Naming our pain, loss, grief, and struggle is the first key to healing. In this powerful episode of ‘Sitting with Black Woman Grief,’ Natasha Sistrunk Robinson shares her personal experiences and professional insights on mentoring, leadership, and coping with grief as a Black woman. Natasha emphasizes the importance of communal support and spiritual disciplines while highlighting the unique challenges and resilience of Black women. The discussion touches on everything from the significance of naming grief, the role of mentorship in nurturing leadership, to the critical need for rest and self-care among Black women leaders. And how to engage in grief, lament, and kingdom work.
LISTEN HERE
A Sojourner’s Truth is an African American girl’s journey from South Carolina to the United States Naval Academy, and then to her calling as an international speaker, mentor, and thought-leader. Intertwined with Natasha’s story is the story of Moses, a leader who was born into a marginalized people group, resisted the injustices of Pharaoh, denied the power of Egypt, and trusted God even when he did not fully understand where he was going. Along the way we explore the spiritual and physical tensions of truth telling, character and leadership development, and bridge building across racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender lines. Join the journey to discover your own identity, purpose, and truth-revealing moments. Get the book here.
Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson’s insights remind us of the necessity of language and community in processing grief. Her call to cultivate spiritual disciplines and embrace communal support resonates as both a personal and collective imperative.
Main Points
- Understanding Black Woman Grief
- The Role of Community in Healing
- Mentorship and Leadership with Purpose
- Creating Safe Spaces for Grief and Lament
Episode Talking Points
- 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Black Woman Grief
- 00:29 Personal Stories of Grief
- 02:08 Introducing Dr. Natasha Sister Robinson
- 04:09 The Importance of Sharing Testimonies
- 06:10 Navigating Public Discourse and Language
- 08:35 Mentorship and Leadership in the Black Community
- 09:27 Historical Trauma and Spiritual Resilience
- 12:03 The Role of Language in Healing
- 14:30 Leadership Links: Empowering the Next Generation
- 16:13 The Necessity of Grief and Lament in Leadership
- 22:43 The Importance of Rest and Retreats
- 27:47 Jesus’ Spiritual Rhythms
- 28:23 Encouraging Spiritual Disciplines
- 28:45 Upcoming Retreats and Events
- 30:58 Creating Safe Spaces for Grief
- 32:06 The Gift of Presence and Community
- 34:17 Addressing Mental Health in the Church
- 36:14 Black Women Leadership and Community
- 39:54 Mentorship and Vulnerability
- 46:42 Words of Encouragement and Final Thoughts
Other Ways to Listen to this Podcast with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson
About the Guest:
Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson is a writer, speaker, leadership consultant, and mentoring coach. A former Marine Corps officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Natasha has nearly 2 decades of experience in leadership and discipleship across military, government, church, and nonprofit spaces. She’s the founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc., author of Mentor for Life and Hope for Us, and editor of Voices of Lament. Connect with Natasha here.
Mentioned in the episode:
Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
A Sojourner’s Truth by Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson