As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we share the voice of board member, Jalisa D. Ross. Her reflection is a thoughtful depiction of where we, too, might find our Creator.
By: Jalisa D. Ross
My favorite weekend of the year is Memorial Day weekend because I know I will find myself in Copan, OK. My family has made camp at the annual Delaware Lenape Powwow since I was a girl. I can close my eyes and feel the heat beat down on my face and smell the campfires that sprinkle the grounds. My stomach still aches from the laughter that spills out from our camp. I can feel my shawl fringe as it sways in time with the songs. If I sit quiet enough, I can always hear the drum in the middle of the Arena. This is where I was raised. This is where I find my Creator.
On any given Sunday, you will find me scurrying about Haikey Chapel UMC in Tulsa, OK. I can close my eyes and feel the ancestors still watching us. My stomach still flip flops when I lead my Mvskoke Creek Hymns, hoping I don’t mess them up. I can feel the Spirit move through the fringed altar coverings waiting for us to raise our hands in praise. If I sit quiet enough in the pews, I can hear the Old Ones preach from beyond the pulpit. This is where I was raised. This is where I find my Creator.
I was raised in two seemingly different worlds — one foot in my moccasins and one foot in my Sunday best. Yet, the Creator is everywhere, always waiting between the smoke of our Cedar and the smoke of the altar candles lit every Sunday morning. I know the Creator is in both places — holding us, guiding us, teaching us, and seeking us. Let us have heart to walk in humbleness and boldness in both worlds. Let us all extend connection when able, build bridges where they are needed, and invite all to find sacred community where our Creator finds us.
Ross is a board member of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women and layperson from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference.