LWM Blog Spot: 2025 Is Here!
- Jennifer Smalls
- Dec 31, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Living Waters Ministries Monthly Quote
“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant. I believe that even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrows.”
~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Inspiration
Sistahs, How Y’all Feelin’? Brothers, Y’all Alright?
By: Jennifer L Smalls
Here we are, already into the second month of the year and 12 days into a new administration. If we’re being honest, many of us are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or even fearful. Fear, as uncomfortable as it is, has its place. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions during uncertain times, and it’s okay to acknowledge them all.
We are undoubtedly living in turbulent times. But, if we take a step back, this really shouldn’t take us by surprise. Think about when you travel by airplane—turbulence is something you should always anticipate. Rarely does turbulence cause structural damage to the aircraft, and despite the bumps, planes usually make safe landings and take off again.
Like those airplanes, we’ve experienced turbulence throughout our history in this country. Time and time again, we’ve weathered the storms, landed safely, and soared higher than before. The challenge before us now is to find tranquility in the turbulence, calm in the chaos, and joy even in uncertain times.
Here’s some advice to help us navigate:
1. Stay Informed, But Set Boundaries.
Keep yourself abreast of current events. Be knowledgeable about policies and how politics and the economy—both at home and abroad—affect us. We have a responsibility, as functioning adults, to understand the world around us, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. But here’s the key: know what and when to tune out. Protect your peace by limiting how much you take in and being intentional about where you get your information.
2. Prioritize Spiritual Growth.
Anchor yourself in God’s Word. Ask yourself, “How does what’s happening today appear in the Bible?†The Scriptures remind us to “study to show yourself approved†(2 Timothy 2:15). Spend time seeking God’s perspective, and let His wisdom guide your thoughts and actions.
3. Invest in Your Overall Health.
Keep yourself healthy—spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. These areas of life are interconnected, and balance is key. Take care of your body, renew your mind, protect your spirit, and steward your resources wisely.
4. Center Yourself and Find Joy.
In the midst of everything happening, don’t lose sight of the things that bring you joy. Spend time with loved ones, practice gratitude, and focus on the blessings around you. Joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from a heart that is rooted in God’s peace.
Sistahs, brothers—let’s keep pressing forward. The turbulence won’t last forever. Stay grounded in faith, and remember: even when it’s bumpy, we have the assurance of a safe landing. Together, we will soar again.
News from Living Waters Ministries
Happenings Around St. Augustine
First Friday Art Walk, First Friday Art Walk takes place on the first Friday of every month, 5 pm - 9 pm exhibiting creative artworks throughout St. Augustine's fine art galleries.
First Friday Art Walk Concert Series, First Friday of each month, 6-8 p.m. This organ recital at the Cathedral Basilica in downtown St. Augustine is free and open to the public on the first Friday of every month.
Nights of Lights: This event features a parade, special events, tours, and a ballet. The season begins with Light Up Night on November 23rd - January 26th 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Breakfast :
The Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee of St. Johns County hosts St. Augustine's 40th Annual Commemorative Event on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to celebrate the memory of Dr. King and his great influence in the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. The breakfast takes place at Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown Hotel at 6 West Castillo Drive.
The 2025 commemoration breakfast theme, is this quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "The time is always right to do what is right." Daryl D. Parks, Esq, from the Parks Law Firm in Tallahassee, Florida will be the speaker. An attorney, Mr. Parks is an advocate and activist for civil rights, and lives by the personal motto: “Advocate for the least of these.”
Tickets are $55.20 with all fees, and can be purchased online.
Silent March: Silent March and Program
Monday, January 20, 2025 - 9:00 am
(Silent March to leave from 86 MLK Avenue and process to the Plaza de la Constitucion)
Plaza Speaker: Pastor E. Chris Washington
Beacon Light Community Church
Panama City, FL
Vocalist Aki Uawanda Featuring Taylor Roberts on Guitar: Saturday, January 25th 7:30PM St. Augustine Waterworks, 184 San Marco Avenue.
The Romanza Festivale presents Romanza's Collage Concert Series on select Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Augustine Waterworks.
A classically trained jazz singer, Ms. Uwanda was raised in Northeast Florida. Her debut album was released in 2017 and has original songs and jazz classics.
