1 Corinthians 14:26 tells us: “When you come together, each person has a vital role because each has gifts. One person might have a song, another a lesson to teach, still another a revelation from God … but all of this should be done to strengthen the life and faith of the community.”

Genesis 2:5-7 tells us: “One day the Eternal God scooped dirt out of the ground, sculpted it into the shape we call human, breathed the breath that gives life into the nostrils of the human, and the human became a living soul.” But who was this first man?

Isaiah 61:1 explains the role of the prophet: “The Lord has appointed me for a special purpose. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to repair broken hearts. And to declare to those who are held captive and bound in prison: Be free from your imprisonment!”

Our ancestors would say, “It's useless to tell a river to stop running; the best thing is to learn how to swim in the direction it's flowing.” How did one powerful queen wield the river’s power to protect her people – even though it wasn’t flowing in the direction she initially wanted?

Hebrews 4:12 states that “the word of God … judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Ancient Egyptians believed that everyone could exercise goodness throughout their life, but THIS deity was trusted to judge who accessed the afterlife. No one escaped her come judgment day!

Exodus 2:2-3: “When she could no longer keep him hidden away, she took a basket made of reeds, sealed it with tar and pitch, and placed her baby boy in it. Then she wedged the basket among the reeds along the edge of the Nile River.”

“Our people are strong. From slavery to police brutality, God continues to bless us with resilience and an unspoken connection that strengthens our spirits.” This is befitting given that our people were some of the first Christians on Earth.

“The Bible tells us there is a season for all things under Heaven. As we watch the events around us, know one thing – this is the season to unite.” Let’s take inspiration from how the AME church thrived in its unity season.

John 12:6 tells us to watch out for dishonesty in the church: “He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the money-bag and would steal part of what was put in it.”

John 4:21-24: “Believe this: a new day is coming – in fact, it’s already here – when the importance will not be placed on the time and place of worship but on the truthful hearts of worshipers … [The Father] is seeking followers whose worship is sourced in truth and deeply spiritual as well.”

Proverbs 23:4 tells us: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.” Most of us do the best we can with our financial resources, but have you looked to the Bible for advice? Check out these tips straight from the Good Book.

Genesis 17:7: “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” For our people, Christianity is not new. It’s a fulfillment of God’s promise to us.

Acts 16:25-26: “...Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

Solomon 1:5: “I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem - dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents.” And those who sought to oppress us did, too. Catholic and Orthodox Europeans were praising Black religious icons long before the colonization of Africa!

What do you think happened to a minister who preached “God is Black” right after the Civil War? After all, Amos 5:24 admonishes us to “let justice roll on like a river, righteous like a never-failing stream.” So how did this minster change the game for Black Christians in the U.S.?

“I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide, welling and swelling I bear in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear, I rise. Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear, I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise.” – Maya Angelou.

Habakkuk 2:3: “For the vision points ahead to a time I have appointed; it testifies regarding the end, and it will not lie. Even if there is a delay, wait for it. It is coming and will come without delay.” This minister had a vision for our people. How did he stay true to Black freedom?

In Genesis 9:25, Noah’s son Ham offends him. Noah exclaims: “Cursed be Canaan! The lowest of slaves will he be to his brothers.” This Biblical story has been used for centuries as a justification for slavery, but are Black people REALLY cursed?

Relationships can be hard, but there’s one four-letter word that drives us: love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us: “Now faith, hope, and love remain; these three virtues must characterize our lives. The greatest of these is love.” Here are five pieces of advice from The Word about love.

“During the entire period of their Nazirite vow, no razor may be used on their head. They must be holy until the period of their dedication to the Lord is over; they must let their hair grow long.” – Numbers 6:5. Is this the true origin of dreadlocks?

“No white theologian has ever taken the oppression of Blacks as a point of departure for analyzing God’s activity in contemporary America. Apparently white theologians see no connection between whiteness [culture] and evil or Blackness and God.” Dr James Cone. But what do we see in our Blackness?

Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us, “Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together.” And our people have a tradition that has represented our togetherness through the ages. Can you guess what it is?

Exodus 39:1 tells us, “For the priests who served in the holy place, they decorated finely woven garments with blue, purple, and scarlet thread donated by the people.” Blue was special to priests, but our people have a spiritual connection to this color, too. What is it?

“The 85% are those without the knowledge... The 10% are the bloodsuckers of the poor ... The 5% are the poor, righteous teachers who preach the divinity of the Black man, the god who is "manifest" … who will save the 85% from destruction.” How did these words find fruit in hip-hop?

Bob Marley sang “Most people think Great God will come from the skies, take away everything and make everybody feel high. But if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on Earth. And now you see the light: You stand up for your rights!” But what actually happens when we stand up?