During hard times, we can keep our faith by finding the sweetness in life. This was our ancestors’ sacred superpower. Even under the worst oppression, they still laughed, danced, sang, prayed, loved, and gathered together. Psalm 81:16 describes this sweetness as finding “honey in the rock.”
All through the bible, honey is a metaphor for God’s sweetness, blessings, and spiritual satisfaction. The rock could symbolize hardship or unyielding systems of oppression. Finding “honey in the rock” teaches us that we can be sustained by God’s love during difficult times. Our unyielding faith in God will bring us continued “honey” in the midst of hardship.
Even when faced with oppressive systems, we still have the power to seek and share in God’s abundant love. God’s love for us is like delicious honey. Part of having faith means we also aim to exercise God’s love daily.
How can we be the “honey” in the rocks of anti-Black systems and institutions? Love is our most powerful form of resistance.
Our ancestors knew Black love and community were integral to their survival. Our spiritual resilience depends on maintaining the sweetness of our love practices. Let’s aim to be the honey in the rock.