Alethea Lamberson

Young, Gifted, and Black

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Young, Gifted, and Black provides a beautiful entryway into the nuance and complexity of life that many young Black adults experience. Sheila does an incredible job of capturing stories and allows those stories to paint a picture of lament, grief, celebration, and hope. Not only are we invited into someone else's journey, we are also extended an invitation to reflect on our own stories through the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. Sheila doesn't let us off the hook there though. As we pay attention to what is surfaced within us as we reflect, she reminds us of the importance of being embodied through the embodied prayer practices. This book is yet another reminder that the Black experience is not a monolith, and it gives those of us who are Black some encouragement as we are reminded that Jesus will continue to meet us in all that we encounter in this life. When the world and others try to define us by either our success or our struggle, this book reminds us that all of our story matters and that God is working all things for our good and his glory.”