Have mercy on those who are suffering, have mercy on the persecuted, oppressed and marginalized. Have mercy on those who are targeted because of the color of their skin; have mercy on those who are profiled because of who they decide to pray to, disregarded because of who they love. Have mercy on those whose hopes …
Continue reading Have Mercy: A Prayer for Justice and Reconciliation
The following is the text of the sermon that I preached this morning for Race Relations Sunday. The Bible reading is out of Acts 19.1 - 7, which was one of the lectionary texts last week Sunday. If you would prefer to listen to the audio, click here. I have been walking with Christ for over …
Continue reading Race Relations Sunday: Have You Received Since You Believed?
In a little less than 24 hours, 2014 will be over. 2015 will be here. As I reflect over the last year, however, I honestly don't think that we are ready for it. We are not ready for 2015 because we still have not learned from the mistakes of 2014. We have not made much …
Continue reading Hitting the Reset Button on 2014 (Living More Peaceably in the Year to Come)
The roots of racism run deep in the soil of the United States of America. These roots did not grow overnight, but as a result of policy, practices and procedures over the course of hundreds of years, the roots are there and the system is massive. The roots were first planted with the systematic removal …
Here are a few pieces that I have submitted to other blogging networks over the last few weeks: Does the Church Really Want Diversity Over the years many American churches have expressed a desire to be more open to people of color so that we feel welcome in the congregation. The thought is that as …
Continue reading Diversity, Oppression, and the God Who Hears
*Link to image* Silent Night has always been one of my favorite carols this time of year. Ever since I committed it to memory over 20 years ago, the words have made me think about peace and calm surrounding the birth of Jesus. Consider the lyrics: Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright …
Ebony Johanna 