A Sojourner's Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World

by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, Patricia Raybon (Foreword)

A Sojourner's Truth is an African American girl’s journey from South Carolina to the United States Naval Academy, and then to her calling as an international speaker, mentor, and thought-leader.

Intertwined with Natasha's story is the story of Moses, a leader who was born into a marginalized people group, resisted the injustices of Pharaoh, denied the power of Egypt, and trusted God even when he did not fully understand where he was going. Along the way we explore the spiritual and physical tensions of truth telling, character and leadership development, and bridge building across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender lines.

Join the journey to discover your own identity, purpose, and truth-revealing moments.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Justice, Faith, Theology, Race, Christian Non Fiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2018

About the author

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson (MA, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is a writer, international speaker, leadership consultant, mentoring coach, and the visionary founder of the nonprofit, Leadership LINKS, Inc. She is author of Mentor for Life: Finding Purpose through Intentional Discipleship and the Hope for Us: Knowing God through the Nicene Creed Bible study. A graduate of the US Naval Academy and a former Marine Corps officer, Natasha has nearly twenty years of leadership and mentoring experience in the military, government, church, seminary, and nonprofit sectors. As the chairperson of the board at Leadership LINKS, Inc., Natasha's vision is to holistically develop transformative and redemptive servant leaders who are united in community and committed to invest in long-term generational and cultural change. In addition, she is a columnist at Outreach Magazine, regular contributor at Missio Alliance, and a member of the INK Creative Collective.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a real eye opener for me. In some ways, my life runs parallel to that of the author: we’re from the same town, we’re the same age, female and Christian. I, however, am white. Without Natasha Sistrunk Robinson’s vulnerable and heartbreakingly honest book, I may never have realized how dramatically that fact has impacted my worldview. I’ve never considered myself biased, but neither have I realized the extent of my privilege as a white person, particularly in the American South.

I found this book to be profoundly moving my and motivating as a woman, an American and especially as a Christian. We’ve come a long way, but Ms. Robinson’s work makes it clear we have a long way to go to make His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Thanks to Netgalley and InterVarsity Press!

[Katie Hoiland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Natasha’s name when she was interviewed on the Truth’s Table podcast (from March 29, 2019). I was so impressed by her and her passion for mentoring, I immediately followed her on Twitter and ordered her book, Mentor For Life.

A Sojourner’s Truth is her story of growing up in the South, going on to the United States Naval academy, earning her MA in christian leadership from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and starting the nonprofit Leadership LINKS Mentoring Program.

Natasha felt like a kindred spirit, wise mentor, hospitable guide, and the kind of female leadership I continually long for. She has leaned into her own story, leadership abilities, and experience of racial injustice with an obvious love for Bible study, spiritual formation, and her unique calling to intentional discipleship.

Her engagement with Scripture was insightful and faithful. Paralleling the story of Moses, Natasha unpacks the broader wisdom of the Biblical narrative with practical application to our current context in the United States. She also ties those same truths to the historical events following the 1994 genocide in Rwanda including the restorative justice approach used to bring deep healing there.

I recently read a Frederick Buechner book where he was told, “you have stewarded your pain well.” I kept thinking of this phrase while reading this book. Natasha has stewarded macro and micro pain well. From her own personal stories of prejudice, pain, and loss to the weight of collective, ongoing trauma. She names it, gives space for the humanness of grief, and shares the intentional steps she has taken for healing and wholeness. In her words, “The problem is, I don’t want to just survive in this life; I want to thrive, flourish, and live free! Giving myself space for healing and regeneration has been a gradual process toward this end. It has included stepping away from traditional jobs and making moves to trust God completely. It has meant asking for help, going to counseling, and seeking spiritual formation. It has included removing chemicals from my hair and allowing it – and me – to move about the world just as natural, free, and strong as the Lord made me. Healing has meant gaining confidence in my own voice and trusting the gifts, passion, and convictions that God has placed within.”

Ever since the events in Ferguson wrecked me in 2014, I have tried to read African-American voices with intention. This is a book I wish I had read then. And it is definitely a book I would love to engage others in as an introduction and invitation to redemptive living now.

What a privilege to sit at her feet. I was appropriately challenged, grieved, and discipled by this book. Each chapter ends with reflection questions, Scripture meditation, personal affirmation, call to action, and a prayer. It is ideal for group discussion. The affirmation and call-to-action of the final chapter are, “I am committed to making the changes that lead to life. You go now in freedom to learn, to know, to speak, and to courageously live the truth.”

