By The Rev. James A. Weathersby,
I don’t see the air I breathe moment by moment. I don’t see the gravity that keeps me from flying off the Earth into the void less space to my doom. I don’t see Justice or Mercy exercised daily by people on behalf of strangers. There is a lot I don’t see in my life, but I count on their presence and activity to live my life. I did not know how often I counted on the presence and activity of love in my life, until those I loved began to die. I now know for certain that the love and influence of key others in my life, helped shape me into the man, husband, minister and friend that I am today. I remember a song from the 1970s ‘What the world needs now, is love…sweet love’. The necessity for love is apparent in the lyrics; everyone needs love!
During the Covid Pandemic lockdown in 2020, the absence of love in human contact become apparent. People literally stopped thriving. Children and elders alike began to wither under lack of human contact, separated by barriers and physical distance. Especially in funerals, we lost much of our ability to say goodbye to departed loved ones and reinvest in life. I remember in Seminary; we had a pointed discussion about the 11th Commandment. Jesus is quoted as saying “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Love the world with a sacrificial, accepting love. Love ourselves with patient, forgiving love. Humanity needs this level of love; sacrificial, accepting, patient and forgiving. This is how America will heal as a Nation. This is how we shall continue to live together on this planet. Love.
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.
Love's Change, painting by Valerie A. Clemons.