After the 2024 election, I made the decision to stop watching 24-hour news channels. It was one of the best New Year’s resolutions I’ve ever made, and I stuck to it—until one April evening.
I came home to find my mother watching a political news show that used to be my go-to source. Thinking I could handle it, I sat down to watch with her. But within five minutes, I realized I needed to leave the room. What I heard was overwhelming and deeply distressing.
After calming down, I returned. My mother looked at me and asked, “Are you okay?”
I replied, “No. I am not okay.”
In that moment, I felt a wave of helplessness and anger—angry that just five minutes of news coverage could so quickly destroy the peace I had worked so hard to cultivate.
Reflecting on that experience later, the words of an old Vacation Bible School song came to mind: “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.” That simple line reminded me how precious our joy is—and how important it is not to let it be disrupted so easily.
Since then, I’ve recommitted to being intentional about my news consumption: who I listen to, how much, and when. This practice of protecting my peace is not just personal—it’s spiritual and communal.
That experience also reaffirmed my dedication to this community and my determination to channel my frustration with the current political climate in a constructive and intentional way. For me, that outlet is the Springfield NAACP, where I proudly serve as Chair of the Religious Affairs Committee.
Our goal is to be a resource that helps you put your faith into action—especially when the world feels intent on stealing your joy. We invite you to join us in reclaiming that joy.
Come be a part of a spirited time of worship and community every fifth Sunday at 4 PM. Our next Fifth Sunday Worship Service will be held on June 29th at 4 PM (host church to be determined). This is just one of the many opportunities we have to come together, replenish our joy, and learn how to channel both our faith and our frustrations into meaningful action through the NAACP.
In these challenging times, the key is to face them together, take action together, and protect our joy with unwavering determination.
Pastor Tracey Wolff
Chair of the Springfield NAACP Religious Affairs Committee
Pastor, Pitts Chapel and Grace United Methodist Churches
