A movement is underway to change both the meaning and original intent of the word “woke.” The word first appeared in African American communities in the 1940s. And through the 1960s, to “stay woke” meant to be aware of racial injustice and the need to be alert to systemic racism or hidden prejudice.
The term was revived through the Black Lives Matter movement and came to describe people who are conscious of social inequalities. Not only racism, but also sexism, homophobia, and other injustices. Being “woke” meant being informed and active in seeking fairness.
The word was adopted and often mocked by critics who saw “wokeness” as excessive political correctness, moral posturing, or ideological conformity. For some, “woke” became shorthand for progressive activism that had gone too far. The administration now labels any language or policy that encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion as “woke.”
So today, “woke” is a contested word, which still means being aware and caring about justice for all of us. But to the radical right, “woke” means being overly sensitive or performative about social issues.
Beginning on the last Sunday in October, we’ll start a new series, titled “Jesus Was Woke.” This 5-Week spiritual journey was inspired by the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson. Together, we’ll explore what it truly means to be awake—to live with eyes open to the wonder, memory, grace, belonging, and love that form the heart of the gospel.
To help guide us, we’ll be reading Marilynne Robinson’s novel as background. You can find a reading schedule in the Book Club article.
The story unfolds as the aging Rev. John Ames writes a letter to his young son, reflecting on his long life, his faith, and the light of grace that shines even through sorrow. It’s a quiet, deeply spiritual novel—filled with beauty, forgiveness, and the struggle to love well in a complicated world.
What are human beings, that you think of them, mere mortals, that you care for them?
Psalm 8
Psalm 8 reminds us that God created us, cares for us, and put us in charge of caring for our planet.
Each week, our worship, scripture readings, and reflections will connect with a section of the novel. A companion devotional guide will be available to help you follow along, offering weekly scripture, insights from Gilead, and reflection questions for personal or group use.
This series invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover what it means to live awake—to notice the sacred in the ordinary, to remember how God has carried us, to extend grace where it’s hardest, to belong with humility, and to love as Jesus loved.
Whether you read along with the novel or simply join us in worship each week, this is a season to open our hearts and wake up to the living presence of God among us.
Here is the outline of our series:
| Episode | Sundays | Theme & Title |
|---|---|---|
| One | October 26 | Wonder – Awake to God’s presence |
| Two | November 2 | Memory – Awake to our stories |
| Three | November 9 | Grace – Awake to mercy |
| Four | November 16 | Belonging – Awake to community |
| Five | November 23 | Love – Awake to the heart of Jesus |
Please join us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. We share our weekly episodes on Facebook and our YouTube channel, and go live at 10:30 a.m. You can find these links and more information about us, or join our live broadcast on our website, FlintAsburyChurch.org.
Pastor Tommy
Marilynne Robinson. Gilead. NY: Picador, 2004.