By: Ikeoma Divine

Without spiritual protection, there is no physical protection.

Throughout our history in the Diaspora, colonization and forced assimilation stripped us of our ancestral languages, cultures, and familial identities. Chattel Slavery bred and sold us away from the oral teachings of our DNA lineage. Despite the conditions we’ve endured in this society, the backbone of our strength and protection through all of this has come from our spirituality.  Intercessory prayer and spiritual “work” from our ancestors is the reason most of us are here today.

The power of our prayers are unprecedented. Those who try to control us fear it.  This is why we are taught that “it” is evil. Historically, our spiritual protection (when activated) has been instrumental in our freedom. A key ingredient in the success of the Haitian Revolution was the infamous Bois-Caiman ceremony conducted by Cecile Fatima.

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This happened BEFORE the guerilla warfare began to spiritually protect the Maroons who fought. There is a village in Suriname named Dahomey. It consists of descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped. The original founders put a “curse” around the village which will kill any white people who try to visit. The spell is still active today. In the US, there is a strong tradition of prayer before our revolutions like the Civil Rights Movement. Intercessory prayer and fasting was the pinnacle that preceded strategic tactics that resulted in freedom for years to come.

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I believe that the indoctrination of an “individualistic”, or “selfish” society has led us to not only stop praying for us as a collective, but to use spirituality against each other instead for the greater good of us all. This mentality has led to our demise. Practicing spirituality for social justice is the lost art that is necessary for our survival. Don’t let distractions keep us divided. It is our ability to come together on one accord spiritually that will be the catalyst of our success. It shouldn’t matter what form of practice you use. We should all be focusing on the same thing at the same time. I encourage you to look beyond our minor differences and come together to save our communities and lineages. When we cry, our tears are heard. Go to your churches, mosques, Ile’s, alters… wherever you worship and intercede for our survival.

Let’s not forget that PRAYER comes BEFORE the WORK.