By Reiki RaEss
Introduction
Let’s be real: When was the last time you stopped to think about the things you were taught growing up in church? Now, this ain’t about bashing religion—I respect everybody’s path. But if we’re honest, a lot of us have been handed down traditions and beliefs without ever being told to think for ourselves.
Here’s the thing: We’ll scream “God is good!” and “Trust His creation!” but then turn around and side-eye things like natural healing, herbs, or even a deep dive into scripture itself. We rely on preachers, traditions, and other people’s interpretations, but we don’t always sit with the question: What does this mean to ME?
If that hit a nerve, it’s all love. Let’s talk about it. Not to change your mind, but to spark it.
What the Bible Actually Says About Nature
Whether you’re religious or not, it’s hard to ignore how much the Bible centers nature. Genesis 1:29 spells it out:
“I’ve given you every seed-bearing plant for food.”
This isn’t just a line—it’s a blueprint. It’s a reminder that everything we need has been here since the beginning. The fruits, the vegetables, the herbs—all of it is part of a divine design. And yet, we’re over here acting like the healing power of a plant is some “New Age nonsense.”
Even Revelation 22:2 (that’s the last book, for my folks who don’t flip past Psalms) talks about the leaves of the tree being “for the healing of nations.” Healing. From. Leaves. So, why are we so quick to dismiss the natural as irrelevant to our faith, our health, or our growth?
Fear and Tradition: The Real Block
Here’s where things get sticky. A lot of us were raised to believe that questioning was dangerous. If it wasn’t said in church or stamped with “Amen,” then it was off-limits. This fear didn’t just come out of nowhere—it’s rooted in history.
Think about it: During slavery, Black folks were kept away from education and the full Bible. They were taught selective verses meant to control, not empower. That same legacy has trickled down, keeping many of us in a space where we don’t explore what’s beyond what’s preached on Sunday morning.
And let’s be honest, the church has been a lifeline for us as a people. It gave us community, safety, and hope when the world gave us nothing. But sometimes that safety comes with a cost: fear of stepping outside of tradition. Fear of being seen as “too woke,” “too rebellious,” or “not of God.”
The truth? That fear is keeping a lot of us from tapping into the fullness of the life we’re meant to live.
Manna, Mushrooms, and Misunderstandings
Now, let’s get into manna for a second. The Bible describes it as this bread-like substance that appeared in the wilderness to feed the Israelites. Some folks think it might’ve been something natural, like lichen or fungi, while others say it was purely supernatural. Either way, it was a symbol of divine provision—proof that when things are dry, God (or the universe, or life) will provide what you need.
But here’s the kicker: What if the “manna” we’re waiting on today is already here? What if it’s the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and healing practices we’ve ignored or written off because we’ve been taught to fear them? What if it’s that meditation you think is “too spiritual” or that herb your grandma swore by but the preacher never mentioned?
Whether manna was bread, mushrooms, or a miracle, the point is this: Stop dismissing the gifts that are already in front of you.
Breaking the Cycle
If you’re still reading, then you’re curious. And that’s all I want—for you to start asking questions. Here’s how we can begin to break this cycle of fear and tradition:
- Read It For Yourself:
Stop relying on someone else to tell you what the Bible says or what God meant. Open it up. Read Genesis 1:29 or Proverbs 4:7 (“Get wisdom; in all thy getting, get understanding”) and see what it says to YOU. - Explore What’s Natural:
Fruits, veggies, and herbs ain’t just for vegans and hippies. Start small—add one fresh thing to your plate this week or Google the benefits of something simple, like ginger or mint. Trust me, nature is undefeated. - Question Tradition Without Fear:
You’re not betraying your faith by asking questions. In fact, you’re honoring it. Growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. - Reconnect with Your Roots:
Our ancestors knew the power of herbs, rituals, and natural living long before colonialism told them it was wrong. Let’s reclaim that wisdom.
A Final Thought
Look, I’m not here to tell you what to believe. My job isn’t to preach at you or change your mind. My goal is simple: to get you to think. Because if you’re not questioning, exploring, and growing, are you really living?
So the next time someone tells you that meditation, herbal tea, or even asking questions about scripture isn’t “of God,” ask yourself this:
“Is this fear talking, or is it faith?”
Manna didn’t just fall in the wilderness—it’s all around us. You just have to decide whether you’re willing to see it.
Call to Action
Take this week to try one new thing. Maybe it’s reading a verse for yourself. Maybe it’s adding a fresh herb to your dinner. Maybe it’s just sitting with the question: What have I been taught to fear, and why?
Let’s talk about it. Drop a comment or share your thoughts on social media. I’m here for the conversation, not the conclusion.
Sending positive inner-G and negative energy back to the sender
Something Nubian 
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