Racism in 2020 America

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8, NIV)

The recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has once again brought the issue of racism to the surface of public dialogue around the country, including here. Racism is rooted in fear and ignorance of the other. It often manifests itself in subtle ways of thinking and behaving that we may not even notice (what’s often called “unconscious bias”).

In one of my previous church appointments, I was part of a group of civic and religious leaders dedicated to helping our community heal from the racial injustices of its past, and I remember talking with one of my church leaders about how our church could be involved. Expecting him to understand why it was important for us as Christians to be leaders in that endeavor, his response shocked me. He said, "We don’t need to participate in that. We don’t have a race problem here. We treat our Black people just fine." This was an otherwise good, decent, religious man, but one who was totally unaware of his prejudice and unconscious bias regarding race and ethnic privilege. His was a response to an innate fear of those who were different from him, based upon a set of assumptions he may not have even understood.

Before you write that example off as something that would never happen here in Gwinnett County (one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the entire nation), please remember that inward fear and judgement of “otherness” (even when unintentional) exists in varying degrees everywhere and in everyone. And if left unchecked, these inevitably lead to prejudice and racism in their more outwardly discernible forms. Whether it’s bias in our treatment of, or conversation about, an immigrant from another country, or towards someone who holds an opposing political view, or (in my own case just this past week) catching myself unintentionally passing judgement on people around me who were not wearing a mask or properly social distancing in public (or feeling smug about those, like myself, who do wear one!), the foundations for prejudice and racism exist in ALL of us, even those who claim the name of Jesus as our Lord.

Talking about the difficult and awkward issues of race, unconscious privilege, prejudice and fear is not easy. However, for Christians, at least, silence is not an option. If we are to be an outpost of God’ love — if we are to be "People (meaning ALL people). Doing Life Together. Connecting all through Christ" (our church's Vision) — then we have a responsibility to speak up. While I’ll be the first to say that riotous looting and violence is NOT the answer to this problem — it neither honors the legacy of non-violence espoused by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr., nor of Jesus himself — nevertheless our silence as Christians does nothing to improve the situation, either.

Instead, according to the scripture above, faithfulness in following the ways of God involves at least three things:

1.      We are to “act justly.” Faithful discipleship doesn’t simply involve thinking or believing fair and just things, but also involves us doing things that are fair and just, even if they are outside our comfort zone. That means going out of our way to intentionally treat others the way we would want to be treated, and to bridle our innate, human desire to judge others based solely on outward appearances. Read a perfect example of this kind of action in Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

2.      We are to “love mercy.” Some Bible translations of this phrase say we are to “love kindness,” have “steadfast love,” or “embrace faithful love.” However it’s translated, it means that we are to show compassion, kindness, and grace to others in our dealings with them, even when we don’t feel they deserve it. Read an illustration of this kind of treatment in the story of Jesus’ response to a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11).

3.      We are to “walk humbly with our God.” While “humbly” here can also be translated as “wisely,” nevertheless it means that we are to live life with a spirit of modesty and humility towards others that doesn’t puff itself up with arrogance or pride. It is a life lived with a constant awareness not only that we ourselves are not perfect (that each of us possesses some degree of implicit/unconscious bias), but also that we are all living in the presence of Almighty God, who is the only true judge of all things. Read an example of the qualities of this kind of living from the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1-6.

I may be naive, but I believe that if we all determined to live our lives in these ways, then each of us would be better people, and our world would be a better place. Police officers would have no need to resort to brutality in enforcing laws, and protestors (however justified) would have no need to riot and use violence as a cover for seeking revenge.

Yes, we have come a long way over the years in our efforts to become a more racially inclusive and fair society. However, the recent events in Minneapolis and resulting violence around the country remind us how far we still have to go.

For those who want to learn or understand more about the subtle yet very real challenges of racism, prejudice, and unconscious bias, along with their underlying attitudes of fear and judgement, I invite you to consider several good books for a Christian approach to this topic: Fear of the Other by Will Willimon; White Lies by Daniel Hill; Holding Up Your Corner: Talking about Race in Your Community by F. Willis Johnson; Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey; and One In Christ: Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides by David D. Ireland.

