The Black Female Body

In the wake of ‘The Video and Cardi B,’ the discussion of the black female body
has again reared its ugly head. I’ve read commentary on social media platforms regarding
‘The Video’, of which I have had no desire to see. However, I have a few thoughts. The
black female body has long been put on display, exposed, mishandled, raped, used as
breeders for chattel slavery, and yet the discussion of the black female body is stilled
riddled in shame.

As a black woman and a believer, I’m saddened. I’m grieved, not necessarily at the female
rappers, their attitudes or behaviors toward sex, because it's all they probably know. But,
I’m grieved because of the black women, who looked and shouldn’t have, got offended,
judged, and started shaming them. I don’t expect an unbeliever to know how to be a
believer, and apply basic biblical principles to their lives. I expect them to be who they are,
and do what they do. However, although people are entitled to opinions, I do expect
believers to show basic biblical principles of humanity, kindness, and love in action and in
speech.

I wonder if Cardi B or someone like her were to come into one of our local churches via
building or social media, seeking deliverance would she be welcomed. Would she be given
the grace to begin the process of transforming into the image of Jesus Christ, or would she
be propositioned for her bedroom skills on the low from the men and women of the church?
Are we as the bride of Christ offering a safe alternative for the black female body? Listen,
God is saving, and setting people free in this season. God is saving people who don’t ‘look
churchy.’ God is saving people with colorful histories. God is saving people He called before
the foundation of the world. God is bringing people into his family who need real help. Are
we ready to receive them? I understand that as a believer, I can only do my part, and so I
shall…