Good morning, Lindas and Luthers! Today, I want to dive into a topic that has become increasingly controversial in our society— the struggle within the Christian community concerning politics. We often find ourselves going through a complicated time where faith meets political agendas. It’s a conversation that can stir up strong feelings and even divide communities, but it’s important we address it openly and honestly.  The Role of the Church in Politics For many Christians, the church has been a... Read more

**Faith & Fundraising: Insights from Dr. Janell Harvey** Welcome to another edition of Listen Linda Speaks! I’m thrilled to be back after a refreshing break, ready to share some inspiring conversations centered around faith, perseverance, and community support. The other day, I had a heartfelt discussion with the incredible Dr. Janell Harvey, who shed light on the transformative power of our minds and the potential within us all. In our conversation, we tackled a pressing question: How do we break... Read more

  As we celebrate National Friendship Day, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the true nature of friendship, especially in a world that often blurs the lines between genuine connections and superficial bonds. In our journey through life, just like the character Diamond in “Chicago Diamond in Da Ruff,” we encounter a variety of relationships that can shape our experiences, beliefs, and ultimately, our destiny.   Diamond’s story is a vivid reminder of the importance of discerning the quality... Read more

As spiritual leaders, we often pour our hearts and souls into our communities and our ministry. However, this dedication can sometimes lead us to experience feelings of exhaustion or a lack of motivation. Two terms that frequently come from that in these conversations are “burnout” and “uninspired.” While they might sound similar, they represent different challenges that can significantly affect our faith journey and ability to lead.   **Understanding Burnout in Faith Leadership**   Burnout is a state of deep... Read more

In today’s world, social media has become an inseparable part of our lives, blurring the lines between our real and virtual realities. However, I will say that it is crucial to reflect on the role that social media plays in shaping our perception of reality. Is it just a tool for connection and communication, or does it have a more significant impact on our lives? In this column, I want to speak on the influence of social media and explore... Read more

In our journey of faith, we often encounter situations where we need to discern between engaging in spiritual warfare and advocating for what is right. It can be challenging to determine when it’s time to be still and let God fight the battle, and when it’s appropriate to actively participate as a soldier in His army and advocate. This specific article I hope to provide guidance on understanding the difference between spiritual warfare and advocacy, learning to be quiet, and... Read more

  In today’s rapidly changing world, the influence of religion on the younger generation is a topic of extreme importance. Many folks have experienced either growing up religious, where religion played a central role in their upbringing, or growing up in religion, where they were exposed to religious practices without necessarily embracing them fully. This Listen Linda Speaks column aims to explore the impact of these two distinct experiences on the outcome and perspectives of the newer generation. Let’s Understand... Read more

Finding Faith and Empowerment Speaking Truth from a Religious Perspective   What if the narrative you’ve been told about Black women’s education was disrupted and rewritten by the very women it aims to define? That’s exactly what my guest, Jen Franks Ahaghotu, the founder of Disruptive Truth LLC, is doing with her groundbreaking project, Black Women World Record. I spoke with Jen and we went on to navigate this transformative journey, honoring Black women’s academic achievements, and challenging society and... Read more

In our pursuit of spiritual growth and guidance, we often look to religious leaders for wisdom, support, and inspiration. However, there are instances where individuals misuse their position of influence for personal gain, taking advantage of vulnerable individuals seeking direction in their lives. This article aims to shed light on the issue of fraudulent Christian leaders, not only pastors but also those who claim religious affiliation solely for financial gain. By examining their tactics and discussing the impact of their... Read more

Today I attended church and the Pastor spoke on REST. It spoke volumes to me and my husband on our work ethic and how we feel that “no days off” will somehow prove to God our obedience. So imagine how we felt when Pastor David Winston of Living Word Christian Center in Oak Park IL burst our bubble when he in fact told us we are doing the opposite. In fact, he stated that this fast-paced and demanding world, finding... Read more