All of these are available from Cokesbury.com and you can either order them for yourself, or there may be some of our Sunday School classes and/or other small groups that choose to use these as resources for virtual group discussion and dialogue about these subjects.

I realize that some of you may not agree with all (or any) of what I’m sharing here in this post. But if any of what I’ve written causes you to feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even angry, then I would lovingly invite you truthfully to ask yourself why, and then prayerfully to seek God’s wisdom about what to do with what you’re feeling.

Regardless of where you are or stand on this issue, know that you are precious and loved in God’s eyes. My prayer is that we will all learn more and more how to live into and respond to that love by loving and treating others the same way that God loves and treats us! Always remember that God loves you, and I do, too!

Introducing Pastor's Virtual Bible Club

"Jesus asked his disciples, 'Who do people say that I am?' And they answered him, 'John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.' Then he asked them, 'But who do YOU say that I am'?"  (Mark 8:27-29)

"Who do you say that I am?"  Jesus' question to the disciples is the same haunting question that he asks of us today. Sure, we might acknowledge him as a great man, a great leader, a prophet of God.  Like Peter, we might even call him the Messiah, the Son of God.  But what do we mean by that?

Is it enough to simply acknowledge him as Christ with our tongues, but then live our lives like we had no such belief?  John Wesley, founder of Methodism, called such persons "practical atheists."   In one of the albums of a Christian rap group from the 1990s (DCTalk) I remember hearing this saying: "the greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."

When the way we live our lives doesn't match what we say we believe, then our Christianity is somehow lacking.  At least, that is what the gospel writer of the Book of Mark thinks.  "Who is Jesus?  and how will you respond to him?"  Starting Sunday, June 7^th, we'll have an opportunity to find out more about how the writer of Mark answers these two questions in a Pastor’s Virtual Bible Club from 5:00-6:00pm each Sunday via Zoom video conference.

As an interactive, in-depth Bible study on the book of Mark that I'll be leading, this will be geared for anyone who has an interest in delving deeper into the study of God’s word, but may be especially helpful for those who don’t live locally but want to connect with others at McKendree Church.

The only textbook you’ll need will be your Bible, but you’ll need access either to the Zoom app on your phone, tablet, or PC (or you can call in “audio-only” from your smart phone if you prefer).

For further questions, or if you are interested in participating in this weekly pastor-led study, please email Pastor Brian to receive a Zoom-video invitation and link.  And always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

The Things That Haven't Been Done Before

“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

“The things that haven’t been done before,
those are the things to try.
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
at the rim of the far-flung sky,
And his heart was bold and his faith was strong
As he ventured in dangers new,
And he paid no heed to the jeering throng
Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track
With guideposts on the way,
They live and have lived for ages back
With a chart for every day.
Someone has told them it’s safe to go
On the road he has traveled o’er.
And all that they ever strive to know
Are the things that were known before.

A few strike out, without map or chart,
Where never a [person] has been,
From the beaten paths they draw apart
To see what no [one] has seen.
There are deeds they hunger alone to do;
Though battered and bruised and sore,
They blaze the path for the many, who
Do nothing not done before.

The things that haven’t been done before,
Are the tasks worth while today;
Are you one of the flock that follows, or
Are you the one that shall lead the way?
Are you one of the timid souls that quail
At the jeers of a doubting crew,
Or dare you, whether you win or fail, Strike out for a goal that’s new?

[-- Edgar A. Guest (1881-1959)]

In the wake of our current health pandemic, there will certainly be many ways that life will change for each of us – in our restaurants, stores, schools, sports events, home life, and even in and through our churches.  While these changes will undoubtedly feel uncomfortable and awkward at first, over time we will see how God’s hand has moved through them to offer us not only more of Himself, but also often an even better way to do life and ministry together, if we will but open our hearts and minds to those “new things”. 

