As February unfolds its pages of frost into blooms of introspection and celebration, we embrace Black History Month with reverence and joy. It's a poignant time to reflect on the rich tapestry of history woven by African American individuals and to honor the impactful contributions of African-descent ministries within the ELCA. In the spirit of this special month, I will share weekly resources to celebrate the vibrant voices, resilient spirits, and deep faith that African descent authors and ministry leaders bring to our church and society.​

God’s Holy Darkness is a children's book that emerges as a spiritual and visual odyssey, rebuffing the traditional dark/light dichotomy pervasive in religious teachings. The book is an artistic and theological collaboration between writer and podcaster Beckah Selnick, Master of Divinity candidate Sharei Green, and illustrator and ELCA African Descent Ministries program director Nicolette Peñaranda. Through its pages, the book seeks to redefine darkness, framing it as a symbol of beauty, creativity, power, and boldness. Rather than casting darkness in a negative light, God's Holy Darkness celebrates the divine works accomplished during the nights of biblical history. Selnick, Green, and Peñaranda have collectively infused the narrative with a sense of partnership, inclusion, and cultural richness.

Beckah Selnick initiated this project inspired by her mother, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s reflections, and with a keen awareness of her role as an ally in telling this story. She partnered with Sharei Green to ensure the narrative was shaped authentically, echoing a voice that had long been absent from public conversations around race and faith. Illustrator Nicolette Peñaranda envisioned a God with feminine, robust, and majestic qualities – a God with "hips wide enough to birth the universe" and "hair that flows through the night sky", challenging the conventional representations of the divine being. The narratives chosen for God's Holy Darkness feature familiar biblical tales, intended to guide readers towards a renewed understanding of Scripture, where darkness has always been an evident and potent presence. The stories are not obscure but are major scriptural milestones that naturally draw attention to God’s presence in the darkness, inviting a broader interpretation of these well-known events.

For Lutherans and broader readership alike, this book presents an opportunity to transcend the fetters of anti-Black theology and to discover the sacredness inherent in darkness and blackness. It encourages dismantling the simplified binaries that too often govern our spiritual and societal perspectives. Authors of the book hope it will serve as a transformative tool – celebrating the diversity within sacred texts and inviting children, especially those of African descent, to see their blackness as beautiful and divine. The wish is for this book to become a staple in homes and Sunday schools, offering an affirmation of God's love for every hue and a potent counter-narrative to the fear of darkness.

​God's Holy Darkness is more than just a children's story—it is an invitation to embrace and celebrate the sacredness of darkness. It aims to nurture a generation that finds holiness and goodness in blackness and night, reshaping how we approach the divine and each other in the subtle glow of God's nocturnal wonderland.

The Reverend Dr. John K.Luoma's new book, Saddlebag Preacher, an illuminating exploration into the life and legacy of the Reverend John Stough, hailed as the Father of Lutheranism in Ohio. This book marks the first comprehensive exploration of Stough's life and ministry, presenting Stough's original autobiography, allowing readers to hear his compelling narrative in "his voice" for the first time.
 
John Stough's remarkable contributions to the expansion of Lutheranism in the Ohio frontier are celebrated in this fitting tribute. He not only established numerous congregations across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio but also played a pivotal role in mentoring the early Lutheran pastors of the frontier. Notably, Stough stands as the central figure in the establishment of Ohio's first Lutheran synod.
 
To further enrich the reader's experience, Saddlebag Preacher includes a comprehensive discussion guide. This valuable resource is designed to assist in gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate history of Lutheranism in Ohio. Whether exploring the book individually or as a group, the discussion guide provides insights and prompts that encourage meaningful reflections, fostering a greater appreciation for the legacy of Reverend John Stough.


"This book has been dedicated to the descendants of John Stough, the congregation of the former Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Youngstown, Ohio, the people of Northeastern, Northwestern, and Southern Ohio Synods, the ELCA, and all the heirs of the missionary efforts of the Reverend John Stough."​

Seculosity by David Zahl delves deep into our contemporary obsession with productivity, self-improvement, and the pursuit of happiness, skillfully dissecting how our society has replaced traditional religious beliefs with new secular 'religions' centered around work, fitness, and social media

As a mother of two toddlers, I found this book surprisingly relatable, speaking to the challenges of navigating modern motherhood amidst societal expectations and the constant pursuit of perfection. Balancing my identity, self-worth, and a fulfilling career in the midst of these pressures often feels overwhelming.​

Zahl's book provided much-needed solace by shedding light on the shared struggles we face, urging us to acknowledge the external pressures, embrace our imperfections, and seek meaning beyond societal expectations and the curated facade of social media. Through insightful cultural analysis and heartfelt personal anecdotes, Zahl prompts readers to reevaluate their pursuits, encouraging a deeper exploration of the true sources of meaning in our lives with the grace of God. Seculosity becomes not just a critique of societal pressures but a guiding light, leading readers toward a profound understanding of grace, self-acceptance, and the authentic pursuit of fulfillment in our complex, modern lives.

I recently read How (Not) to Save the World: The Truth About Revealing God’s Love to the People Right Next to You by Hosanna Wong. I was deeply impressed by the powerful message of this book. It was a great reminder that when it comes to making a difference in the world, it often starts with those closest to us.

Wong's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, and she draws on a variety of personal experiences to illustrate her points. She encourages readers to move outside of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to make a difference in their local communities in tangible ways. She also emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of oneself so we can serve others.​

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to make a difference in the world, but who may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Wong provides practical advice and guidance on how to take small steps and make a difference in the lives of those around us.