Some of my thoughts on the recent violence...
I cannot even begin to know what solidarity means with the African American community when simply getting into your car to go somewhere could mean death because you're only Driving While Black/DWB. We need to do better in this nation for Black lives. I cannot imagine having to tell my sons or daughter that simply because you are not white you will be treated very differently by some in law enforcement. That part of basic drivers ed is about handling police (because they are a totally unknown quantity with any encounter or stop) beyond basic respect. That sudden moves or even no moves may be your last day on the planet. That others would be considered more valuable, even in their criminal activity, than you would, even if you've done nothing wrong. That we still think the militarization of government agencies is a good thing for any lives is amazing to me.
I've been a partner in helping plant two immigrant churches of people from Africa and South America. My past two congregations had a certain level of diversity. As a child of God I believe the church must be the new neighborhood. I believe in tearing down walls between people. Its a part of being the new people of God that is such an emphasis in NT. We are holy bubble-poppers! Not shills for our state nor ethnic tribe. We can appreciate the state and tribes but they must be subverted to second place. Particularly for those who have used power to prop up their tribe through the state's weapons and policies in the past and present.
If you do not know the way of peace you will believe the lie that killing will somehow balance things out. You cannot kill your way to peace. Every death creates seeds for future violence. Jesus life and teachings show us how to break the cycle. Church its time to stop playing and propping up the violent ideologies of the world. Pray, fast, get uncomfortable and start engaging your neighbor as Jesus. Give your life for others, in that, Jesus said you will find life.
#AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile #Dallas
I cannot even begin to know what solidarity means with the African American community when simply getting into your car to go somewhere could mean death because you're only Driving While Black/DWB. We need to do better in this nation for Black lives. I cannot imagine having to tell my sons or daughter that simply because you are not white you will be treated very differently by some in law enforcement. That part of basic drivers ed is about handling police (because they are a totally unknown quantity with any encounter or stop) beyond basic respect. That sudden moves or even no moves may be your last day on the planet. That others would be considered more valuable, even in their criminal activity, than you would, even if you've done nothing wrong. That we still think the militarization of government agencies is a good thing for any lives is amazing to me.
I've been a partner in helping plant two immigrant churches of people from Africa and South America. My past two congregations had a certain level of diversity. As a child of God I believe the church must be the new neighborhood. I believe in tearing down walls between people. Its a part of being the new people of God that is such an emphasis in NT. We are holy bubble-poppers! Not shills for our state nor ethnic tribe. We can appreciate the state and tribes but they must be subverted to second place. Particularly for those who have used power to prop up their tribe through the state's weapons and policies in the past and present.
If you do not know the way of peace you will believe the lie that killing will somehow balance things out. You cannot kill your way to peace. Every death creates seeds for future violence. Jesus life and teachings show us how to break the cycle. Church its time to stop playing and propping up the violent ideologies of the world. Pray, fast, get uncomfortable and start engaging your neighbor as Jesus. Give your life for others, in that, Jesus said you will find life.
#AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile #Dallas
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