Modern Faith with Neichelle Guidry

On Forgiveness

On this episode, Dr. Guidry responds to the forgiveness of Amber Guyger by Brandt Jean. We aren’t taught to access the full range of our emotions, and so, we often rush to forgiveness. This absolves us having to do the work of grappling, processing and healing from what we really feel. In reality, forgiveness, like grief, is a process. This episode is for those who witnessed the courtroom scene in which Brandt Jean forgave and embraced his brother's killer, and felt like "something wasn't quite right about" it. 

 

Resources:

Archbishop Desmond Tutu Quote: 

"To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest. It is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. These emotions are all part of being human. You should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things: the depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger.

However, when I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person. A better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred. Remaining in that state locks you in a state of victimhood, making you almost dependent on the perpetrator."

https://www.theforgivenessproject.com/desmond-tutu

 

Pastors who were cited in this episode:

Rev. Traci Blackmon

Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart

Rev. Melva Sampson, Ph.D.

 

3 Perspectives on Forgiveness:

1. Forgiveness can be a knee-jerk reaction to trauma. 

2. Many theologies of forgiveness further traumatize traumatized people.

3. There are CLEAR differences between absolution and accountability, and of these two, only one promises to yield transformation. 

 

 

The Moments: Priorities, Desire, and the Purposeful Stewardship of Time

In this episode, Dr. Guidry proposes prioritization and desire as critical tools for managing time, towards the ends of manifesting vision, savoring and embracing the present, and deepening our love of self and loved ones. If you often feel that you don't have time for the things that really matter, this episode is for you. 

Resources:

Scriptures:

John 5: 1-14 -- The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda

Job 2:25-32 -- God will restore the years

 

Randy Pausch, "Time Management" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTugjssqOT0

 

3 Pursuits that are Worthy of Your Time:

1. pursuit of health

2. pursuit of healing

3. pursuit of love 

 

3 Royal Wastes of Time

1. regretting past decisions

2. replaying broken records

3. procrastination 

 

Dr. Claudette Anderson Copeland: www.claudetteacopeland.org and www.wellnesscentersa.com. 

Soren Kierkegaard Quote: "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."

 

Neichelle's e-mail address for potential collaborators: neichelle@revneichelle.com. 

 

Speak Over Yourself: I Am Able.

In this episode, we are introducing "Speak Over Yourself," another signature format of Modern Faith. These short episodes will feature affirmations and declarations that you can use in your practices of spiritual wellness. 

An excerpt from this episode's affirmation:

'I am able. 

I am a messenger of good news. 

I am a light bearer.

I am a woman of courage, and a formidable force for justice.

I am a channel of blessings to my people. 

I am a moved by their tears and despair. 

I am not apathetic. 

I am able."

Sisterhood Saves: Breaking Bread with My Best Friend, Part 2 // Therapy, Body Image, Embracing Singleness and More

In the episode, we conclude the Breaking Bread conversation between Dr. Guidry and her best friend, Porscha. Topics that are covered in this episode include investing in yourself, going to therapy, mental and physical health and healing, body image, embracing one's single years, honing vulnerability, and noticing "green flags" in potential partners. In addition to part three of the conversation, Dr. Guidry responds to some of the positive feedback that we received for the last episode. 

Talkback Resources:

Psychology Today Directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Therapy for Black Girls: https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/

Sisterhood Saves: Breaking Bread with My Best Friend, Part 1 // Sisterhood, Relationships, Social Media, and More

In this episode, Dr. Guidry debuts 'Breaking Bread,' the signature conversation format of Modern Faith. In this conversation, she shares a meal with her best friend of over a decade, Porscha. They share insights and experiences pertaining to a range of topics, including:

Sisterhood and Spirituality

Maintaining Long Distance Friendships

Forgiveness

The critical presence of HBCU's

Relationships: Reasons, Seasons, Marriage, Divorce and Dating

Embracing Singlehood and Being Ready for Love

Engaging Social Media as Single Women

Walking in Purpose

"Sis" vs. "Sus"

 

This is part one of a two-part series. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this conversation next week!

Strategies for Spiritual Wellness

In this episode, Dr. Guidry defines spiritual wellness, discusses why it's important, and recommends a few practices, resources, and attitudes that promote the wellness of your interior life.

 

Resource List

Meditation Apps: Shine and Headspace

Book: My Soul is a Witness: African-American Women's Spirituality. Gloria Wade-Gayles, ed.

Podcasts: Truth's Table, Black Girl in Om, Homilies by Richard Rohr, T.D. Jakes' The Potters House, The Iconic Womanhood Podcast with Ekene Onu

The Clearing: Honoring Toni Morrison

In this episode, Dr. Guidry reflects on her memories of Toni Morrison, and ways that her work influences modern concepts of African-American spirituality.

Introducing Modern Faith

Welcome to Modern Faith, the premier podcast for the spiritual nourishment for today's millennial woman of color. In this episode, meet your host, Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, Ph.D. and her sister, Cloe. We'll be sharing peeks into the inspiration that you can expect to hear on the podcast. For more information on Dr. Guidry, please check out her blog at www.revneichelle.com.