By Brian Dessauer
In this article and my future writing on this topic, I can only relate what I have learned from the aunts, uncles, and grandfathers steeped in Native American culture (NAC). Though I do not claim any blood quantum, I’ve spent my life immersed in the harmony of nature and absorbing the manifold expressions of God reflected in the world around me.
As a young man, I learned to listen to the whispers of the wind and the rustling leaves, observing the intricate dance of life around me. Through these quiet moments in nature, I began recognizing the Creator’s presence woven into every facet of creation (Isaiah 55:10–13). As I grew older, a magnetic pull toward NAC and its rich traditions enveloped me. Many ceremonies and practices resonate deeply with biblical principles.
Christ and Culture
Years later, I was invited to speak at a heritage group in southern Tennessee. Surrounded by members who held their heritage close, I encountered many seeking to understand how Christianity and Native American traditions could coexist. They hesitated to convert, fearing they would have to relinquish their ancestral practices.
_
“I aim to build understanding and empower Christians to engage with Native American communities through faith while honoring Native American heritage.”
_
A profound bond began during my talk about the connection between NAC and Christianity. Tears flowed freely, and prayers rose like incense (Psalm 141:2) as we explored the beautiful intersections between our beliefs. The Great Spirit began to draw hearts toward Jesus Christ, fostering the realization that one could embrace one’s heritage while also accepting the gospel. This article and forthcoming writing projects are the fruits of that endeavor — born out of a respectful admiration for cultures I have yet to fully grasp. I tread softly among Native American traditions, offering my words with an open heart as I highlight the connections between Jesus and these cultural practices.
The tapestry of faith is woven with threads of diverse cultures, each holding unique expressions and modalities of spiritual insight. I am exploring the beautiful and often overlooked parallels between Native American cultural traditions and biblical principles. I aim to build understanding and empower Christians to engage with Native American communities through faith while honoring Native American heritage. The goal is twofold: to equip believers to share the gospel with cultural sensitivity and also to show that embracing Christianity can coexist with cherished cultural practices.
The Medicine Bag
This article highlights the significance of the medicine bag and its connection to the biblical idea of remembering the “good things” in Philippians 4:8.
John Wesley stated that “the world around us is the mighty volume wherein God hath declared Himself.” He emphasized that it consists not of words but of things that illustrate the divine perfections. “Thus it is, that every part of nature directs us to nature’s God” (A Survey of the Wisdom of God in the Creation: or a Compendium of Natural Philosophy, Volume 1, pp. 229-230).
Here’s a glimpse from my own story: On a sun-drenched summer afternoon, I walked with my Uncle (a mentor, not a relative) along the shimmering banks of Beaver Creek. The air felt thick and warm, enveloping us in a serene embrace. As we explored the gently flowing creek, we stumbled upon a beaver dam, a marvelous construction of twigs and mud.
We settled in the shade, allowing the chirping birds and rustling leaves to wash over us, a gentle reminder of the Creator’s handiwork (Psalm 8:3–9). With its rhythmic murmurs, the water seemed to praise its Maker (Psalm 29:3, 98:7–8), and we quietly attuned ourselves to its song. As I observed the beaver dam, I was captivated by the gnarled sticks, etched with the beaver’s diligent teeth marks, telling a silent story written in the language of nature.
_
“As Wesley conveyed, nature directs the observer to God.”
_
A few hours slipped away like water through my fingers, and I felt a deep sense of longing to remain in that tranquil space. Sensing my hesitation, Uncle urged me to take something that would encapsulate the afternoon’s peace. I picked up a delicate shaving of inner bark, a token forever reminding me of our peaceful communion with nature. Upon returning to his home, Uncle fashioned a leather pouch for me, complete with a necklace string. He instructed me to place the bark shaving inside, transforming it into my first medicine bag — an intimate collection of memories from that radiant day by Beaver Creek.
As time passed, I cherished the practice of gathering memory-triggering items from various experiences — pieces of nature that served as vessels of peace amidst the chaos of life. Each rock, bark fragment, and river water splash became a personal reminder of goodness and serenity. As Wesley conveyed, nature directs the observer to God. A medicine bag embodies this concept, a sacred space for collecting tokens that inspire reflection on the Creator and His countless blessings.
I am a tightly wound type of person, and I often fight anxiety and anxiousness. Sometimes, I can’t seem to claw my way out when I am in self-created turmoil and struggle. I pray. I read the Bible. I call my accountability partner but can’t seem to shake catastrophic thinking. In times like these, I grab my medicine bag, open it up, take the contents one by one, and rehearse the events, people, places, and experiences that I had in my mind. Just telling you about Beaver Creek brought real peace to me.
Now, let’s be clear. The items in the bag have no power. The items in the bag hold significance due to the good experience I had. The items are merely triggers. The medicine bag aligns with the biblical principle found in Philippians 4:8.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (KJV).
The medicine bag aligns with the biblical principle of thinking about good things. I invite you to begin gathering items of significance that trigger good memories. Put them in a bag and wear them around your neck. When in need of clawing out of anxiety and/or depression, open the bag and recount Philippians 4:8.
+
Brian Dessauer and his wife, Susan, have been married since 1989. They have five adult children with 6.5 grandkids. He enjoys most outdoor activities including camping, hiking, rockhounding, and fishing. He is a Wabash Conference ministerial candidate serving as the lead pastor of Mars Hill Free Methodist Church in Indianapolis, and his wife is a local ministerial candidate.
Great Writing + Discipleship Materials
