Returning to the Work: Why I’m Writing Here Again

There are times when the work calls us to be deeply rooted in classrooms, sanctuaries, and community spaces, where the most meaningful transformation often happens away from the spotlight.

And there are times when you start to feel the nudge—ancestral, spiritual, communal—that it’s time to bring your voice back into the public square.

This is the time for me.

I’ve spent these past few years pouring into my students, mentoring emerging leaders, and holding space for those navigating the hard intersections of race, gender, sexuality, faith, and justice. My work as a scholar, pastor, educator, and spiritual companion has been steady, but quieter. And to be honest, part of that quiet was by necessity, and another part has been licking my wounds a bit. Sometimes we need to protect our spirit when the world—and even our institutions—become weighed down with harm.

But as I sit with what this present moment requires of us, I hear the call to return to my public scholarship, not just as an academic voice, but as a whole human being.

So, here we are. I am creating a container to do the slow, deep work that my soul must have. Shout out to the patron saint, Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, for always nudging us to reclaim our voices and work when life demands misalignment at times.

I’m reclaiming my full name and voice here as a public scholar, rooted in Black queer/womanist traditions, liberative theology, and healing justice work. This is a space where I can speak freely—sometimes rigorously, sometimes reflectively, sometimes with a little pettiness (because let’s be real, we need joy and humor to sustain us too).

What you’ll find here:

• Theologies of repair, resistance, and reimagination

• Reflections on leadership, healing, and liberative pedagogy

• Spiritual care and justice for those pushed to the margins

• Black queer/womanist cultural critique and community wisdom

• Honest wrestling with faith, identity, and survival in these times

I’m not here to perform perfection or neutrality. The world doesn’t need more sanitized scholarship—it needs voices that can hold grief, joy, complexity, and hope at the same time. That’s the work I’m committed to.

So whether you’ve followed me before, heard me speak, read my academic work, or you’re just finding your way into this space: welcome.

Pull up a chair. Get your tea (or whiskey—I don’t judge). Let’s wrestle, reflect, and dream together.

In the words of the elders: “We gon’ be alright. But only if we do this work together.”

With care and fire,

Dr. Indhira M. Udofia