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Last weekend I listened to a conversation moderated by Prentice Hemphill with Angela Davis and Lama Rod Owens hosted by the East Bay Meditation Center. Listening to David and Owens, two thought leaders in social justice and spirituality, I found myself drawn into a profound exploration of ideas that are both timeless and urgently relevant. It is a long conversation, but it feels important for us as individuals and as a community.
What Time Is It?
Hemphill began by asking, "What time is it?" Far from being a simple question, it was a call to examine where we are, both personally and collectively, and to confront the realities we face with honesty and compassion.
The answer they all gave was to name where we are: many of us are carrying broken hearts, rage, grief, and even terror. Davis and Owens did not suggest that we bypass these emotions or dismiss them. Instead, they invited us to use them as common ground, as roots for solidarity. They reminded us that these emotions, raw and real, are not weaknesses, but foundational to the work of liberation.
Owens’ words were particularly striking as he emphasized that freedom is not easy; it’s a labor-intensive journey that repeatedly brings us to our edge. In a Buddhist sense, "freedom" transcends political promises and election outcomes; it’s about liberating ourselves from the sources of human suffering by practicing non-attachment and cultivating inner freedom. Owens reminded us that the journey to true freedom demands a conscious and personal commitment, a willingness to say “yes” to a path that is neither simple nor painless. When political systems leave us disillusioned, this perspective encourages us to pursue a deeper freedom—one that comes not from waiting for external solutions, but from engaging fully in the work of inner and communal liberation.
When asked what time it was, Davis drew us back with a broader lens, a planetary perspective. She urged us to consider our interconnected world and the impacts of capitalism, which, she argued, not only divides but devastates. The concentration of wealth and power, she pointed out, is not an isolated issue; it’s part of an exploitative system that harms both people and the planet.
By challenging us to look at the bigger picture, Davis called us to reflect on our roles within these structures. Her insights reminded us that true liberation cannot come through individualistic approaches. Only through a shared sense of purpose and interdependence can we begin to dismantle harmful systems and imagine something new in their place.
Spirit, Faith, and Resilience
In discussing faith and spirit, both speakers acknowledged the inner resources needed to sustain activism and resistance. Owens spoke to the transcendent nature of spirit—a reminder that we are more than our circumstances, more than the pain or trauma inflicted on us. In a world that tries to limit us, faith provides a glimpse into a boundless, liberated self.
In reflecting on these ideas, I found myself considering how Jesus might relate to this concept of freedom. Jesus emphasized inner liberation over external authority, calling for a spiritual freedom that surpasses worldly powers. His teachings on non-attachment, as when he advised to “store up treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20), mirror Owens’ focus on releasing suffering and finding freedom within. Moreover, Jesus’ commitment to healing and sacrificial love as paths to freedom aligns closely with Owens’ call for resilience and collective responsibility. In both, we find the idea that true freedom requires us to release ego-driven attachments and embrace love and service as our transformational superpower.
This view of freedom as an inner journey, rather than something bestowed by external systems, underscores the importance of pursuing personal and communal liberation together, sustained by faith in something greater than us.
Community and Collective Responsibility
A powerful theme throughout n the dialogue was the role of community. Davis and Owens urged us to resist the isolating forces of individualism that capitalism perpetuates. Instead, they reminded us to view ourselves as part of a greater, interconnected community where we share in each other’s joys and burdens, where we share in the work like a relay race. Owens put it beautifully: “If one part of us is tired, then that part of us rests, and the rest keep going.”
This understanding of interdependence underscores the idea that no one person or leader can carry the weight of liberation by themselves. We need each other, and we need to build a culture of care where rest and support are not only allowed but encouraged. As we move through this time of turmoil and transformation, the question is not how much we can each individually bear, but rather how can we come together in ways that are life-giving for all.
Joy as a Discipline
In a moving exchange, Owens and Davis spoke of joy as a necessary practice for sustaining liberation work. Joy, they said, is not a frivolous pursuit but a discipline. In times of great challenge, it is an act of resistance to laugh, to gather, to experience joy even as we confront injustice. Owens reminded us that joy is a way to restore ourselves, a well from which we draw the strength to continue. He challenged us to approach the work of liberation not as a solemn duty but as a journey marked by joy, laughter, and community.
Davis, too, reflected on the role of art and culture in cultivating this spirit of joy. In our creative expressions, we find the power to imagine and rehearse a world that feels freer, more just, and full of possibility.
Dreaming Forward
As the conversation drew to a close, both speakers emphasized the power of dreaming as an act of liberation. Owens encouraged us to reclaim our childlike imagination, which remains untouched by the cynicism of the world, and to “dream of something beyond this nightmare.” He described abolition not merely as the removal of oppressive structures but as an invitation to create something new and hopeful. In this vision, dreaming is not escapism; it’s the fertile ground of transformation.
In many ways, this call to dream resonates with Jesus’ teaching about approaching life with the open heart and wonder of a child. Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3), reminding us that a childlike openness to possibility is essential to envisioning a new world. For Jesus, the Kingdom of God was a radical, hopeful vision—a realm of justice, peace, and love that begins in the hearts of those willing to imagine and work toward it. Like Owens, Jesus’ teachings encourage us not only to resist injustice but to actively imagine and cultivate something far greater in its place.
For Davis, supporting struggles like that of the Palestinians, who have resisted occupation and systemic oppression for a century, exemplifies this enduring hope. In their persistence, she sees a model of resilience and a reminder that freedom, though often hard-won, is always worth the fight.
This conversation between David, Ownes and Hemphill left me with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to both the inner and outer work of liberation. As our ancestors dreamed of freedom for us, we, too, must continue to dream and act for future generations. Perhaps the greatest gift we can offer is the conviction that a better world is possible—a world built on love, community, resilience, and boundless imagination.
Our Time
As I reflect on the question, “What time is it?” I realize that it’s time to act, time to embrace each other in solidarity, and time to keep dreaming of the liberation that lies ahead. We need to remember that our congregation has been a beacon of hope for those dreaming of liberation in times past. Whether the Dickinson's commitment to full inclusion of African Americans, the welcome and affirmation of LGBTQ+ people, or the support for migrant farm workers, the unhoused, and refugees, First Congregational Church UCC has a call to bring hope and liberation to all, regardless of what time it is.
Together, with joy as our guide, and community as our anchor, we can face the future with courage and hope.
Peace and Passion,
Pastor Robin
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