So, what “new thing” is God calling you to do or participate in today?  Not only do we serve one who constantly calls us forward, but who has also been there ahead of us and walks with us every step of the way.  As God’s people, we don’t need to be afraid to step out and do whatever it is that God is calling us to do that has never been done before, but to trust that He is with us in every change that happens.  Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Spring Garden

“For everything there is a season, and a time for very purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Springtime is the time to begin to plant things.  Some of us plant flowers, bushes, grass, trees, etc. We fertilize them, water them, and hope that it doesn’t turn cold again before they begin growing.  It’s a wonderful time of the year, when plants and trees begin to bud and eventually bloom, and when we prepare for the coming of summer.

But in addition to planting physical gardens, have you considered that Springtime is also a great time to plant spiritual gardens for ourselves, as well?  This year may be especially helpful in this regard, as the time we’ve had in quarantine has hopefully encouraged us to do some self-introspection.

The following is a playful rendering that’s been around for a while of this kind of “self”-planting, but I share it again in the hopes that it will not only bring a smile to your face but also a warmth to your soul in this midst of our continued social distancing.  This Springtime, in your heart…

Plant three rows of peas:

            Peace of mind; Peace of heart; Peace of soul

Plant four rows of squash:
            Squash gossip; Squash indifference;
            Squash grumbling; Squash selfishness.

Plant four rows of lettuce:
            Lettuce be faithful; Lettuce be kind;
            Lettuce be happy; Lettuce love one another

Plant at least three rows of turnips:
            Turn-up for service when needed;
            Turn-up to help one another;
            Turn-up the music and dance.

Also plant five rows of thyme:
            Thyme for fun; Thyme for rest; Thyme for yourself;
            Thyme for your family; Thyme for worship [even when

            It’s vritual worship].

Then, after you’ve finished planting, water freely with patience and cultivate with love.  Remember that you reap what you sow, to plant lots of good seed, that there may be much fruit in your spiritual garden!

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Honoring Our Mothers

“‘Honor your father and mother’—this is the first commandment with a promise: ‘so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”(Matthew 13:45-46)

The angel shook her head slowly and said, “Six pairs of hands... no way.” “It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” said the Lord. “It’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers need to have.” “That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel.

The Lord nodded: “One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when they goof up and still say ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”“Come to bed, Lord. You can finish tomorrow,” said the angel, touching God’s sleeve gently. “I can’t,” answered the Lord. “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she’s sick.... can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger... and can get a seven-year old to stand under a shower.”

The angel circled the model of a mother slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed. “But tough!” said the Lord. “You cannot imagine what this mother can do or endure.” “Can it think?” “Not only that, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator. Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. “There’s a leak,” she said. “It’s not a leak.... It’s a tear” said the Lord. “What’s it for?” “It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness and pride.” “You’re a genius!” said the angel. “Now you know why I want them honored!” replied the Lord.

This Sunday, May 10^th (2020) is Mother’s Day, and it’s a great time to thank God for the mothers of our lives – both those who gave us birth, and those are like mothers to us.  Whenever it is that you are reading this, please take time to thank God for your mother!  Remember, we honor God as we honor them!  And never forget that God loves you and I do, too!

You Never Let Go

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Your perfect love is casting out fear

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life

I won't turn back I know you are near

And I will fear no evil

For my God is with me

And if my God is with me

Whom then shall I fear?

Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)

Oh no, You never let go

Through the calm and through the storm

Oh no, You never let go

In every high and every low

Oh no, You never let go

Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

And there will be an end to these troubles

But until that day comes

Still I will praise You, still I will praise You”

(Chorus Twice)

            [--Lyrics by Matt Redman © 2006 Sparrow]

No matter what tragedy or challenge you or your loved ones or friends are facing today, always remember that God is -- and will always be -- with you!  And while His presence doesn't always protect us from bad things happening, His presence will always give us hope to persevere and have hope through it!  Whatever you’re facing, hang in there!  And remember always that God loves you and I do, too!