We are living in a historic time for our Nation. It is very easy for many to sit back and watch. But the times demand more than just our words, it is time to take very real actions. Actions may include marching in the streets, voting, challenging the racism or apathy you see displayed in … Continue reading A Doorkeeper for the “Fierce Urgency of Now.”
I have been overwhelmed at the response to my Letter to Roy. The responses have been overwhelming as many people of color see themselves in the experiences of my friend that I describe. But to be clear, not all of the responses have been positive. Some have pointed out that although my sentiment may be … Continue reading A Fair Critique of my “Letter to Roy.”
The Fourth of July holiday is a day set aside to celebrate the independence we enjoy as Americans, but that Independence was not always enjoyed by every American. In fact on July 5th, 1852, Frederick Douglass made a powerful speech exposing the hypocrisy of asking a slave to celebrate the Fourth of July. Frederick Douglass … Continue reading What is July 4th to a slave?
As a white evangelical my relationships to people of color is complicated. My religious heritage is one that told black people they were equal in Christ, but everything about how we actually lived our lives in relationship and community said otherwise. Consider that in my white church I was told the following at different times … Continue reading Learn better. Do better.
Dear Roy, You were the friend of my youth. You are black and I am white. When we became adults, we drifted apart. You served in the military. I served in the ministry. You died too soon for me to tell you this in person, so I’ll tell you now. You endured more than you … Continue reading A letter to Roy. He’s the black guy in my pictures.
"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that place, as a testimony against them.” -Jesus in Mark 6:11 It is interesting that Jesus didn't advocate for unity above everything. In fact, He said that He didn't come to bring peace but a sword. … Continue reading Is Unity the ultimate goal?
One of my prized possession as a child was a Bible study chart. The chart had simple illustrations that highlighted my denomination’s doctrines. It was a chart based upon a dispensational view of Scripture, which was developed in the 1850’s by John Nelson Darby of the Plymouth Brethren and made popular in America through sales … Continue reading A confession of guilt
When I was in Junior High School, I had a history teacher tell me during a class lecture on the Civil War era, that black slaves were "cared for and treated as family." I raised my hand and protested, "but they were still slaves, right?" I was then asked to go sit in the hall … Continue reading The primal fear of White America
I have never been looked at as a suspect while browsing in a retail store. No one has ever called me out for being the only member of my race at a gathering or event. My motives are never assumed to be nefarious. I have never feared for my life during a routine traffic stop. Generally, people in power … Continue reading If you’re privileged and you know it say “Amen.”
Psalm 137By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.2 There on the poplars we hung our harps,3 for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” 4 How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand … Continue reading Understand before demanding to be understood.
