Race

Hello friends! How are you doing? If you read or listen to any kind of media these days, you'll likely hear the call for 'systemic change.' And most thoughtful people would agree there is much work to be done in our society. But how do you change the system? Well, I think it starts at a very personal level. It starts with you and I committing to personal responsibility and accountability. It begins when each of us treat the people around us with the dignity, respect and love they deserve. The other thing you're likely to notice is how people are directing their anger, not always at the issue at hand, but at each other for how each of us chooses to respond. Whether you're the silent or vocal type...let's not take offense where offense shouldn't be taken. Let's work together for justice, for love and for peace. Hopefully this video articulates my thoughts in a helpful way for you.

Hello friends! I'm hurting for our world right now as we collectively lament the hurt and division that is separating so many people. I want to challenge you not to be baited into thinking this is an either/or situation. When something is reduced to only two positions it's called a 'fool's choice.' You don't have to choose between saying Black Lives Matter and supporting those who serve in law enforcement. You can actually do both. Choosing one or the other only breeds more division and anger, and is not likely to bring parties together for effective dialog. Be an agent of reconciliation. Be someone who does the hard work of sitting with the pain and suffering of our black brothers and sisters. Be one who stands with those who have taken an oath to serve and protect you. Be someone who is willing to wrestle with the hard stuff in life and look for solutions. I'd invite you to take a listen...

Hello friends. In this little window to make a post, Facebook asks, "What's on your mind?" Well, that's a loaded question, and I imagine you could answer in lots of ways right now. This week the murder of George Floyd has been heavy on my mind. As I have been grieving and lamenting this tragedy and the repeated nature of these things in our country, it occurred to me that when we are loveless, we are sightless, in ways that blur our vision of people as image-bearers of God. While I was contemplating all of this, the Lord called out some of my own blindness, ouch. But at the same time, he also gently reminded me that he came to give sight to the blind. I know this video is a bit longer than my usual devotional thoughts, but if you have 10 minutes, I hope you'll take a listen, perhaps it will help you. I love ya, and I'm praying for you.