QUESTIONS & ANSWERS.

Zora Neale Hurston said, “There are some years that ask questions and some years that answer”. 

I believe that questions are a spiritual tool that folks’ rarely utilize. Growing up, so many of us were taught that we do not “question God”. Where did we get that from? The gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are filled to the brim with disciples asking Jesus questions. Some were profound questions like, “When will you return?” Some questions were selfishly ambitious like when James and John asked if they could “sit on either side” of Jesus in His kingdom. The disciples asked questions about sin, infirmity, and divorce. They asked Jesus for clarity around his teachings. In the Old Testament, David cried out in lament and questioned God’s about the season of his suffering, “How long O’ Lord?” Questions are not new.

I wrote the above paragraph at the end of December, 2024.

Two weeks later, half of the city of Altadena and Pasadena would be ablaze- homes, cars, gardens, schools, and churches reduced to ash. These homes cradled memories of first steps, fist fights and forgiveness. These homes told generational stories of ancestry, struggle and triumph. The neighborhood held secrets of first kisses, mischief, heartbreaks and even weddings (like my own). A once vibrant, colorful city was brushed sepia by the burning. Into the air billowed toxic clouds, chemicals, anguish and grief. We lost lives- real lives. A disabled father, holding his bed-ridden son, prayed for relief that never came. A sister, rushing to her car with the hopes of escape, only to be engulfed in the flames. Seventeen people, suddenly gone.

This year swung open its door and suddenly, it asked a lot of questions. One of the biggest questions being, “GOD, WHY?” I saw a lot of “spiritual people” lay down compassion and pick up self-righteousness. I heard people oversimplify God’s reasoning- the kind of logic reserved for toddlers who watch Disney movies and fairytales. I saw folks of the faith repurpose old sermons, trying to contort and distort themselves into prophets. Personally, I believe dropping people into buckets of “who loved God” and “who did not” is a gross oversimplification of God’s sovereignty. Even more, it disregards His desire to redeem people back to himself. I digress. One look into the town and questions resurface. 

“I believe dropping people into buckets of “who loved God” and “who did not” is a gross oversimplification of God’s sovereignty. Even more, it disregards His desire to redeem people back to himself. “

In June, I moved home to Pasadena with a family of my own. As I walked the streets and parks with Noa, I’d oftentimes feel led to pray. I prayed that God would make Pasadena a beacon of hope and light that could be used for God’s glory. I prayed that in the midst of so much spiritual darkness, this city’s heart would be devoted to God, His heart, and His values. I prayed for the city’s refinement, that it would look more like Jesus. 

I’ve seen God in the people- packing up care packages, handing out food & water, painting posters for first responders, praying prayers, and giving their last to others in their community. I’ve seen God through the fortitude, compassion and gratitude in people’s eyes. But I’ve also seen the enemy- I’ve seen greed, exploitation, and principalities hovering over the city. It’s complicated- the journey ahead is a battle over the heart of my city and the soul of its people.

I think Zora Neale Hurston was wrong. There are some years answer, and it only sparks more questions…