Racism is alive and well in the United States. Those who were in denial about it before for one reason or another, must come to grips with this sobering reality post 2016 election. We have not progressed our way out of it as many have eagerly but ignorantly imagined. Nor have we come remotely close …
Continue reading Balancing Act: Facing Reality about Racism and Still Maintaining Hope
As we finish off leftovers from Thanksgiving, we usher in another season of advent. And if you are like me, you too have also been wondering what this season means in light of the current political moment. Getting wrapped up in the typical holiday festivities and cheer is tempting - I want my children to …
Continue reading This Advent: Christ Is Here – May He Be Found In Us
I woke up Wednesday morning feeling lost and confused, remorseful over the events of the night before. So much shame and a deep feeling of wantonness filled my chest, comprising the air circulating in my lungs trying to keep me alive. My head ached, my body was sore, and I wanted to vomit up the …
There is no power gained by oppressing others. No glory. No honor. No peace. No joy. Only terror, the terror of living under the tyranny that your own hands have wrought. The agony of your own oppressive behavior released upon the earth, threatening breath, air, water, land. Us. Be delivered from the memory of your …
*A version of this post has been posted at RaceRhetoricandReligion. On Wednesday, I awoke to the news that Bethel University's St. Paul, Minnesota campus - the school I attended for Seminary - experienced a racist incident. The Kresge rock that had been recently painted in solidarity with Black Lives Matter was now painted over in …
Continue reading White Church So Silent, White Church So Complicit
Your oppressors forced you to carry a cross, That they fashioned with their own hands That killed your loved ones and would eventually claim you. They made you say, "Father forgive them, they know not what they do" As they mocked and spat upon you, And persisted in nailing you to that beautiful, wretched dogwood. Every word you …
Ebony Johanna 