Yesterday was my first modeling gig booked by an agency.  It was for a Walt Disney catalogue!  When people work for Disney they look at this online catalogue to see how their costume should fit. When looking at the catalogue they will now see my model friend Chad and I!  I was a bit nervous about what they would dress me in, but it was actually a lot of fun.  I played dress up with a photographer and Disney crew for 5 and half hours.  And in the spirit of Disney I had to smile.  I remember in a counseling class I was told that people could smile solely with their eyes.  At the photo shoot it was important for me to smile with both my mouth, eyes; actually my entire face.

This continuous smiling caused me to be mindful about my thoughts. I had to stay positive about what I allowed to go through my mind.  My thoughts would often stray to relationship realities, stress, and life obstacles. But, when my thoughts shifted to these things I could feel the frown, the un joyful smile, the fake smiley eyes presenting themselves before the camera.  At times I had to force myself to think on good things. It was when I thought on good things that I allowed myself to enjoy the present. The beautiful costumes, the bright lights, the nice people. 

In life there are so many things that can bother us daily.  For some weeks I have been contemplating a recent relationship that was broken.  I reflected: “Did I make a mistake?  Should I have done this?  Should I have done that? Is it too late? What can I do?  Are they ok? Has my path been altered? Where should I go?  What do I need to do?

It is often imperative that we face our realities in order to move forward, however, it is also important to take the time to think on good things. Otherwise, life will overwhelm us.  We have to take things one-step at a time.  One day at a time. One hour at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time.  When things overwhelm us it shows up in our spirit, which reflects in our face, our eyes, our smile. 

When life gets you down and your face is showing it try to smile anyway.  This modeling gig taught me that when my mind stays thinking about the negative, smiling and thinking on good things could bring light into my spirit and heart.  

Philippians 4: 8 notes, “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (NLT)

Brothers and sisters, smile and think on good things!  

Job Fair: Remembering You Are Not Just A Number

I remember the excitement of getting into college.  I was going to attend one of the best public universities in North Carolina.  I heard great things about the school, but I also heard that I would just be a number.  “There are over 25,000 people at the university.  Your professors are not going to know you. You are just a number in the midst of a crowd of people.”  On my first day of class I remember getting a Personal ID Number.  I thought, well maybe they are right. I am just a small number at this big university. Or am I a special, unique, individual who has the ability to be a great student?

The other day I went to a job fair.  The line to enter was wrapped around the building. I could not help but question: within this job market am I just a number or am I really special?  What will I allow myself to believe? As I entered the large conference room with hundreds of job seekers and about 80 employers I thought about this job fair as a microcosm of the world. 

There are probably millions of people on this planet without a job and there are also millions of people on this planet who are unique, super talented with amazing gifts.  This world is extremely big and stepping out into it can cause one to feel vulnerable, anxious, and doubtful as if we are just a number in this big bad world.  But even in the midst of anxiety we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 14).   We all have gifts.  Each has received a gift (1 Peter 4: 10).

In life there are sometimes trials and circumstances that cause us to move away from our gifts.  Sickness, layoffs, depression, foreclosure, unhealthy relationships, unplanned pregnancies, death, divorce, fatigue, laziness, and the list go on.  But, what do we do with our lives when unforeseen circumstances and trials come our way?  Do we give up on our gifts and dreams or do we put our faith into action, use our gifts, and push to be the best we can be?

God believes that we are so special he calls us by our name (Isaiah 43:1), not just a number. This is true at the university, job fair, on your current job, or anywhere else.  If God believes that we are so special, we must also believe this for ourselves.  In the movie, The Help, the main character would often tell a small child:  You are kind, smart, and important.  It’s true, believe it, don’t’ give up, keep pushing!

Be Encouraged,

 

 

Argrow ‘Kit” Evans

Getting Out Of The Grey Area Of Love!

