What Do We Do Now?
We are in a “what do we do now?” moment in the world.
We are surrounded by news updates concerning a global pandemic. We are viewing the incredibly terrifying effects of racism in our world and the aftershocks of division based on race, political stance, and opinion. And it seems like it’s not letting up anytime soon.
So, what do we do now?
I don’t know.
At least, I don’t have a full plan. I don’t have the complete blueprints, but I have enough to know that my eyes are on the Father, my heart is beating for oneness with Jesus, and I’m surrounded and in-dwelt by Holy Spirit. In this loving connection, I’ve been pressing into pain and grief. I’ve been lamenting the loss of what was normal and hoping for what will be next. I have been grieving the places of systemic racism in our nation and in my own heart. I have been mourning the losses and praying for a breakthrough in what seems like an impossible storm.
I have come to grips that as a white male in a position of power that I need to utilize this privileged status by raising my voice to come into agreement with the Lord’s Word, the cries of my brothers and sisters, and the plea for justice in our world as it is in heaven. With that said, I’ve committed myself to a process of continuing to form my head, hands, and heart in this season. I’m wanting to dig into being educated and opening my heart, ears, and eyes to see what I haven’t seen and hear what I haven’t heard. I want to expand my heart in empathy as I listen, reflect, pray, and prepare for action. Finally, I am pledged to a whole-hearted effort in acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
For each of these steps, I wanted to share what I have been researching, what has been shared with me, and what I believe can be helpful.
Education (Head):
I am seeking ways in which I can listen intently with an open mind and not only inform, but be transformed by the Word of God and hearing the voices, stories, and perspectives of our neighbors. Below are a collection of resources that I highly recommend for reading, viewing, and receiving information that I pray will lead to transformation in our hearts and communities.
FULLER dialogues: Race and Identity
Shining Light on the Virus of Racism from our FMCSC Superintendent Team
Resource on talking to your kids about Racism
Holy Post - Race in America Part 1
Holy Post - Race in America Part 2
BOOKS:
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo (although I don’t agree with everything in this book, it is helpful nonetheless to understand various viewpoints)
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel Tatum
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
How to Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby
The Heart of Racial Justice by Brenda Salter McNeil
Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison
Empathy (Heart):
I am also seeking ways in which we can open our hearts and build greater empathy for our neighbors by listening and allowing various perspectives to inform our actions. I am listing a few interviews that have been incredibly powerful that I would encourage you to watch and allow the Lord to speak to you through. I am also listing a few documentaries and films that have done an excellent job of promoting the stories and perspectives across the spectrum.
Films and Documentaries:
Interviews:
Poetry:
Famous Last Words Spoken (written form) audio is below.
Effort (Hands):
“22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:22-25
We have never been called to convenience, comfortability, or complacency. Our goal is that our education and empathy-building processes would lead to effort. As we listen, become more deeply informed, and have our hearts stirred, we will find the next right steps to not just hear the Word but do the Word. Below are some ways in which you can step into action:
Groups - Our church is currently hosting groups focusing on these dialogues and improving their sense of how we can better love our neighbors and remove areas of racism from our congregation and systems near us.
Pray, Research, Vote, Petition, Repeat - We have seen movement forward in justice being served for many recent losses, and yet there is a long way to go for seeing the fullness. Continue to pray, research, petition, and vote as the Lord leads you to.
“What Do We Do Now?” Sermon - I don’t normally share my sermons, but I felt especially led to do so while writing this blog. Please view, listen, and open your heart to what the Lord is speaking over you to do in response. He is faithful.
I believe the best step starts with our own hearts and then goes forth. Dig into the uncomfortable places of these issues and allow the Lord to open your heart to change, to expand in love, and to act in accordance with His Word and perfect will.
Beloved, our promise is that one day every tribe, tongue, and nation will gather before the throne of God and lift up our voices together. It’s to that unity, it’s to that oneness, it’s to that worship that I write and I pray. May the Lamb receive the reward of His suffering. Amen.