[Faith]

A Sojourner's Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson uses the biblical story of Moses as a framework for exploring modern-day oppression and redemption for those in marginalized groups. Her life experiences offer additional insight as she draws parallels to Moses' life - the truth of loneliness in leadership, what deserts she found herself in, as well as the importance of spiritual family to help her hold fast to her calling.

As a white woman growing up as the majority culture, I find myself seeking out works by women of color and people of color to expand my worldview and challenge my preconceived ideas. I appreciated how Robinson expands on practical ways to enact restorative justice, such as education, mentorship, and sponsorship. I was convicted by the reminder that, "Vulnerability can be dangerous in the same way water is dangerous. Like water, vulnerability can be the source of cleansing and renewal or it can be the source of drowning and death. But there is something else that is more dangerous than taking the risk of vulnerability, and that is silence." Too often, when I grow uncomfortable, I can escape the hard work, and Robinson reinforces the truth that allies are important and necessary to this work.

This book could be suited for a group study; to help facilitate reflection and discussion, each chapter ends with a reflection question and a scripture meditation, as well as a call to action.

(I received a digital ARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

[Debra Slonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book will encourage you to search for and claim a deeper sense of purpose, to evaluate and support your community, to be more present with God and others and to actively and continually seek the truth as you journey through life.

This book is an eloquently written and passionate invitation to awareness of past and present inequalities and atrocities, here in the United States. It is the hope of the author that once this awareness is achieved, it will lead to powerful empathy and the courage to affect much needed change.

As the author unfolds the legacy of the African American experience, she also relays the story of Moses and the people of Israel. She draws clear and compelling correlations between the two marginalized people groups. But, she doesn’t stop there. She then offers practical, attainable and compassion-filled ways for all of us to do things in a much better way.

I received a complimentary copy of this outstanding book from IVP through a GoodReads giveaway.
So. Very. Well. Done!!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Natasha Robinson. A powerful personal story, parallel to Moses' story, and a challenge to each of us to walk in our own stories. And a call to look beyond our own comfortable environment to embrace those who are different and marginalized. It's a call to live in the love and truth of God Himself.

[JEM · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is an achingly beautiful book. The author's voice is confident, challenging and so gracious, a combination that is often hard to find. Natasha takes the reader through the story of the Israelites and Moses and brings such a fresh, thought-provoking perspective that challenged me and also left me in awe of God. I can't wait to read more from this author, she has such an important voice. Each chapter ends very thoughtfully with: a truth, reflection question, scripture meditation, personal affirmation, call to action, prayer and tweet.

I highlighted copious paragraphs:

"Likewise, as Christian parents, pastors, professors, public servants, or people in the marketplace, it is not enough for us to have kind words and thoughts toward our neighbors. We must personally lead our brothers and sisters into righteous action that connects our daily work and acts of service to the great, eternal, and redemptive work God is doing throughout the world."

"We were created to worship the Creator, not his creation. If we worship God alone, then tehre is no place in our hearts to worship our pedigree, legacy, career, or income. Often God allows the hardships oand plagues in our lives so that we "may know there is no one like the Lord our God." in all the earth. We must trust in God alone"

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first syllable of Austin’s prayer, her words caught my attention. The urgent tone implied warfare, and she invoked Ephesians 6 fighting words in her pleas for protection as our team prepared to lead a group of one hundred youth on an outreach project. Austin knew we were embarking on an adventure, a holy war. We had trained the teens, prepared our equipment for face painting, crafts, and games, but our battle plan depended more on the power of our message than the preparation of our messengers.

With this same warrior heart added to her military background, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson summons readers to prepare for this kind of fight. A Sojourner’s Truth is her call to choose freedom and courage in our divided world, even if the choice involves uncomfortable moments of taking our stand in a wilderness place.

War? What War?
Here in Mid-Coast Maine, in my predominantly white church family, the small scattering of brown faces belong to my friends, and they have sat at my table and enriched my life, so the war Robinson describes in vivid detail is invisible to me. I needed to read the poignant narratives from her childhood and stories from the inside, which shine the light of truth and lend much needed perspective. For example, the white poverty of my own childhood is different from the economic disparity experienced by black Americans.

It takes courage and commitment for those of us who are safe and comfortable to accept an invitation into the wilderness. However, as the mother of four sons, I am coming to realize their bodies would be at great risk if they happened to be encased in dark brown skin. Natasha writes about this injustice but exhorts readers about the dangers of unfettered anger and makes the heartbreaking connection between sin and death.