The other night I had a dream. I was looking into the ocean, but it was not the beautiful aqua blue ocean I have grown to love. It was grey with clouds drapping over it like chalk. Goats and some animals unfamiliar to me walked slowly out and away from the ocean as if they had become distressed, weary, and unclear by this literally grey area of their life.

This grey area seems all to familiar to me; especially as it pertains to relationships. The older I get the more I am realizing that love does not live in the grey. You either love someone or you let it go. You do or you don’t. You say yes or you say no. You enjoy or you dislike.

So many times I feel like people convince themselves to stay in relationships by living in the grey area. But, love does not live in the distressed, weary, mucky grey area. Love is light. It is about receiving, giving, sharing, trusting, and taking chances.

When I think about love I am reminded of a church service I went to about 6 years ago. There was a female preacher standing at the alter. Within seconds of the alter call annoucement a tall, slender man came walking down the aisle. He seemed very weak. As he walked it was clear to see that his legs were getting weaker and weaker. The minister in the pulpit saw this. As the man was about to fall in the aisle, the pastor leaped over the alter and ran down the aisle to catch him. She caught him with love in her hands before he could hit the floor. This is love.

The pastor extended her hands to another without living in the grey. She could have hesitated or waited for someone else to assist the man, but she acted out of love and took a chance to catch the man.

Love is special. It holds us up when we are weak and gives us light whenever there is darkness. I am no expert on love, but what I do know is that love does not live in the grey. It gives us the guts to be selfless enough to catch someone else, someone we choose to love.

In Peace,


Argrow "Kit" Evans

TRANSITIONS: Spider Webs or Eagles' Wings?

Do you all remember getting your report card every 9 weeks in grade school? I would work hard each term to make good grades so I could receive my mother’s praise or that extra $5.00 as a reward. I recall the last 9 weeks of the year being the best! Summer was coming, I would get a school break, and I would even be moved to the next grade level. It was a new season of life. Sometimes I was so excited to move to the next grade, but often times I was also afraid of this move. Would I be good enough? Would they like me? Would I know anyone? Would I make friends? Could I handle the work? There were so many things that were unknown.

Well, friends, in 9 weeks I will complete graduate school and transition into a season of life that I have never fully experienced. No more summer grade school breaks. No more semester academic report cards. Career, family, relationships, dreams, goals, business, slowing metabolism, 30’s, friendships, children, work, full time. The unknown, yet known list continues. I ask myself: “Kit, how do I put transitions into perspective?”

One of the first images I think about is a spider web. This year spider webs have been all over Berkeley, California and I have walked into quite a few. When I walk into the spider web it is because I have not seen it coming. I get tangled in it. They cover my head, hands, and sometimes, additional parts of my clothing and body. It really does turn into a mess! Do I allow life transitions to imitate walking into the mess of a spider web? Do I walk into the web of life and allow myself to get tangled in an unhealthy way?

I ask myself: “Kit, how do I put transitions into healthy perspective?”

Isaiah 40: 28-31 is encouraging. “God will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

What I am realizing is that if we don’t give up God will give us the strength to spread our wings like eagles in our families, career, and relationships. Eagles can fly up to 15,000 feet high for long periods of time without fainting because it is their strength and wingspan that propels them. The word says that God has given us this type of strength to tap into. We don’t have to embrace the spider webs of life and get all tangled in the mess that can come with transitions.

In the midst of transition I encourage you to know that we never have to choose fear, confusion, hurt, and despair. If we trust in something beyond ourselves, I believe God has the power to assist us in living the “good life” that he has called us to. So spread those wings that God has given you and move forward in this season of life! God has your back, God has our back!

Making Sense of the Bible: What Grandma and Seminary Taught Me

As I enter into last semester of seminary I find myself finally making sense of the deconstruction and reconstruction of my meaning making, especially as it relates to the Bible.

