Why Holiday Traditions Should Be Reimagined- Part 2

Written By Itoro E. Udofia

NOTE: This is Part 2 of a 2 Part Series. Review previous post for Part 1.

This holiday season there are ways to integrate God into your gratitude story.

On the way to the store for the third time for that missing ingredient, or while waiting for the dough to rise there is time. Grab a cup of cider or tea and breathe in. Revel in the experiences that made you stronger and wiser. Become aware of the abundant streams of grace that wash over you.

Storytelling is an ancient art form. Within the biblical context it’s a form of teaching that we were commanded to do to preserve significant values communicated by God. (Deuteronomy 6:7, Deuteronomy 11)

Share your story.

How you share matters:

-Consider your audience. Share what is age appropriate and relevant.

-Seek to remain informal and carry a conversational tone.

-Provide an overview, highlight key points, and remain vulnerable.

-Focus on the character attributes of God and highlight the main lesson.

-Parallel your story to a similar story in the bible.

-Seek feedback on how the story impacted your listener.

-Create room for questions and space to listen. Perhaps your listener has a story of their own to share.

Build new traditions. Reimagine old traditions.

Break bread. Try a new recipe, one that highlights your cultural heritage and celebrates the diversity of those you’ll commune with.

Go to the kid table and engage with children in a new way. While feasting, playing games or shopping use your words. Share your story. Be the one to orchestrate change, allow your holiday traditions to be reimagined. 

Why Holiday Traditions Should Be Reimagined- Part 1

Written By Itoro E. Udofia

 Traditions within a family are powerful threads that hold all things together. Defined as an “inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior.” Tradition is also the “handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.” (Merriam-Webster)

The key element, the area of focus is that there is always an opportunity to write something extraordinary on the pages of history when we gather.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday. For some it’s one that harbors complex emotional experiences. A celebration birthed on the backs of a traumatic past. For others, it’s merely a time to connect with those most cherished and highly regarded…family. Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum this remains true, there can be redemptive qualities that pierce through the shadows and shine bright leaving a pathway for the next generation. Hope remains. The key element, the area of focus is that there is always an opportunity to write something extraordinary on the pages of history when we gather.

You may find yourself going through the motions for the sake of tradition. Observe your interactions. Be a cultural archivist. Ask yourself, how long has this tradition been in existence? When did it start and what are the underlying themes or values expressed? Upon reflecting exercise your liberty to curate something new.

Why should holiday traditions be reimagined? Only to make room for the expression of holy moments that remain dormant and lie just below the surface.

A common practice is to gather around a table, with joined hands and open hearts. Within a few minutes young and old express gratitude for various high points throughout the year. Some brave souls are willing to divulge challenges experienced while others share what’s safe and familiar. Gratitude for basic needs like health, shelter and food are endearing and welcome. But perhaps there’s more. Following a global pandemic and uncertain times there must be room for more. Space for vulnerability to sing its song, harmonizing with the chorus of personal growth and rising on the bridge of spiritual awakening.

More than being grateful for a circumstance or outcome, the challenge is to express in greater measure the capacity for whom you are grateful. As a person of faith, the “whom” is Jesus Christ. An invitation to use your words and highlight the attributes of God that point to Him as the source of needs met. Along with combing through recipes and gathering necessary ingredients for your traditional meals this holiday season, find ways to integrate God into your gratitude story.

Three Actions For Women After Watching The Film Kingdom Men Rising

I watched the film Kingdom Men Rising, a documentary produced by Tony Evans Films on Monday, April 29th.  It’s Wednesday May 1st and I’m still in deep thought. This position of reflection has everything to do with the way the topics of marriage, parenting, church culture, discipleship, accountability and mentorship were displayed. Everyone was challenged to do something with the life given to them. To be intentional with becoming a kingdom man. To rediscover their purpose in relation to God and embrace the mandate of impacting the next generation.

As a woman soaking in the experiences of various men featured in the film, I was privileged to behold such vulnerability. I felt as if I was invited into the man cave and asked to stay for a while. Such care and tact around sensitive topics fueled my curiosity to learn more. Beyond collecting another experience of great content in the form of film I wanted to make a commitment to act on what I knew.  How can women respond to Kingdom Men Rising?  What role can we play in the development of kingdom men? 

While men walk through life and navigate their self -concept amid cultural expectations, single and married women can play their part in facilitating this growth process.

Three actions women can take in response to the film:

Create Moments of Impact:

In the varied atmospheres you find yourself, you are surrounded by men. Take notice of what you see. The character attributes of a kingdom man are on display. Make a choice to acknowledge those who show up and engage in life with intention. Your words are powerful and can produce life. Use them wisely.

Show Up Differently:

Choose to communicate needs and expectations clearly and often. Men are given the opportunity to respond when those around them engage authentically. When your needs and expectations align with christian values and support a kingdom agenda you can reinforce the characteristics of a Kingdom man.    

Look For Treasure:

Stories are a passport to the future. Hold on to the legacy of men who’ve come before you. Consider christian men whose lives can inspire others to live boldly and intentionally. Share these stories of faithfulness and spiritual fortitude to those who cross your path.

Kingdom Men Rising was featured in select theaters for only two days, April 29th and 30th. If the film makes it to DVD, do yourself a favor and buy it.  This is one to hold onto for your spouse, future husband, son and the men in your life as they walk out their journey of becoming a kingdom man.