“They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.”
Author, Zora Neale Hurston, titles her Harlem Renaissance classic novel by this line, Their Eyes Were Watching God. The main character, Janie Crawford, finds herself, along with her lover and neighbor, in the middle of a deadly storm.They sit together in the darkness in fear of what their fate may be, vulnerable to the God of this storm who, in this moment, has total control of their destiny.
In Janie’s quest for wholeness and fulfillment, she is met with forces beyond her control–both the good and the bad that creep out of the darkness and give or take away, build or tear down, oppress or liberate.
The darkness is scary; it is unpredictable, cold, and can be lonely. This winter, there will be some cold dark days and our lives sometimes reflect the seasons. Let us not forget, though, that spring always comes and there is hope. Face the dark, experience what it offers and allow it to pass; do not attach yourself to it. Take care of yourself this term. Face the dark in company, rest in the dark, reach out to either SHAC, the Office of the Chaplain, or a dear friend if it gets too dark.
As Janie tells her dear friend Pheoby after reflecting upon her journey, “Two things everybody’s got tuh do fuh theyselves. They got tuh go tuh God, and they got tuh find out about livin’ fuh theyselves.” May you seek out the divine and live well this term. Join us for some of our chapel programs this term to connect with others who are also seeking the divine within and beyond, and finding meaning in the darkness.
And please join me in welcoming our two new colleagues on this journey: Habso Mohamud is our new Associate Chaplain for Muslim & Interfaith Life, and Christa Carlson is our new Chaplain’s Office Coordinator. We are excited to have them and know they will make a great impact in our office and on our campus.
Winter Blessings,
Rev. Todd Campbell, Jr.
Associate Chaplain for Christian and Interfaith Life