I was born and raised in a small southern town in North Carolina, where my grandma was the epitome of a “good Christian woman.” I remember a vivid picture of her. Grandma is sitting on her porch with a Bible in one hand, and another Bible under her chair. She is studying the text with her glasses on while also eating a fresh tomato sandwich. The person taking the picture calls her name and she delights in looking at the camera with a beautiful smile. Grandma loved people, God, and reading the Bible.

Grandma lived to be 70 years old; however, she suffered several heart attacks, strokes, and the amputation of her leg. But, through it all, she still professed her trust in God and her strong belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible. My grandmother was my connection to Christianity. She was also the connection that linked me to the African Methodist Episcopal Church I grew up in.

I entered seminary embracing all that my grandmother and the church had taught me. Scripture was the word of God and should not be questioned. It was “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path,” which guided my daily life.

I never thought that after my first semester of seminary I would literally be knocked off of my feet. After my Old Testament and New Testament classes all that I thought I knew about the Bible was put on an operating table and dissected. Who “really” wrote each book in the Bible? Did God influence each book? Where did the manuscripts come from? What is the social, historical, and political context of each book in the Bible?

I went from sleeping in the bed with my Bible for comfort to putting it on my bookshelf and only taking it out for church and Old Testament class on Mondays. I felt as if I had to choose one or the other: look at the Bible critically or accept the Bible as the word of God, without question. There seemed to be no in between.

Over the last 3 years I have worked to find the in between. There is not one perfect copy of the Bible: true. Every version is based on a variety of manuscripts: true. Scripture has a variety of social, political, and historical contexts, which should not be taken literally in today’s contexts: true.

Beyond all the dissection and healthy questioning I have concluded that by understanding the social, political, and historical context of the Bible I am allowed to “dig deeper” into the meaning of scripture. Though the people in the Bible lived in different contexts from us today we can learn a lot from the teachings within the Bible and can often apply the teachings to our lives as we presently live them.

When I read scripture now I have a new lens, one that allows me to look into the text and understand the context of what lies beneath. Thank you, seminary! When I read scripture now, I also have a lens that allows me to receive the sacredness of this text that my grandmother and so many before her knew very well. Thank you, grandma!

As I enter 2012 I can say that my Bible is no longer on my bookshelf. It lies next to my bed, on the nightstand!

Occupy Oakland Strike: Change and The Power of Nonviolence

Last night I marched with thousands of people of all ages, ethnicities, and classes to the Port of Oakland. People were chanting, smiling, speaking about nonviolence, talking about change, playing Michael Jackson on stereo.

What was most powerful for me was not only the march, which symbolized the need for social and economic equality in our world, but also the spirit of nonviolence that feed so many of us.

There was one particular incident where violence could have been a reality. There were thousands of us standing in front of the Port of Oakland fence. Around 7:40 pm or so an employee of the port tried to drive through the mass of people to get to his job. He was driving slow, but seemed somewhat forceful with his driving. Within seconds people started to kick his truck, scream at him, someone even jumped on his truck looking as if he was going to kick the windshield in. However, this violence was stopped within seconds. How? As soon as this happened a powerful chant came from the crowd, “NONVIOLENCE, NONVIOLENCE, NONVIOLENCE.” Though initially our voices seemed low, we were joined by large numbers who believed in the same. The “NONVIOLENCE, NONVIOLENCE” chant turned to chanting, “PEACEFUL, PEACEFUL.” Many of us held up peace signs. Within seconds the majority of us was chanting and standing for peace. The angered man jumped off the truck and protestors stopped kicking the man’s truck. A nonviolent protestor led the man and his truck out of the mass of people. My classmate looked at me and noted that the man who lead the truck driver was Oscar Grant’s relative who he saw speak in Berkeley once. Oscar Grant was a young man killed by the BART police in 2009. This witness was extremely powerful for me. There is power in speaking up for peace when violence surrounds us. Speaking up can literally shift the energy and change a particularly harmful situation.

