Surrounded by my fellow new peers and classmates in a circle, I allowed myself to be in a vulnerable position, to be open and humbled so that as we began this journey together there were no questions or barriers between us. I spoke what it meant to be an African-American woman not only in this city, but within our church family and more personally our LSTC community. Diversity is, and will always continue to be a hot topic in this part of the world yet, if we are to come together and commune with the Holy Spirit in fellowship, worship and prayer, then we must respect each other’s path; respect our ancestries and the shoulders of those we stand on and the responsibility of honoring them.
There are many who feel that multiculturalism is not important—and as I expressed to my 30 new sisters and brothers, that for those who express disregard or displeasure it is because they have no sense of where they have come from.
Yet, in God’s eyes we are not different and even here, no matter what label you bear—M. Div., M.A. or Advanced Studies student; first year, intern or finishing a dissertation—one thing is clear. We have been called to God’s Mission, spreading God’s love and mercy through Word and Sacrament, through passing of the peace and raising our voices in praises and song. Regardless of where we come from, we are all beloved children of the Most High, of the Creator, of God.
--Kwame Pitts
Kwame Pitts hails from Chicago and worships at Zion Lutheran Church where she has joyfully served as a deacon to working with middle and high school youth. Excited about starting as a M.Div, she will continue to explore her passions of youth and outdoor ministry and “allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my steps.” She also enjoys writing poetry, reading, her family and celebrating life. Kwame is married to Robert, a teacher and photographer and lives in Seminary housing with her two children.
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