Collective Wisdom of Black Women
During difficulties or adverse circumstances, such as the COVID-19, we can become engulfed in the ever-evolving consequences, transitions, and policy protocols. When we feel inundated and overwhelmed, the invitation to stand still increases in significance. The value and necessity of standing still during adversity emerged as an important finding in my empirical research on resilience.
Middle and older Black women emphasized that standing still is not synonymous with inactivity or immobility. Rather, it is inclusive of three interconnected and mutually influencing properties of reflective listening, reflective responding, and reflective waiting.
Reflective listening is best understood as taking time to be still long enough for the Voice inside (the still small voice) to “lead you where God wants you to go.”
Whereas, reflective responding involves quieting thoughts that trigger doubts and fears or limit possibilities. It is allowing the Voice inside to guide and give a clear understanding of what is happening around you. Additionally, it is "perusing the land like a surveyor in non-reactive way & figuring out a strategy.
In contrast, reflective waiting consists of being present with an openness to receive something. "In moments of waiting, things just seem to happen." Thus it is important to “wait in expectancy and be open to receive what God has for us,” knowing that blessings invariably flow into our lives regardless of adversity or hardship, including COVID-19.
The ongoing challenge is for us to establish the practice of reflectively listening, responding, and waiting as difficulties come in and out of our lives.
The attributes of standing still reduce risks of reactionary behavior and they offer us a sense of equanimity in the midst of turbulence. Hoping you find comfort and peace in the midst of life storms.