The Joy They Can’t Take
“Carry your joy to the revolution”
There is a joy within me that no external force can touch. A joy that is mine alone. As a queer Black woman raised in the American South, I have come to know this truth intimately. “This joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away” is an expression that lives deeply within me. These words originate from a gospel song composed and sung by my fellow North Carolinian, Shirley Caesar (Stand up, BULL CITY!).
Gospel music from the Black church tradition has long been a practice of resistance, a means to release, to feel, to renew, and to uplift spirits in the face of injustice, segregation, and hate. This particular song stands as a powerful anthem, deeply rooted in the resilience of Black people and the unshakable truth that joy and power are cultivated from within. It is a song embedded in the collective consciousness of Black folks, especially in the South.
In today’s authoritarian, capitalist, racist, and patriarchal society, I believe the essence of this song is more vital than ever. In times of struggle, we must intentionally anchor ourselves in joy-based resilience. Rather than succumbing to despair, we must remind ourselves of the power and choices we hold, even in moments of fear and uncertainty.
But in a world designed to exhaust and distract us, how do we reclaim our grounding? How do we fortify our minds, bodies, and spirits against forces that seek to diminish our power? These conditions are not accidental; much of society is structured to keep us overwhelmed, distracted, overworked, and stressed, leaving us exhausted and feeling powerless. But what if we refuse? What if we choose joy as an act of defiance?
To counter these forces, we must embrace being whole with joy, honoring all parts of ourselves, the experiences, identities, and stories that shape us. This means standing boldly in our truth and living fully in our authenticity, despite the pressures to conform. This journey is an act of defiance, resistance, and love in a world designed to suppress our light. We are conditioned to conform, to remain silent, to shrink, to doubt our worth, and to hide in the shadows of oppressive systems. If we allow ourselves to shrink, we do not just lose visibility—we relinquish our power, our joy, and ultimately, our freedom.
A wise friend once told me that withholding our gifts, our light, and our joy is something the universe considers a form of theft. When we silence our joy out of fear or internalized oppression, we not only harm ourselves but deprive the world of our brilliance. The times we are living in demand that we reclaim what is ours.
We refuse to let fear rob us of our joy. Because this joy that we have, the world didn’t give it, and the world cannot take it away. With this understanding comes the power of choice. Our charge is clear: protect, nurture, and reclaim our joy not just for ourselves, but for our collective liberation.
Practices to Consider:
Mantra: “This joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away.”
Reflection Exercise: I invite you to sit with this concept: “This joy that I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away.” What does it look like? How does the image or vision of joy move through you? What does this joy feel like when you reclaim it? Reflect through writing, journaling, or creative expression.
Shirley Caesar gave us the original and here’s a beautiful take on This Joy….
Welcome to Whole with Joy!
I’m so glad you’re here. I truly hope this reflection has offered you something positive or perhaps something to consider. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any feedback you may have, so please feel free to share in the comments.
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