Jonathan Jayes-Green

2023 has been a blockbuster year for me. Zora Neale Hurston said there are years that ask questions, and there are years that answer questions. 2023 has been a year full of answers.

The biggest reason why 2023 has been so special is that I have experienced unprecedented levels of internal peace from beginning to end. I hear my elders whispering “peace that passes all understanding.”

I no longer expect life without conflict, pain, loss, and trauma. But I pray and work for the internal peace to withstand the storms, to hold and move through grief and loss, and to bear witness to injustices and work towards a more just world.

And more importantly, the peace and stillness to fully experience the joyous moments, to remain deep in connection with my people, and to remain focused on my purpose. ❤️