Devotional Ritual

Most mornings, before I leave my bed, I read the Bible along with three devotionals that have been a part of my life for some forty-seven years. I say ‘most mornings’ because if either my husband or I have an early appointment, we do not compromise by rushing through the thoughtful, considerate enrichment that has been provided.

The three Christian devotionals are The Daily Word (Unitarian), The Portals of Prayer (Lutheran) and Our Daily Bread (non-denominational). They all provide thought-provoking, practical, and spiritually principled messages rooted in world and cultural history plus professional and personal testimonies. They are educational as well as comforting and inspiring. The Daily Word shares a message first, then always closes with a passage from the Scriptures. The Portals of Prayer and Our Daily Bread (ODB) offer two Bible references first, most often from both the Old and New Testament. ODB includes a brief ‘insight’ with suggestions for further study on the featured topic. 

The roots of this ‘Ritual’ began as a curiosity I had as a ten-year-old with a question that was never answered sufficiently: “Why do we worship on Sunday and Jewish people worship on Saturday? Jesus is Jewish and He worshiped on Saturday. Shouldn’t we do that also?” That question however, was beyond what a mother preparing a family dinner for six was willing or able to answer at that time. 

“Love thy neighbor as thyself”, and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” These messages speak volumes as to how I interact with others. I understand them as a fool-proof formula for peace, respect and harmony. Other verses such as “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” requires a deep dive into the redirection of human emotions. Many family members of the 2015 murdered victims in a Bible study class in the Charleston, SC church stated that they chose to “forgive Dyllan Roof and not let hate win.” 

Anticipating the possibility of hostility or disrespect, is a significant burden Black people potentially face every day.  It can take place anywhere, at any time: in a place of worship, employment, shopping, traveling on vacation as well as serving alongside my husband as diplomats in the American Embassy overseas. My ‘Ritual’ of reading these devotionals gives me guidelines for navigating unpleasant experiences and keeping the stress at a minimum. That entails a deliberate internalizing and absorption of His message to, “…Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and, pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Also, I remember my mother telling us that "There are good and bad acting people in every ethnic group." My dad cautioned us to "Never condemn an entire race of people on the conduct of a few." As a spiritual being having a human experience, I try my level best to do that every day as I serve my community in various ways.

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Marcia is a third generation New Yorker. Her career has spanned the corporate sector, music, community outreach, and being the wife of an American Diplomat. She has taught drama, personal development in the US and abroad, served in Christian ministry and as a champion for Jazz education, and is an active participant in Portland's prolific Jazz community. A Jazz Radio Host for over 20 years, she is currently on KBOO Community Radio 90.7 FM with Jazz Lives! on alternate Wednesdays from 12:08-2 PM. Her widely recognized contributions has garnered multiple awards which includes Oregon Public Broadcasting's (OPB) highest volunteer honor for radio and television combined, the Jan Henderson Award for Leadership. For further information, see: Marcia Hocker's website