The media seems to focus so much on the negative events happening in the Occupy movement, but yesterday I was inspired. I saw first hand the power of nonviolent protest in action within this movement. I observed a relative of Oscar Grant extend compassion to a man who could have potentially harmed him. I drove by school children standing next to their school with their handmade signs chanting in solidarity: “We are the 99%!” I’ve heard the testimonies of many and my heart, mind, and soul is moved to compassion and action. Last night on Occupy Oakland Live-U Stream the brother facilitating the live footage spoke to the police directly after force was expressed on occupiers. He noted, “It is the love and compassion of the fellow protestors that I will remember from this movement. It is not the violence and brutality of the police (or others). Love and compassion will always win over violence and brutality.”

After leaving the port I went back to the Occupy Oakland encampment at Oscar Grant Plaza. I left around 9:30 pm, but followed the reports of violence via live streaming. I had the same sentiments as my friend Sam. He notes, “Reading the news-reports from the middle of the night, it saddens me to hear of what took place. It also convinces me of the importance of continued involvement in this growing movement - the importance of maintaining strong voices for the methods of non-violence, and being open to listening to the anger and the frustration of those who feel compelled to use more violent means.”

The movement needs you, needs us, to step up nonviolently in the call for equality. We need more jobs, equal access to health care, equal access to excellent education, and more. We are the hope! We are the change! We are the 99%!


In Peace,


Argrow “Kit” Evans

Stopping Stinking Thinking: “You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!”

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” “I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” “I am fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Two months ago I sat with a group of 40 South African teenage girls and we chanted this verse from Psalm 139: 14 over and over again. In this lesson we acknowledged the reality of our sometimes-stinking thinking. Regardless of the context, there seems to be startling expectations as it relates to women and our bodies. Our society teaches that we should be a certain height, shape, hold certain roles, have certain hair, eye color, even shoe size.

I have seen Black women in Kenya purchase lightning cream to make their skin lighter. Women in China literally bind their feet together to become more attractive. Black sisters in America often rush to the salon to get hair relaxers so that their hair won’t become “nappy.” As a young girl I remember telling my mother I needed glasses in order to get the hazel brown eyes (contacts), which I interpreted as beautiful. Every time I watch a daytime doctor show on television there seems to be an emphasis on how we women can change our bodies. But, how do these societal realities on image impact our mind, body, and spirit?

When we feel we haven’t lived up to societies expectations this can have a major impact on the way we feel about our bodies, which has a direct impact on the way we think and function in the world. Our mind, body, and spirit are connected. In the book, Hunting for Hope, Scott Sanders notes, “There is a parallel between mind and body,” and, I believe spirit.

Can there be hope in a society that often labels us by the way our body looks?

I have used Psalm 139:14 to encourage others and myself. For me it speaks about the love that God has for us. God loves us so much that he knit us together while we were still in our mother’s belly. He made each one of us special. God specially crafted each one of us: mind, body, and spirit with wonder, with awe, with love. Every cell, every organ, every hair, every mole, every dimple, every scar, every wrinkle, and every pudge that seems resistant to leave! HE LOVES YOU and created you super special. Because of this we can value our temple, nurture our spirit, and feed our mind with positive thinking. I have a 12-year-old female cousin who is in 7th grade and 6 foot 2 inches tall. One day a young boy, who was shorter than her noted, “WOW, you are so tall. You are like a giant!” My aunt and I watched to see her reaction. She smiled at him and stated, “Thank you!” Just like my young cousin we have to work to get to the point where society does not define who we are and what we think about ourselves. God helps to define who we are and what we should think about ourselves. So I challenge you to push away the stinking thinking and embrace healthier thoughts focused on how God sees us. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made!” “You are fearfully and wonderfully made!” “You are fearfully and wonderfully made!” Believe it!

