Redemption Song
by Bertice Berry
( Doubleday, 2000)

"What I'm trying to tell you," Miss Cozy continued, "is that the trick to getting what you want in life is all about balance. You have to first understand the difference between needs and wants. You have to work on what you need, and balance your life so that when you get what you want, you don't go making another list of needs" (p. 49).

This wisdom undergirds this modern parable of hope, vision, purpose, tradition, and the power of true community. Bertice Berry offers a tale of what it means to build a future of power and purpose on the story and heritage of an unjust past.

As this story begins, we are introduced to Miss Cozy, the owner of a bookstore that specializes in new and rare books written by and for the African American community. Miss Cozy is soon introduced to two young people, whose separate journeys bring them together in the stacks of her bookstore, "Black Images." They are each searching for a very rare novel called The Children of Grace, the biography of a woman born into slavery and the powerful witness that she makes for her people and for her faith. Unfortunately they have come to discover that there appears to be only one copy of this book in existence, and they both reach it at exactly the same time.

When Miss Cozy discovers the dilemma, she further complicates the situation by announcing that the book is not for sale. However, if they agree to come to the bookstore for the next few days, she will read the story to them. The story explores the issue of slavery through human stories and reflections, as well as ways in which the African American community of our time needs to reclaim its mission, vision, and aim.

Although each of the characters is led to this place for very different reasons, each carries a common passion. The passion they share is to become a vehicle for change in their culture and in their generations, but none can complete the quest without the piece of the story that the other brings. This novel carries a great truth that is often forgotten: The voice that invites us to take another step on the journey is a voice that has been whispering to us and to our ancestors for many generations. It is the voice of the ages that beckons us to follow journeys that are fuzzy, frightening, and confusing — yet at the same time familiar and clear.

Cosina Brown, the owner of "Black Images" bookstore comments, "If you ask black people whether or not they believe in reincarnation, most of them will tell you they don't. But these same people will look at a baby and say, 'That child's been here before.' Black folks see reincarnation as a way of working out the unfulfilled longings of their ancestors."

The journey of these three main characters will only be possible when they learn to listen to the voice of God that speaks to them through one another, from the voices of the past, and from the voice within.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important for people to remember the past as they plan for the future?
2. How do we honor or dishonor our ancestors through the decisions we make and the legacy we leave for the future?
3. How is personal vision connected to the vision of others in our church, our families, our communities, and our world?
4. If you were to create a "Recipe of Life," what would be the key ingredients?

The Rev. Steve Poole, Seattle, Washington, is a FaithQuest consultant.

(originally posted May 5, 2000)