Rest is Resistance: The Power of Fortified Obedience

Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance is a bold manifesto for a counter cultural movement rooted in rest, healing, and liberation.

Tricia Hersey’s Rest is Resistance is a bold manifesto for a countercultural movement rooted in rest, healing, and liberation in a world glorifying hustle and grind culture. Known as “The Nap Bishop” and founder of The Nap Ministry, Hersey calls readers to reimagine rest as both a necessity and a radical defiance against systems prioritizing profit over humanity.

The Revolutionary Power of Rest
Hersey’s work blends her experiences, theology, performance art, and activism to emphasize rest as a collective movement for restorative change. In Rest is Resistance, she argues that rest is more than self-care—it’s a direct challenge to capitalism, white supremacy, and other oppressive systems. However, a misconception about this practice of intentional rest is that she permits us to relax. She affirms that we can no longer afford to be exhausted or ashamed because we consistently work for them when we are afraid of our power.

Another central message is that rest is a birthright, not something earned. The roots of modern grind culture are intertwined with the historical exploitation of Black bodies during the transatlantic slave trade, exposing how the demand for relentless productivity continues to harm marginalized communities disproportionately. By rejecting societal narratives that equate busyness with worthiness, she encourages us to unlearn these toxic ideologies. A reflection question for you is, “When was the last time you truly rested without guilt?”

Deprogramming from Grind Culture
Rest, she argues, is not laziness but a revolutionary act of restoration and rebellion. It is essential to break free from the toxic cycles of grind culture and internalized capitalism, liberating ourselves from the relentless pursuit of productivity at the expense of well-being and purpose. One of her most striking ideas is that rest enables us to dream and imagine new possibilities for ourselves and our communities. This is especially critical for social justice advocates, who bear the emotional labor of confronting systemic oppression. Hersey emphasizes that “treating each other and ourselves with care isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity if we’re going to thrive.” Sustainable change, she reminds us, doesn’t come from exhaustion but from the energy restored through rest.

The Spiritual and Communal Dimensions of Rest
Rest is approached as a deeply spiritual practice, one that is not only personal but also communal, inviting collective healing and renewal. Grounded in liberation theology, she frames rest as a sacred practice connecting us to our ancestors, the divine, and ourselves. Rest, she argues, is reparative—not just for individuals but for communities and generations denied the right to rest and abide in community. By leaning on one another for collective care and support, communities can model the power of rest as a spiritual and revolutionary curse-breaking act.

Hersey's message is particularly timely for leaders in interfaith ministry, social justice, and activism in our connection to the world around us. Rest strengthens community bonds, allowing leaders to create environments that honor sabbath rest, communal care, and shared reflection of our respective journeys of faith and purpose.

We, as leaders, model rest within our ministries and movements, integrating it into advocacy and congregational care for holistic well-being:

• In advocacy work, leaders can model rest by scheduling regular breaks and sabbaticals, demonstrating the importance of self-care. This practice encourages advocates to prioritize their well-being, preventing burnout and sustaining a long-term commitment to the cause.

• Organizations that promote a rest culture, such as implementing flexible work hours and encouraging time off, create environments where employees feel valued and supported.

• Families in our communities prioritize rest by designating regular family time, such as shared meals or weekend outings, to strengthen their bonds. These moments of rest and connection provide opportunities for reflection and shared experiences, deepening relationships.

• Churches and Congregations that incorporate rest into their ministries, such as offering retreats or quiet days, provide communal reflection and renewal spaces. These practices allow members to connect with God, fostering a supportive and spiritually enriched community.

A Call to Action Across Generations
Rest is Resistance is more than a book; it’s a call to action for all generations. We are called to break free from the cycles of exhaustion, embracing rest not just as a pause but as a powerful form of liberation. The journey within God’s plans transcends the boundaries constructed by humanity. Race, age, titles, and roles are earthly parameters—created to divide, categorize, and constrain what God intended to be boundless. We are one creation in His design, united in purpose and interconnected in spirit.

Rest, therefore, is not a privilege confined to a select few; it is a shared responsibility. We must confront and dismantle the systems that exploit our time and energy. As lay leaders, ministers, social justice advocates, and interfaith leaders, we are called to embody Hersey’s vision: to rest, heal, and resist together.

For elders, rest may symbolize a hard-earned reprieve from decades of advocacy and service. Their resilience and institutional memory can guide younger advocates toward sustainable activism. To foster collective renewal, mentor across generations, and encourage collaboration among people of all roles, recognizing that each person has unique value and contribution. For next-generation ministry and social justice advocacy leaders, rest is a foundational principle—a proactive strategy for cultivating movements prioritizing sustainability and collective well-being from the outset. In doing this, we practice humility, listening, and forgiveness, creating space for reconciliation and deeper community engagement. We can learn from one another, and generations can co-create a culture where rest is a shared inheritance, not a luxury.

Overall, Rest is not merely a personal choice but a powerful act of collective resistance, challenging the misconceptions that separate it from our shared struggle for justice, well-being, and communal healing. She affirms that rest is not a passive indulgence but a vital practice for reclaiming energy, power, and creativity. Hersey’s call to “release the shame you feel while resting” aligns with the pastoral responsibility to shepherd communities toward holistic care. Let’s make the first step as leaders: pause, take a deep breath, and remind ourselves that we are enough. Now, go rest.

May peace be with you into the new year as we navigate this journey of communal care and call to rest?