Finding Hope in a Society That Executed “Troy Davis”

Yesterday a brother named Troy Davis was executed for supposedly killing a police officer over 20 years ago. Though seven out of nine witnesses recanted their statements he was still executed (http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/cases/usa-troy-davis). Over the past week I have seen people express anger, hurt, peace. I have listened to people speak about the family of Troy Davis, but also the family of the police officer killed. In the midst of all of the unjust and hurtful realities where do we find hope?

Hope means, “to desire with expectation of obtainment.” Yesterday there were vigils, protests, and petitions even went out to stop the execution. All of this energy shifted towards bringing about change in the midst of injustice. What I wrestle with is what happens tomorrow? Today this is all over CNN, facebook, and intertwined in our conversations. But, how often do we forget about the Troy Davis’ of the world and move on to speaking about the next issue. What are you going to do in this movement for hope, justice and equality today, tomorrow, next week, next month, this year, next year, five years from now? I am hopeful how we as a people can mobilize and speak out against injustice. I am also hopeful that we can step up and challenge ourselves by investing our energy and time in joining a cause, signing a petition, volunteering in our community, educating our children and by becoming involved in ways that can bring about sustainable change in our community, our country, our world. Like Gandhi expressed, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Peace,

Argrow “Kit” Evans

E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N: GO HARD! PASSING ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION.

My 5-year-old niece (Judah), my 41-year-old sister, and I all experienced the same event this past week: the first day of school! On Judah's first day of school I called her to hear excitement in her voice. Her mother told me she went to sleep early for the first time without fussing and woke up before the sun came up. Her excitement about her education exuded beyond measure. Judah's super woman t-shirt matched her super intense smile, with excitement, with gratitude, with expectation.

Millions, if not billions of people around the world have a first day of school every year. I am now going into my 12th year as a student outside of high school and I must say it has been quite a journey. Some joys, hardships; some accomplishments, but also some sleepless nights. As I enter into my last year as a student (formally) I ask myself was it worth it? At first instinct realistically I quickly say, "Heck to the NO!" The life of a graduate student can be quite trying! But, there are those moments where I challenge myself to think outside of myself. I remember my great grandmother telling me stories of working as a maid in our small Southern town. I remember her telling me stories about her father share cropping on another man's land just to feed his own children. Grandma had a middle school education. I assume her father did not have the privilege to go beyond elementary school. My grandmother was a wise woman and her words often ring in my head, "Get as much education as you can get baby, get as much as you can get." Grandma knew that education was actually a privilege and something very important.

Thinking outside of myself helps me to remember that sacrificing to attain an education actually is not solely for ourselves, but our determination to achieve what ever dream we aspire is passed down to the next generation within and outside of our communities, our families. What is it that we will pass on to our children? Write the paper, take the exam, take the course, get the degree. Not everyone is called to be an academic, but we can strive to learn as much as we can in our work striving to bring our best selves in whatever work we are called to do. Cars, houses, and clothing all depreciate, but our high school diplomas, certificates, and/or college degrees hold their value.

Grandma always noted, "No one can ever take your education from you." She was right! Though the world is in very trying economic times and jobs are scarce, education still has much worth and always will. After 12 years of hard work in the academic game I can say that it was all worth it. It's worth it! GO HARD and go get it ya'll!

-Argrow "Kit"

South Africa, Life, and Godiva Chocolate!

So I’m headed home from South Africa with one hour of the 15-hour leg to go. During my time in South Africa I met a lot of amazing people. I met young people, old people, men, women, boys and girls who were inspiring. I met people who were living in very intense situations, but they decided to live a life of peace striving for joy on purpose. It is these types of encounters that actually keep me going.

Next week the Fund for Theological Education ministry fellows will come together and present their summer experiences. This is the fellowship I received to go to South Africa. There are 20 of us and we all had very diverse projects. Some of the other fellows engaged in ministry in Israel, Turkey, the Martin Luther King Papers Project at Stanford, and researched many other projects. It will be interesting to see how everyone’s project went.