Akia Uwanda favors jazz and soul tunes with sultry vocals and sings original songs and jazz favorites. Uwanda's voice ranges from low alto to high soprano. She is well-known for her vocal abilities, phrasing, and stage presence.
Admission: $25.00 per person. For tickets and more information, go here.
365BLACK~ Black History Facts
New Year’s Reflections: A Journey Through Watch Night and Hiring Day
As the New Year approaches, it’s a time of celebration, reflection, and hope for many. For African Americans, this season carries a deep historical resonance, rooted in traditions like Watch Night and the bittersweet legacy of “Hiring Day.” Together, these moments offer a lens into the resilience of a community that has turned pain into purpose and transformed history into inspiration.
The tradition of Watch Night holds special significance in African American culture. While it originated in the 18th century as a Christian practice of covenant renewal, it gained profound meaning on December 31, 1862—“Freedom’s Eve.” Enslaved African Americans gathered in churches and homes, anxiously awaiting the moment the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect on January 1, 1863. That night was filled with prayer, hope, and the anticipation of freedom, as millions longed for a future without bondage. Today, Watch Night services continue to honor this history, blending worship, music, and reflection to welcome the New Year with gratitude and purpose.
Yet, not all New Year’s traditions of the past are cause for celebration. For enslaved individuals, January 1 was also known as “Hiring Day” or “Heartbreak Day.” It marked the time when enslavers would lease out enslaved people, often separating families in the process. Contracts were negotiated, debts were settled, and human lives were treated as commodities. For many, New Year’s Day was a time of dread, uncertainty, and unimaginable sorrow. This painful chapter of history reminds us of the resilience and strength of those who endured such hardships, holding on to hope even in the face of profound injustice.
Despite the weight of these histories, African Americans have reclaimed the New Year as a time of renewal and progress. From Watch Night services to family traditions like preparing black-eyed peas and collard greens for luck and prosperity, the New Year has become a celebration of freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. By honoring the struggles of the past, these traditions inspire us to embrace the future with purpose and determination.
As we step into another year, let us carry the lessons of Watch Night and Hiring Day with us. They remind us of the power of faith, the importance of community, and the enduring spirit of those who came before us. In the face of adversity, they chose to hope, to believe, and to fight for a better tomorrow. Their legacy challenges us to do the same—building a future rooted in unity, justice, and innovation.
This New Year, as you reflect on your journey and set your intentions, take a moment to honor the history that has shaped us. Let the courage of the past inspire your present and guide your steps into the future. May we all find strength in our shared stories and move forward with hope, resilience, and a renewed commitment to progress. Happy New Year!
WELLNESS
Wellness for 2025: Living Your Best Life
As we step into 2025, let’s challenge ourselves to prioritize our health—mind, body, and soul. True wellness begins with knowing where you stand and taking intentional steps toward better health in every area of your life.
Know Your Numbers
Start by checking your physical health. Knowing critical numbers like blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol, and BMI gives you a snapshot of your overall health. Regular check-ups and health screenings are essential tools to ensure you’re on track. Make this the year you stay informed about your health status and make necessary lifestyle changes.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Caring for yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary. When flying, the safety instructions remind us to put on our oxygen mask first before assisting others. The same principle applies in life: if you’re not well—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—you can’t be the support others need. Take time to eat balanced meals, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and hydrate well. A healthier you is a better gift to everyone around you.
Check Your Spiritual Health
Your spiritual health is the foundation of true wellness. Put God first in everything, and all good things will follow (Matthew 6:33). Make time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Let this be the year you rest in His promises and trust Him with every worry and care.
Mental and Emotional Health
Don’t allow stress to steal your joy or peace. Worrying about things you cannot control only weighs you down. Cast your cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and focus on what you can control. Practice gratitude, engage in uplifting conversations, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling emotionally.
Financial Wellness
Your financial health is also part of the wellness equation. Budget wisely, save for the future, and avoid unnecessary debt. Remember to honor God with your finances, including your tithes, as an act of trust and obedience.
Principles for Good Health in 2025
1. Eat Mindfully: Incorporate whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your diet. Limit processed foods and sugary drinks.
2. Move More: Regular physical activity strengthens your body and mind. Find an activity you enjoy—walking, dancing, or gardening—and make it part of your routine.
