Arusi Network, Inc.
Arusi Network: Social Support for
African-American Christian Marriage
Conclusion
Teaching faith and values through the telling of stories is an intrinsic part of the African-American oral tradition. Married couples relating the positively accelerated view through a structured, disciplined support group is a continuation of that tradition.
The storytelling thought processes are more immediate and available among African Americans than in the dominant culture (Heath). Essentially, African-American couples nurture their marriages by their consensually constructed narratives about aspects of their relationships.
This assertion is supported by sociological study and by my personal experiences in marriage ministry in predominantly Euro-American settings and predominantly African-American settings. Black folk are more willing to tell their stories. Black folk must tell their stories! The norms established in the Arusi Network will facilitate this innate process to be one that will increase African-American couples' sense of marital well-being.
It is in the telling of our stories that we reveal to each other our world view of our marriages. I contend that there is Good News to tell in African-American marriages.
Jesus tells us, "No one lights a lamp and hides it! Instead, he puts it on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room. (Luke 11:33)" Marriage is a light unto the world. Let us lift it high so that all may see the glory of God through the Good News that is in African-American married life.