After reflection I see that my time in South Africa was really a blessing. I see how God is showing me what ministry is like and that it is ok to accept the call. It is ok to do what you enjoy and love what you do. For a long time I felt like because I was not moving down a “traditional path” I had to change the things that I really loved to do. But, my experiences have helped me to realize that it is ok to be yourself in your own uniqueness regardless of what people say. When we are not ourselves there is tension, unhappiness, a lack of peace, frustration, and discomfort. It’s interesting because I do think that when we embrace our unique gifts and call there can still be fear and discomfort, but it is a different type of fear. When we are living a life where we are doing what we dislike it can just be plain out uncomfortable. When we are living out our call in our own uniqueness the fear is a type of fear that when we face it we actually become more liberated, happy people. I think for a while I doubted who I was, what God was calling me to do, and my ability to be a grounded, peaceful, driven, adventurous person in the world. I mean really: I am an African American woman from a working class, single parent home in small town North Carolina. Why would God call me to do this work? I’ve realized that regardless of who we are, where we come from, how we were raised, what level of education we have God can use us in profound, mind-blowing ways. If we step out on faith and truly work to live out what God has placed in our hearts, we can’t go wrong. I have a plaque on my wall that says, “Believe: Follow your heart and you will never go wrong.” “Believe: Follow you heart and you will never go wrong.” “Believe: Follow your heart and you will never go wrong.” This is true. If God has put something in your heart and spirit to do, DO IT! It may not sound simple, but it can be simple. If you dream it, you can see it. If you see it, you can believe it. If you believe it, you can achieve it! YES YOU CAN!

Life really is like a box of chocolate, “You never know what you are going to get.” Thank you Forest Gump! But, the exciting thing about the box of chocolate is that it can be full of great tasting Godiva! ☺

Peace,

Argrow "Kit"

The Joys of Studying With My African Sisters and Brothers, Contextual Bible Study, HIV and AIDS, Empowerment, and Abba

“Bayete, Bayete Inkosi, Bayete, King of Kings, Bayete, Bayete Inkosi (singing),” ☺

I just came back from a chapel service with a group of Lutheran students from all over the continent of Africa. How awesome it is to fellowship with brothers and sisters! For the last week and a half I have been at the University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Theology studying with people from all over the continent of Africa. Today I listened to a South African Indian woman present her research about the indentured servitude of Indians to South Africa in 1860 from India and current implications for working women in the context of a patriarchal Indian society. I listened to a man from Burundi speak about how the Pentecostal church needs to stop focusing so much on prosperity, but needs to focus on assisting with social issues in the community such as HIV and AIDS. I listened to a man from Tanzania speak about the importance and helpfulness of organic farming in rural areas. In my African Woman’s Theology class I listened to African women and men share their stories of polygamy, domestic violence, patriarchy, motherhood, education, being refugees, strong mothers and so many other realities in their context. I walk around and I see brown faces, black faces, white faces. It’s interesting because not so long ago White, Indian, Colored, and Black people had to attend separate colleges because of the color of their skin (only 17 years ago). But, now you see people of all ethnicities sitting in the same classroom. Reminds me of Dr. King’s dream. However, the interesting thing for me is that after the class ends you see a division of race very clearly. The Indians are together, Whites together; South Africans together, then foreigners are together (people from other African countries). This makes me think about Beverly Tatum’s book, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race.”

I feel very blessed to have this experience. I have been focusing a lot on how to put into practice something called contextual bible study. This is where bible stories are used to actually help people dig deeper into certain societal issues and in turn used as a tool of liberation for people living in intense situations. The bible story is presented in a way that the community can work to make meaning and interpret the story in their own way. The text is then used to dig deeper into societal issues, and also used as a call to action in many cases. I have been focusing a lot on the text of 2 Samuel 13: 1-22. This is the text of Tamar, David’s daughter, who was raped by her brother Amnon. The abuse happened in her own home. The focus of the text is sexual violence and incest, but it is also focused on Tamar’s courage. In the midst of everything Tamar in 2 Samuel 13: 12 did say “NO”! And even after her rape she did all that she could in that context to embrace courage and strength in the midst of be violated. It is texts such as these that I hope to bring to communities to assist them in engaging more about societal and communal issues, while also working to provide tools for liberation and healing.

