istock Image Yesterday when Dushan and she returned to the hotel after they visited Archbasilica of Saint John in Laterano and Scala Sancta, she got a call from someone from Talitha Kum saying that her interview was with Sister Frances. She couldn't speak to any of the former trafficking victims but one of the nuns …
Tag: slavery
Running into Rehema & the West End
"Who was that woman we saw as we were coming into the station?" Sarika asked as we waited for the train. We were on their way to see a matinee show of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap in the West End. I hadn't expected to run into Rehema so it was quite a shock when I …
She Broke the Mold
Did I flummox everyone when I, an African-American woman spurned the usual courses tailored for women at Oberlin and took a program of Greek, Latin and higher Mathematics designed for gentlemen? Why shouldn’t I, a child of God, aspire to higher goals? 42 Words Mary Jane Patterson, born into slavery, became the first African American …
Serpents, Accusations & Salvation
They were hanging out in front of the hotel where they were staying after returning from sightseeing and having lunch when Dushan asked her, "Do you have anything against Jews?" Surprised by his question, she replied, "No. Why would I?" "You're a Christian, right?" "Yes." "I've heard of some Christians who have a problem with …
A Day in Ouidah
Ede was looking out the window when she saw Hank drive up. Immediately her heart began to beat faster. "Pastor Hank is here," she told her grandmother. "Good. I'm looking forward to meeting him." Ede went to answer the door. Hank's face broke into big smile when he saw her. "Good morning, Pastor Hank." "Good …
Father Desjardin’s Invitation
It was another beautiful day and was out for a walk. She wished she could stay out there in the sunshine all day long. However, she had to return home and was pleasantly surprised to find Father Desjardins there. He was visiting her grandmother. They were in the living-room having tea. He rose to his …
Slavery and Grooming
"What's on your mind?" Mats asked Abi. She looked like she was thinking about something. "Downtrodden doozies and winded waxers." "I'm sure you're going to explain what you mean." "Downtrodden doozies are people who are mistreated because they are thought to be troublesome, difficult or problematic. When slaves rebelled against their masters, they were seen as troublesome …
The Meaning of Worship
Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! - 1 Chronicles 16:29, NKJV What exactly is worship? It is to bow down, prostrate oneself, pay homage, make obeisance and to do reverence before something or someone. We are called to worship the Lord. He …
Solange’s Story
My name is Solange. I'm a slave living and working on a sugar plantation in Jamaica owned by an unmarried Englishman who moved to the island a year ago with his widowed sister. I was dark so I worked in the field. Only the fair-skinned slaves worked in the great house. I remember the first …
Using Her Pen
Just this week, I learned that Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote her famous novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin because of something her sister said in a letter she had written to her. Her words were, "If I could use my pen as you can, I would write something that would make this whole nation feel what an …
Notes to Women 