An Outreach Magazine Article (Published on January 13, 2023)
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). The perfecting of our faith is both taught and caught. As we mature in Christ, there are truths that we learn and others that we embody or practice.
As a Black girl, I grew up attending small churches in South Carolina with my family. At several of them, young and old would sing in the choir or proclaim the good news from the pulpit.
As a child, we didn’t just recite Easter Sunday speeches; we also served as ushers. Literally, they gave us badges, and we wore uniforms as we welcomed the saints of God. When we weren’t serving, we attended Sunday school, or vacation Bible school in the summer, or sang in the children’s choir. I didn’t know a lot of Scripture then and wasn’t sure if I were saved, but I was close to God. I knew my church and our people.
I knew what was perceived as reverent behavior: sitting quietly in the pews and not being disruptive in the Lord’s house. I knew what felt normal: looking down the pew or across the aisle and seeing my grandparents, a grand aunt, my mother, a cousin or a friend who was just as true as our blood. I knew what was unacceptable or undisciplined: eating, talking or chewing gum during the service…
Read the FULL Outreach Magazine Article here: https://outreachmagazine.com/features/73663-natasha-sistrunk-robinson-learning-spiritual-rhythms.html