Dear Lord, They think we're more depraved. Isn't that it? Isn't that what's nagging and gnawing at me? Isn't that why they cite statistics about our crime rates and achievement gaps? They are saying we are more depraved. And yet, they built a house and put us in the cellar. They built it on purpose... Continue Reading →
Finally, we can grieve together
If you have ever buried a loved one, then you have probably heard about the Five Stages of Grief. You may also know what it feels like for somone to minimize your grief with platitudes like, "Well praise God, s/he's with Jesus now. You'll see them again." [Insert eye roll, sigh, balled fist.] As we... Continue Reading →
Prayers for Derek Chauvin
Prayer is not my strong suit. I am more a Christian seeker and a learner than I am a pray-er. But this morning I prayed for Derek Chauvin. It was a winding road during my quiet time that got me to praying for him. I wasn't even thinking about the killing of George Floyd when... Continue Reading →
Burning cities force you to see color
I recently cropped my white son-in-law out of a photo of the men in our family. I hated to do it, but Ryan's not black. I don't worry about him the way I worry about the black men in my family, so I cropped him out of my Facebook post. I consider this a good... Continue Reading →
Stalk and Kill: It’s the American Way
After a black man is killed for minding his business, I often ask God why. I plead with him because I don't get why he has allowed black people - my people - to be mistreated for 400 years. Often, I go to Exodus Chapter 2 where Moses "saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one... Continue Reading →
Politics & Devotion: Goaded
Last week's disinfectant debacle is a really great object lesson. We can draw a simple principle from James 3.1: while all are uniquely gifted by God, teaching is for those called to teach. A more modern way to put it: we need to stay in our lane. The president's refusal to stay in his lane... Continue Reading →