3. Rest Well: Prioritize sleep to allow your body to recover and rejuvenate. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest each night.
4. Stay Hydrated: Water is essential for every function in your body. Drink plenty throughout the day.
5. Build Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your journey to wellness.
As we embrace the new year, let’s commit to better health—physically, spiritually, mentally, and financially. When we take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to care for others and fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Let 2025 be the year we thrive!
Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.
Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365
An Inspired Speech in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were still alive today, I believe he would stand before us with the same unwavering conviction and hope that marked his life’s work. He would remind us that our struggles, while great, are not insurmountable. He would speak to our disappointments and fears, offering words to reignite our courage and determination.
In the face of a disappointing election and the challenges that lie ahead, Dr. King would encourage us to remember the power of unity, love, and nonviolence. His words would serve as a clarion call to action, urging us to protect freedom, justice, and democracy—not as distant ideals, but as achievable goals through steadfast faith and collective effort.
I believe he would encourage us with these words:
My friends, in this moment, when the winds of change feel still, and the outcomes of an election leave many disheartened, let us not forget that history calls upon us to act with courage and faith. The road to justice, to freedom, and to democracy has never been easy, but it has always been worth it.
We stand here today as heirs to the great promise of democracy, a promise that declares all people are created equal and endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet, we know too well that this promise remains unfulfilled for many. We have seen setbacks before, and we will see them again, but I remind you of this: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Disappointment is not defeat, my friends. Disappointment is merely the soil from which greater determination can grow. Yes, the results of this election may seem to signal a moment of despair, but I say to you, do not let your heart be troubled. For the work of justice is not tied to one moment, one leader, or one outcome. It is tied to us, to our hands and our hearts, and to the enduring spirit of truth and love.
We must remember the power of nonviolence, the very spirit that this year’s theme, Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365, calls us to embody. Nonviolence is not weakness; it is strength. It is the force that resists hate with love, that meets fear with courage, and that transforms despair into hope.
Some may ask, “What can we do now? How do we press on after this defeat?” I say to you what I have said before: “The time is always right to do what is right.” Justice is not a seasonal pursuit. It does not ebb and flow with the tides of elections. Justice is a constant demand, and we must meet that demand with unrelenting faith and unwavering action.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere, and so we must continue to fight for the soul of our democracy. Project 2025 and other challenges before us are not immovable mountains. They are tests of our resolve, reminders that the moral arc of the universe does not bend toward justice by itself. It bends because of our hands, our voices, and our feet marching together.
And so, I urge you today to renew your commitment to this mission. To protect freedom, justice, and democracy, we must unite in love. Not in the cheap sentimentality of words alone, but in the deep and abiding love that sees every human being as worthy, every voice as valuable, and every life as sacred.
Let us move forward, not with bitterness but with determination. Let us organize, educate, and advocate with the fierce urgency of now. Let us remember that “change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.”
Do not grow weary, my friends, for the work we do today is not just for us but for generations yet unborn. Let them look back and say of us, “They were tired, but they kept marching. They were discouraged, but they kept believing. They were opposed on every side, but they kept building.”
This mission is possible. The victory is sure. And together, in the spirit of Nonviolence365, we shall overcome.
May God bless you, and may He continue to bless the work of freedom, justice, and democracy.
"I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over. The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few, but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend upon it."
—Inaugural address as Governor of Georgia. (Carter Presidential Library)
Remembering Jimmy Carter: A President of Humility and Heart
James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th President of the United States (1977–1981), was a man of extraordinary compassion and humility. Born in the small town of Plains, Georgia, he came from modest beginnings and carried those values with him throughout his life.
President Carter made history as the longest-living U.S. president, reaching the remarkable milestone of 100 years. Yet, his legacy is not just defined by his longevity but by his unwavering dedication to serving others.
To me, he embodied what it meant to lead a Christ-centered life. His presidency and post-presidential work resonated deeply with the “least of us,” consistently reflecting care for the community and a commitment to justice and peace. His kind and humble spirit was a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of service and empathy in leadership.
Jimmy Carter was more than a president—he was a servant leader who exemplified love in action. He will be remembered not just for his accomplishments, but for the heart and humanity he brought to the world.
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