One of the very empowering women I met this week is doing this good work with people living with HIV and AIDS. She told me that 5 of her siblings died from complications, which came from AIDS. She is now raising 6 of their children. Sometimes I wonder how and why we are called to do certain work. Today I shared my story of sexual violence with Maria who is doing lots of work with contextual bible studies and gender based violence. I told her that before seminary I used to say, “what the devil meant for evil God meant for God.” However, my theological training has caused me to question what this really means. She encouraged me to remember who God is for me. And noted that throughout her life the experiences that she thought were going to take her out is what actually drives her in the work that she does now. Those bad experiences, those bad relationships, those rough times actually allow her to be able to minister and serve the way that God has called her to. So today, I embrace again, “WHAT THE DEVIL MEANT FOR EVIL GOD MEANT FOR GOOD!” Hi-FIVE! ☺

Sometimes I think about my life and I am like, “God, really, what’s going on? Why am I here? What are you preparing me for?” But, then I stop over analyzing and I realize just how good God is. My professor here often talks about my Pentecostal background and my faith in God. I told her 2 years ago that I was going to come to South Africa for the summer and that I believed God. 2 years later, she couldn’t believe that I actually made it here. This week I did not have a ride to go visit an AIDS clinic I wanted to visit. I told my professor that it would all work out. Last night I met a student who agreed to drive me to the clinic, and she actually knew already where it was in this rural area of the country. Today my professor stated, “I wish I had your faith.” She stated, “I am a liberalist, but I wish I had your faith.” The bible says that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed it can move mountains. If we believe, if we truly believe in God and in the gifts that God has given us in our own uniqueness we can go anywhere, we can do anything, we can accomplish anything. Now, I am not saying that I never doubt. We are all human. But, what I am saying is when you believe, have faith, and trust in something beyond yourself the unthinkable, unimaginable can happen.

I have approximately 2 more weeks left in South Africa. It is quite hard to believe that time is flying by so fast. I am making friends. I am seeing new things. I am hearing so many African languages daily. I am seeing the beauty of Africa and it’s people. I am seeing the beauty of intelligence and the privilege of education. I am seeing a history of people who have been oppressed and who have also been liberated in a sense. I am seeing and reading the Bible in a new, liberating way. I am seeing really how good God is. This week for the first time in my life, while in prayer I unconsciously started calling God, Abba (Aramaic word for daddy, papa). I am grateful.

Tomorrow I will be going to visit a hospital called the Don McKenzie Hospital located in the Valley of 1000 Hills. This place serves a lot of people with Tuberculosis, HIV, and AIDS. KwaZulu-Natal has the highest rates of HIV and AIDS in the entire world. How intense is that! I will be visiting the hospital with a group of New York University Public Health Students. I hope to also go to this place that still preserves traditional Zulu culture. I’m going to a funeral on Saturday, another contextual bible study, then to a local church on Sunday. Next week I have class, will visit another HIV and AIDS org, the World Methodist Conference, another day with Ms. Ela Gandhi and the Gandhi Development Trust, then off to Cape Town, South Africa to spend 5 days with Sivan! Life is Good! Dare to Dream! PLEASE.

Blessings,

Argrow "Kit"

PS: I have not been taking as many pictures because I have been around people and often don’t want to seem like the tourist on campus taking pictures of daily behavior! :-p My mother turned 61 last Sunday! I do miss my family and friends. But technology is the best! The lizard in my bathroom had to be captured by the maintenance man who helped me! The lizard and I were not good roommates! Until next time...