The Rules of Engagement
Moses was the leader God had chosen to prepare Israel for conquest, and his instructions had all the marks of a battle plan:

Do not be afraid of your enemy because God is with you. (Deuteronomy 20:1)
The leaders must step up. (Deuteronomy 20:9)
The commanders’ strategy was to go in peace at first. (Deuteronomy 20:9-18) (143)
New Testament instructions for wearing truth, taking action, and guarding our hearts reinforce holy war strategy that “is not against flesh and blood.” There are unseen battles on many fronts, and the church will only engage effectively if we recognize our role as sojourners and citizens of God’s unseen kingdom. Every loss will not be restored and every injustice will not be set to rights in my sight and in my time, but even so, the God who causes “righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations” is at work in his people.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

How will you and I respond to his call to speak truth and to choose freedom for all?

Many thanks to Intervarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.

[Jada Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an interview with the New York Times, James Baldwin once said, “ I have never seen myself as a spokesman. I am a witness. In the church in which I was raised you were supposed to bear witness to the truth.” Natasha Sistrunk Robinson was raised in a similar church tradition and her latest offering bears witness to the truth of a Black woman’s life. A Sojourner’s Truth is a deep meditation on her life’s journey from small town South Carolina to the U.S Naval Academy and the many bumps caused by systemic oppression she’s faced along the way. It is a deft and moving narrative viewed through the lens of the story of the children of Israel’s marginalization and oppression during their enslavement, exodus, and wilderness wanderings..

Sistrunk Robinson brings a level of candor and unflinching truth-telling regarding racial reconciliation that is all too rare in the church today. Where mainline and evangelical churches often preach a gospel that is separated from America’s historical racial legacy, Sistrunk Robinson brings the full weight of scripture and the historical record to bear on the inequalities and injustices which keep us divided. In the tradition of Ida B. Wells, she exhorts us to right wrongs by “shining the light of truth:”

“Shining the light of truth must become a consistent and intentional practice for all believers because without these moral checks , we re-create or continue to enforce racial divisions and inequalities we claim to oppose. Unless we turn the light of truth on *all* of our history, we will continue as a morally corrupt nation. It is divisive to isolate certain parts of our shared story as "black history" without acknowledging how that history informs the lives, social structures, politics, and legacies of us all.) ~ A Sojourner’s Truth, page 73

Sistrunk Robinson bears witness to the continued marginalization of Black people in America and boldy declares #BlackLivesMatter. Sistrunk Robinson doesn’t just testify about the gospel, she also offers practical steps that each one of us can take to build bridges across racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and gender lines .I recommend this book for both those new to racial justice and those with years of experience. I finished this book in one weekend. I found Part two, chapters 5-7, particularly powerful and prophetic. Highly recommend!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sojourner's Truth is a thought provoking memoir combined with a study of the story of Moses and the Exodus and African American/ American history. The author weaves her personal story into lessons about race, slavery, redemption, and journeying to freedom and forgiveness. The thought and action questions at the end of each chapter would make it perfect for a group study or to read together with a friend. Thank you Net Galley and Intervarsity Press for a review copy of this thought provoking and transformative memoir.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book SO much. I highlighted the heck out of it and wanted to soak up so much of Natasha’s wisdom and grace and conviction — her story and her words are mighty and moving. She weaves teaching and Scripture and personal narrative together so well. High praise for this one!

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so appreciated Robinson's willingness to share her story and illuminate the reality of her experiences as a woman, as a black woman, as a Christian black woman, etc. She divides the book into four sections: formation, history, wilderness, and redemption. What I love about this structure is that it enables her to communicate the reality that each of these pieces are part of the journey as we pursue freedom and embrace courage. This book will be an affirmation for some and an eye opener for others, but it ultimately is a powerful voice for all.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery at the end of the 18th Century in Ulster county, New York. She knew what it was like to groan under dark oppression and to long for the day of the Lord's release. Her moment came when she escaped in 1828 and found refuge with an abolitionist family, and obtained her emancipation. She became an itinerant preacher, an avid spokeswoman for abolition and promoter of women's rights. How fitting, then, that Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, Naval Academy alumni, USMC veteran, author, speaker and visionary founder of LINKS, Inc. titles her new 208 page softback "A Sojourner's Truth: Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World." It is an easy-to-read book that weaves in the story of Israel's enslavement in Egypt and subsequent liberation by the hand of God the Redeemer through his servant Moses. It is a manuscript that "provides a unique opportunity for" readers "to explore the Scriptures from the vantage point of someone who, like Moses, was born into a marginalized people group" (5).

"A Sojourner's Truth" is a mixture of autobiography, Bible teaching, social criticism, remedy, and devotional. The author is upfront with her experiences as an African-American woman in America, how she has been treated, and how she filters life-events. "Knowing the pain, history, violence, and silence that have shaped the African American narrative infuses how I read the Scriptures" (14).

