By James A. Weathersby,
I remember a conversation I had while in seminary among several persons of different faiths. Our conversation settled on the Afterlife and what to expect. We agreed, after much laughter and serious postulating, that two versions of the Afterlife held prominence. We thought, “a full Heaven and an Empty Hell” OR “a full Hell and an Empty Heaven.” We laughed because we humans were trying to wrestle with the questions of Divine Judgment and Final Destination. I was arrogant enough when I was a young believer, I thought I knew the mind of God and could say with authority “this person and not that person!” My many years of ministering with people during incarceration, hospitalization, and the verge of Death taught me that I know nothing about Gods’ mindset. How could I boast, yes boast, about whose lifestyle merited Eternal Damnation or Paradise Bliss?
My birthday was several months ago. I consider myself blessed to be an older person. I now trust that everyone has a Spirituality. Spirituality gives hope, comfort, guidance, and meaning to peoples’ lives. There is something for everyone to believe. People believed during the healthcare crises of the COVID Pandemic. People believed during the ongoing Environmental Climate Change. People believed during Black Lives matter, the DC Insurrection, and the maturing of our current presidential administration. People believed during the waning darkness of the previous administration. People are renewing their beliefs in the dawning of a brighter administration for the coming years.
I have been told I am too much of an optimist. My personal beliefs do inform, impact, and influence my writings. I hope so, I think it’s too easy for anyone and everyone to surrender to despair and apathy. Americas’ history is brighter than the momentary chapters of human darkness. I believe what we share with others will ignite a spark in them as well. My prayer is that what we all believe and hope for unites us again as Americans, as people of Faith, and as Humanity. This is something for everyone to believe.
The Rev. James A. Weathersby M.Div., BCC was born in Chicago, product of a dedicated single mother and the Public-School system. He is a genetic Baptist and a historic Democrat; spirituality in his veins for generations. His family valued Education and the Black church; there are four generations of ministers in his family, serving as Pastors of congregations and Chaplains in Institutions. His Bachelors of Arts came from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois from the Reformed Churches of America tradition. His Masters of Divinity Degree (specialty in Pastoral Care and Counseling) came from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville Kentucky, from the Southern Baptist tradition. His professional career as a Chaplain includes serving populations in Hospitals, Hospice, both Men’s and Women’s Corrections (Death Row Chaplain) in several Midwestern states. His time in Maine has included Chaplaincy at a Youth Development Center, Pastor to an island congregation and lately, Chaplain (II) of the State Forensic and civil Psychiatric Center. He has been honored to be married for 27 years and enjoy writing, yoga, and reading.
Opinions or Ideas, painting by Valerie A. Clemons.