LWM Blog Spot: March 2025

Living Waters Ministries Monthly Quote

“Trust yourself. Think for yourself. Act for yourself. Speak for yourself. Be yourself".

~Marva Collins

Inspiration

God Commands Us to Rest

By: Jennifer L. Smalls

In today’s s fast-paced world, rest is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. We glorify busyness, wear exhaustion like a badge of honor, and push ourselves to the limit. But from the very beginning, God established a different rhythm - one that includes rest.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, rest is a verb, meaning: to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. It is an intentional act, not an afterthought. In fact, God Himself modeled this principle for us. After six days of creation, He rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). Not because He was tired - He is all-powerful - but to set an example for us to follow.

Rest is not just a suggestion; it is a command. In Exodus 20:8-10, God instructs us to observe the Sabbath, a holy day of rest. This command is not about idleness but about obedience, renewal, and trust. When we rest, we acknowledge that our strength comes from God, not just from our own efforts. We surrender our need to be in control and allow Him to restore us.

Resting allows us to refresh our bodies, minds, and spirits. It puts us in a place of peace, where we can hear God more clearly and experience His presence more deeply. It is in the stillness that we find strength (Isaiah 30:15).

Rest is freeing. It releases us from the pressures of performance and reminds us that we are human, not machines. It is an act of faith, showing that we trust God to sustain us even when we pause from our labor.

Rest is self-care and self-love. When we take time to rest, we honor the temple God has given us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We show gratitude for the life He has blessed us with by caring for ourselves holistically - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

So as we enter into a season of Lent, let's make rest a priority and take a deep breath. Step away from the chaos. Give yourself permission to rest. God commands it, not to burden you, but to bless you. In rest, you will find renewal, strength, and the refreshing peace that only He can give.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

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.

"I Lived Here, As Well: Going Home"Tour at Ximenez-Fato House Museum: February 6th - March 1st, 10:00 AM at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, 20 Aviles Street, $25 admission.

Here the unique perspectives of male and female enslaved person in this 60 minute tour highlighting life during and after slavery. The tour is led by costumed actors and includes full access to the museum's three floors. www.ximemezfatiohouse.org/tours

"Where We Stand" Photography by Lenny Foster at First Coast Cultural Center: Thursday, February 6th - Thursday March 27th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the First Coast Cultural Center, 6000 Sawgrass Village Cir. #B, Admission is Free.

Where we stand by Lenny Foster is an evocative exhibition inspired by the artist's move to St. Augustine Florida and the historic neighborhood of Lincolnville.

"Fort Mose 1738" Fashion Pop Up: February7th - March 7th, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, St. Augustine Art Association, 22 Marine St, Admission is free.

A display of bold, contemporary textiles, and clothing created by artisans in Accra, Ghana connects individuals to their heritage by highlighting African prints and a kaleidoscope of colors.

42nd St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival: Saturday, March 29th ( 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM) - Sunday, March 30th, 2025 (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM). The annual St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival features a variety of seafood dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and family activities. Offers an array of seafood dishes - such as lobster, crawfish, scallops, and shrimp - and cuisines from other cultures and regions. Features live music, an arts and crafts village, a plant sale, and axe throwing.

Admission: $10.00 per person, children 12 and younger are free, pay cash at gate.

Where: Francis Field, 25 W. Castillo Drive.

365BLACK~ Black History Facts

Bloody Sunday: The Bridge Between Then and Now

On March 7, 1965, a group of courageous activists set out from Selma, Alabama, marching for their fundamental right to vote. Led by figures like John Lewis and Hosea Williams, they walked with determination, fully aware of the dangers ahead. As they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were met with brutal force—state troopers armed with clubs and tear gas attacked the peaceful demonstrators. The harrowing images of Bloody Sunday shocked the nation, shedding light on the pervasive racial injustices of the time.

This pivotal moment galvanized support for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark achievement in the Civil Rights Movement. However, nearly six decades later, the struggle for equality and justice persists, manifesting in new forms that echo the past.

Modern-Day Voter Suppression

In recent years, several states have enacted laws that disproportionately affect Black voters and other marginalized communities. For instance, by September 2024, at least nine states had passed 18 restrictive voting laws, marking the second-highest number in over a decade. These laws include stringent voter ID requirements, reductions in early voting periods, and purges of voter rolls, all of which can suppress voter turnout among communities of color.

Additionally, felony disenfranchisement continues to be a significant issue. As of 2024, approximately four million Americans were unable to vote due to felony convictions, with a disproportionate impact on Black communities.

Censorship of Black History

Parallel to voter suppression efforts are attempts to censor Black history in educational institutions. Since 2021, at least 18 states have imposed bans or restrictions on teaching topics related to race and gender. For example, Florida garnered national attention after officials banned the College Board’s AP African American Studies course and introduced new standards that controversially suggested enslaved people benefited from certain skills acquired during slavery.

These actions not only distort historical truths but also aim to marginalize Black contributions to American history, perpetuating systemic oppression.

The Ongoing Fight for Justice

The challenges we face today—voter suppression and the erasure of Black history—are modern iterations of the same struggles confronted by the heroes of Bloody Sunday. Just as they marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to demand justice, we too must persist in our efforts to protect voting rights and ensure that the rich tapestry of Black history is accurately and fully taught.

The bridge in Selma stands as more than a historical landmark; it symbolizes an ongoing fight for equality and justice. Bloody Sunday is not merely a chapter in our past—it is a call to action for our present and future.

How will we respond?

WELLNESS

Rest as Wellness: Honoring the National Day of Rest for Black Women

Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. In a world that often equates productivity with worth, Black women have historically been expected to carry the weight of families, communities, and movements while sacrificing their own well-being. The National Day of Rest for Black Women, observed on March 10th, serves as a powerful reminder that rest is not just self-care—it is an act of resistance and wellness.

Why Rest Matters

Rest is a fundamental pillar of health. It impacts mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical well-being. The chronic stress of navigating systemic inequities, racial disparities, and daily microaggressions contributes to increased rates of hypertension, heart disease, and mental health struggles among Black women. Rest—whether through sleep, stillness, or intentional breaks—is a vital tool for reclaiming wellness.

The Cultural Expectation of “Strong Black Women”

The “Strong Black Woman” stereotype often glorifies resilience at the expense of well-being. While strength is admirable, the expectation that Black women must always endure, push through exhaustion, and prioritize others over themselves is harmful. March 10th challenges this notion, inviting Black women to prioritize themselves unapologetically.

Rest as Resistance

Rest is a radical act in a society that values overwork. Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, emphasizes that rest is a tool for liberation. By choosing to rest, Black women reject the exploitation of their labor and embrace a life of ease, joy, and restoration.

How to Honor the National Day of Rest for Black Women

1. Give Yourself Permission to Rest – Whether it’s taking a nap, enjoying a quiet moment, or engaging in a restful activity, prioritize your well-being.

2. Unplug from Stress – Step away from social media, work emails, and the demands of others to focus on your own needs.

3. Engage in Healing Practices – Meditation, journaling, listening to music, or spending time in nature can help rejuvenate the mind and body.

4. Set Boundaries – Say no without guilt. Protecting your energy is an essential part of self-care.

5. Encourage Collective Rest – Support and uplift other Black women by reminding them to rest and take care of themselves.

A Call to Action

This National Day of Rest is more than a moment—it is a movement. While March 10th serves as a designated day, the conversation around Black women’s rest and wellness must extend beyond a single date. Rest is a right, not a reward. It is time to embrace rest as a pathway to healing, longevity, and joy.

How will you honor your need for rest today? Let’s continue to normalize and celebrate rest—not just for one day, but every day.

Celebrating Women's History Month

Trailblazers in Education: Honoring Mary McLeod Bethune & Marva Collins

As we observe Women’s History Month 2025, we embrace the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme honors the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership, shaping the minds and futures of all generations. Among these remarkable women, Mary McLeod Bethune and Marva Collins stand out as pioneers who transformed education and left an indelible mark on society.

Mary McLeod Bethune: Architect of Opportunity

Born in 1875 to parents who were formerly enslaved, Mary McLeod Bethune understood early on that education was the key to liberation. In 1904, with just $1.50 and an unshakable vision, she founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, which later became Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune’s influence extended beyond the classroom; she was a trusted advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, served as the director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration, and founded the National Council of Negro Women. Her tireless advocacy for equal education, voting rights, and economic opportunities for Black Americans has left a legacy of empowerment that continues to inspire.

Marva Collins: Revolutionary Educator

Marva Collins, born in 1936, was a visionary educator who redefined the possibilities of learning, particularly for underserved Black students. Frustrated by the limitations of the public school system, she founded Westside Preparatory School in Chicago in 1975, using her own savings to create an enriching educational environment for students labeled as “unteachable.” Collins rejected the notion that children from low-income backgrounds couldn’t excel. Her rigorous, classical curriculum emphasized critical thinking, self-discipline, and a love for learning. Under her guidance, students who had previously struggled academically went on to achieve remarkable success, with many attending top universities. Her groundbreaking methods have influenced educators nationwide.

Their Enduring Legacy

Bethune and Collins were more than educators—they were revolutionaries who used knowledge as a tool for liberation. Today, as we continue to fight for equitable access to education, their work reminds us that one person’s dedication can transform countless lives. Their legacies live on in every student who refuses to settle for less, in every teacher who pushes beyond limitations, and in every leader who believes in the power of education to uplift communities.

This Women’s History Month, let’s honor these pioneers by continuing their mission—ensuring that education remains a right, not a privilege, for all.

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