For many readers who may be white, like myself, it will not always be satisfying. Yet, by the end of the book, whether you like what she says or not, you will gain from listening to Robinson, especially if you read to listen, rather than to critique. My initial, knee-jerk reaction as I started reading was to respond to her (that means, to argue with her), but I decided to listen and try to hear from her. It was well worth it. The author gave me some delightful perspectives on the women who were involved in sparing Moses' life and helped him become God's instrument of redemption (27-29). She gave several simple ways for unmarginalizing marginalized people in the work place and in the church (74-76). As Robinson began talking about reparations, she didn't go where I assumed she would go. Rather, she made a case for a more doable way forward, "Have you thought about financially supporting businesses, non-profits, and schools that are owned or operated by people of color? Or perhaps you can offer financial literary education for uninformed communities. Maybe you feel called to tutor a student who needs some extra attention. People cannot give what they do not have" (94). The main noise that kept distracting my listening, was that it seemed to me that the book sees everything from the victimized perspective - even painting some of the history from that bleak palette. I get it, I understand why we do that, but after while it becomes annoying.

"A Sojourner's Truth" could easily be used for individual enlightenment and group discussion. I think pastors, ministers and church leaders would benefit from reading as listeners, and then thinking through ways of engaging Robinson's analysis and applications. I love the author's words, as she was using a tough time in her marriage to illustrate what she is after in the book: "Our healing began when we decided that we were not each other's enemies, but we were going to work and get better together" (185). I'm glad to recommend the book.

My thanks to IVP for sending the book used in this review, at my request. The only stipulation from the publisher is that I give an honest review, which I have freely given. And now I freely give it to you.

[Shari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked how, throughout the book, the author drew from Moses' life story and leadership. A favorite quote was when she identified with the ancient Hebrews, when all baby boys were to be put to death. "What would be worse: knowing that the actual genocide took place, knowing that people in positions of power in the empire stood by and said nothing, or knowing that nothing would be done about this loss of innocent lives - - that justice would not be served? This is a painful narrative that is quite familiar to African Americans. Murder by the state. Silence. Then nothing. The heart dies a slow death." (p. 14)

I also really liked how she is hopeful and committed to perseverance in fighting for what's right. And that ultimately, it's not even about fulfilling our own ideals, it's all about fulfilling God's good purposes. (p. 53) The trip to Rwanda sounded incredible. And I like how she was vulnerable to share about her family and marriage.

What I didn't like are the huge blanket statements about white people with little or no supporting evidence. How they "are not taking a look at themselves to repent" and "want to ignore this history and don't want us to talk about slavery because they don't want deliverance for the enslaved to ever come." (p. 76) Later she asserts, "Rarely do [people of color] have the opportunities to lead. ... When they are invited to serve on boards, their voices are often silenced or they may not have the right to vote." (p. 169) She goes on to list ways that people of color are tokenized in non-profits, so white people can purposely retain all the power and money. About her personal experience, she says, "I have actively tried to love those who simply do not care about people who look like me - - even in the church." (p. 106) This is extremely sad.

I'm not saying that racism doesn't exist in this country. That it does still exist is painfully obvious. And we all have biases, me included. What I am saying is that these generalizations do not reflect the reality in my church, my community, my current family, my family of origin or the nonprofit I work for, so it's difficult for me to accept her claims. There are so many people, so many churches, who are actively learning, listening, talking, repenting and working to understand how to be different and conform to God's standards--for themselves and for the next generation. I know many white people who most definitely value people of color, love hearing people share their stories, and value their wisdom. That Ms. Robinson has not found this, even in the church, is so very sad to me. There's not one story in the book of a healing (or fun!) relationship with people of a different race, who enjoy each other's friendship, who love being real and doing life together. I'm sad that either she doesn't experience such relationships or doesn't recognize people who do value her a great deal.

I bought this book because she sounded like a fascinating person with experience in many different arenas of life. And she is. I would like to read another one of her books in about 20 years to see if she has found and developed more mutually encouraging relationships.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sojourner’s Truth

Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World

by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson

A Sojourner’s Truth

Choosing Freedom and Courage in a Divided World

by Natasha Sistrunk Robinson

InterVarsity Press

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 09 Oct 2018

I am reviewing a copy of A Sojourners Truth through Intervarsity Press and Netgalley:

In this book the author reminded us that beginnings have meanings. They reveal purpose and value of our lives by helping to shape the people we become.

This book points out sadly too that sometimes truth in who we are can get us into trouble. We are reminded too that pain is often the tool God uses to help us realize our passion and purpose.

This book points out too that women are often the unsung heroes in this world. It is pointed out too that strong is knowing your own power and using it humbly.

