Horizons: January/February 2020

Toni Morrison’s novels offer pro-found (and lyrical) insights on life and the way people relate to one another. In Song of Solomon, Hagar is nearly driven mad by her unrequited love for Milkman. Milkman’s friend, Guitar, tries to pull Hagar back to reality, saying “You’re turning over your whole life to him. Your whole life, girl. And if it means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to him, then why should it mean any more to him? He can’t value you more than you value yourself” (306).

The quest to achieve a healthy self-image is indeed a lifelong balancing act. Young children shift from emphatic declarations about their talents (“I’m the best colorer/bubble-blower/door holder.”) to, as young adults, questioning their skills and talents (“I’m not as fast/smart/popular as she is.”). Not that adults swing back and forth any less. We find a relationship/job/avocation that gives us stability/purpose/focus . . . until it doesn’t, and our self-worth dips as we try to steady ourselves and recalibrate our sense of self.

In this issue, contributors explore the many ways we engage with the world and people in it. Sometimes, that means respecting ourselves enough to realize that we have valuable contributions to offer. Anna Kendig offers helpful insights for growing in self-awareness, especially when we are uncomfortable. The spiritual practices she suggests are excellent touchpoints for ensuring we treat ourselves and others with the respect all God’s children deserve.

Other times, engaging faithfully with the world means having the humility to stand quietly and listen. abby mohaupt models this somber reflection as she considers our world’s environmental crisis. Still other times, it means appreciating other people’s valuable contributions. Catrelia Hunter shares how PW in Salem Presbytery have committed to this through various antiracism and racial equity initiatives. Above all, it means, as Danilie Hilerio-Villanueva suggests in the Bible study resource, setting aside assumptions about who is right, so that we can respect and celebrate God’s diverse, wonderful world.