“Rest Is Resistance"
by Alison Workman
Being a working mom has always been a challenge, not to mention a redundant term. No matter how rewarding and inspiring it is, motherhood is hard work. For African-American moms, the challenges can be daunting. Try navigating work duties, racialized and gendered pay gaps, and homeschooling in a pandemic in which your community is disproportionately impacted. No wonder Tricia Hersey saw the need to found “The Nap Ministry” in 2016 and preach the gospel to tired Black women everywhere that “REST IS RESISTANCE.” Her affirmations and encouragement, shared in inspirational quotes via social media (@thenapministry) give us food for thought and permission to rest. Here are some of our very favorite posts:
“I don’t want to do more. I realize I am enough now. Black people have never been given the space to just be. Always stretching and attempting to prove our worth. We are worthy. Rest.”
“You are not a machine. Stop grinding.”
“REST. synonyms: relax/take a rest/ease up/off, let up, slow down, pause, have/take a break, unbend, repose, idle, loaf, do nothing, take time off, slack off, unwind, recharge one’s batteries, be at leisure, take it easy, sit back sit down, stand down, lounge, luxuriate, put one’s feet up, lie down, go to bed, have/take a nap, catnap, doze, have/take a siesta.”
“Naps are time travel. You can receive an inspired message while resting. It’s a third space that facilitates deep healing. It makes sense why the toxic systems don’t want you tapping into this space. This is why we resist.”