FAITHFUL UTTERANCES: Total Eclipse of the Heart and Soul

By Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew

Traffic has been insane. More than 500,000 people have descended upon the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to view the solar eclipse. We are in the “Path of Totality” or the area that will be directly under the moon’s shadow when it tracks across the region. People in these areas will experience total darkness. People are being warned to wear eclipse glasses to view the partial eclipse. If located in the full totality path, glasses are not needed during the full eclipse. This is so monumental because it only happens every 375 years. For just a few minutes, we will experience an event of our lifetime.

As frustrated as I am with the gridlock traffic, I’m also thinking about what would happen if we had that kind of excitement and dedication to God. What would happen if we had the kind of planning to see the solar eclipse to treat those we are around well and with kindness?

There are people everywhere, driving so erratically with their only concern being their destination, often unaware of everything going around them. This once- in-a-lifetime event is important but we would be remiss not to see the contrast of light and darkness that is around us.

Could it be that the solar eclipse is a reminder that we cannot allow darkness to drown out the light even if temporarily? The Bible reminds us that “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

For many, our lights have been dimmed or even been out for a long time. We are so focused on seeing something spectacular that we are blind to what is around us. For some, our rose-colored glasses have given us the illusion that “those” people are the problem instead of taking a deep, hard look at our faults, failures, and shortcomings.

As a society, we have accepted the darkness surrounding us:

• It is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year, and the total number varies wildly as it is very difficult to research.
• Currently, 16% of all children in the United States — 11.6 mil- lion kids total — are living in poverty. A family of four with annual earnings below $29,678 is considered poor. 8.4% or 27.6 million Americans of all ages did not have health insurance in 2022.
• The maternal mortality rate for Black women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for White women (26.6). Rates for Black women were significantly higher than rates for White and Hispanic women.
• Black people were overrepre- sented in most jails. In 2022, Black people made up 12% of the local population but 26% of the jail (not prison) population on average.
• 21% of adults in the US are il- literate in 2022. 54% of adults have literacy below sixth-grade level. 21% of Americans 18 and older are illiterate in 2022.

This list is not exhaustive but we’ve become sedated and have selective memory about what is important especially when it pertains to others. As we spend the next few days reveling in this chance of a lifetime, I hope that we see it as symbolism for what is happening in our world.

Some of our hearts and eyes are closed. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are un-healthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:21-24)

Ask yourself the following:

• What is important to you?
• Who/what has your attention the most?

Those answers will tell you about your condition and if you need an eye or heart transplant. It will also illuminate if you are filled with light or if you are experiencing an eclipse of your soul and heart.

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the President of Soulstice Consultancy, LLC and the Founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration (r2fdn.org) Foundation. The author of 4 books including Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy, Dr. Booker-Drew is also the host of the Tapestry Podcast.