We are reminded too that there is no place like home.

It is pointed out too that winners don’t quit on themselves. We are reminded too that for every question, obstacle and doubt God has an answer.

A Sojourner’s Truth serves as a wake up call for many of us.

I give A Sojourner’s Truth five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

[Jeremiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title grabbed my attention. I love to study Black History (Sojourner’s). Truth is a person, Jesus Christ (John 14.6). I began to read it the next day. By the end of the book, the author had given us the truth of the Lord, biblical history, and transparency.
My copy is now highlighted and has checked marks in the margin. Sometimes I find a book and at the end say, now what or should I be doing something. In Sojourner’s Truth she suggest what we can do. At the end of each section, she gives practical application along with supporting scriptures, most of all she issues “Call to Action”. She answered the question, “what you going to do about it”, God’s way. Thank you so much.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

My goal this year is to read more authors who are black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). I need to expose myself to more diverse people. I need to pay attention to the voices that are missing...the stories left untold. A Sojourner's Truth is an African American girl's journey from South Carolina to the US Naval Academy, then on to her calling. I love the way she intertwined her story with the biblical story of Moses and his marginalized people. For all people, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. We need to craft a better and more inclusive future and finish line for everyone.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson has written a powerful, moving memoir. It is a prophetic call to action. For white folks—to come out of denial regarding our long history of racial oppression and do the hard work of repentance. For People of Color—to refute the lies about who they are, refuse any victimization, and become the leader God is calling them to be. Natasha is not afraid to ask hard questions or push her readers to explore what gospel-centered racial reconciliation might look like and ask of them. I'm grateful for her courage and her fierce truth telling.

[Elizabeth Turnage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, a white Christian woman, need to hear the stories of black Christian women, and Natasha Sistrunk Robinson does a beautiful job of telling me that story. Weaving the biblical story of the Exodus in with her story as a black woman who became a marine and then went into ministry, Natasha strongly and tenderly invites us to see the God who has formed us, met us with the love of Jesus in our sin, redeemed and reconciled. If you want to know the God who calls you to be part of redemption and reconciliation in this world, you should read this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha Sistrunk Robinson's story alongside the story of Moses and the Exodus narrative. She has the heart of a leader and that strength shows us the way of freedom and courage. I love this statement, "The journey of ONE of us is the journey of ALL of us." Her strong faith guides us to embrace reconciliation and restoration. To listen and be changed. A needful, beautiful, and powerful testimony.

[Jill Brouhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for individual or group bible study. Natasha takes you through the story of Moses, the enslavement of the Israelites and their eventual freedom and the journey of black America through slavery and the pursuit of true freedom and justice that is still a work in progress. She challenges us to think, question and decide how our own "wilderness" experiences prepare us to do the kingdom work of reconciliation.

[April Yamasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Natasha Sistrunk Robinson weaves her own story of formation and growth as a mentoring coach and leader with the biblical story of Moses. For her, the truth embraces both pain and grace, both experiences of racism and resistance, both times of wilderness and freedom. This book both encouraged and challenged me.

[Amanda Dzimianski · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We cannot become a people of God from every tribe, language, and tongue if we only listen to, read, or accept the leadership of white men." -Natasha Sistrunk Robinson

Reason enough to read this book. Other reasons include a fresh perspective of the book of Exodus, the challenge to offer our gifts as part of a larger and broader picture of equity, and the excellent group study resources.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a black American woman who cut short her career as a Marine Corps officer in protest to the war in the Middle East and in the pursuit of the rights of blacks and women as well as her religious beliefs.

[Alexiana Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have loved Natasha's book that she wrote before this one, and this echoed very similar thoughts. I appreciated and learned much from her perspective as a black woman, and can't wait to hear more from her!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natasha is my classmate from the US Naval Academy. I read this because I was interested in her story. But, I found a tremendously insightful and beautiful story of her journey, the struggles of our current world, and their Biblical parallels.

[Erin Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read 50% and just didn’t finish. Similar to Osheta Moore and Austin Channing Brown but not as well written. I thought it would be more memoir but it has a lot of lessons and parallels to scripture thrown in.

[Greer Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL read! Loved this practical application of Black liberation theology that teaches readers how to apply it on an individual and community level. It broke my heart yet gave me hope. Loved this so much!

[Cara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha Robinson is a poetic and prophetic writer ...who’s also a powerful storyteller to boot. I loved the interweaving of her story along with passages from the life of Moses.

[Kaci Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natasha bravely shares her lived experience as a black woman and interweaves her story with Moses story. I was challenged in many different ways to pursue redemptive path.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a valuable book and I am so glad I read it.