Unite in Love

So many thoughts whirling around my head and heart.       I've seen posts about how God made us one race. My understanding of the intent of those posts was to say we need to stop focusing on addressing racism and get everyone to Christ. I agree that Christ is the key. But I think there are a lot of people who say they are Christians but live with division in their hearts. I was reminded of the movie we watched recently "Remember the Titans."      The school board said that the boys (black and white) were all a team. But before leaving for a camp, they were a team in name only; they had no love for each other, only hate.  But the coach didn''t let them stay in the place. He got them to spend time with each other, to work together, laugh together, eat together, live together. It's hard to hate up close. Once they got past their differences, they could focus on their mutual goals and truly be a team.      I think that's the same way wi...

     If all people had decided a long time ago that black people do matter, then we wouldn't have the problems we have now.       We're listening to  Felicity's Surprise . In this American Girl story set in 1770s, Felicity was invited to a dance lesson at the Governor's house. She was so excited but then felt very disappointed when Ben (her father's apprentice) told her that she shouldn't go because the Governor was the King's representative. Her father (a store owner) had decided to not purchase any British tea because of the unfair taxation of the colonists. Felicity is very sad by this; but then her father says "if the children of Patriots and Loyalists can dance together, then maybe adults can settle their differences without arguing and fighting one another."       As the story continues, Felicity's mom gets sick so her father cannot escort her to the dance lesson. She thinks she won't be able to go, but then Ben help...

    Tonight our church had a "Town hall on Racial Reconciliation." Pastor Michael Fletcher and Bishop Larry Jackson told their story of playing a part in reconciliation by  following God . They said God began their friendship in heaven and then they met in person in1995.      They each told part of their story and then answered some questions. MPF said he asked God "if you were here, would you do what I'm doing?" He was crushed that God told him no. But God led him to ask the Mayor what Manna could do to help. He went to Campbell Terrace with the one member of Manna who was black; they began prayer walking for six months. Manna prayed and worked to meet physical needs- a playground, peep holes in doors, a block party. When two black men were murdered two blocks from that playground, Michael Fletcher recognized that as spiritual warfare. He yelled "racism- you will not pass!"      In the days that followed, Pastor Fletcher, Bishop Jackson, and...

    I've thought a lot about auto-immune diseases over the past few years. My daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis 5 1/2 years ago. My Dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year. I've been in the process of diagnosis for many years now. Damage from my auto-immune disease has kept me from doing some things I like to do like run and play tennis. Earlier this week when I attempted to ride my bike, I had to stop early because my knee hurt to much to ride.  As I sadly turned around, I thought how much racism is like an auto-immune disease.      First, racism and auto-immune diseases both injure their own body. Auto-immune conditions cause the body to fight against itself. Unfortunately, racism causes the same thing in the human race. While God designed a beautiful rainbow of the human race, some people fight against this diversity. If we are tearing each other down with words or actions, we are fighting against God's design and hindering gro...

So many different emotions going through my brain and heart these days. I don';t even know where to begin. Well I guess beginning with thanksgiving is always a good place to start.  -I'm thankful for God who works good even when we only see the crazy back side of the tapestry.  -I'm thankful for Jesus who has already done it all The work is finished.  -I'm thankful for my wonderful husband and children.  -I'm thankful for supportive friends and family.  -I'm thankful for new friendships which bring life and joy  -I'm thankful for church regathering and fasts from social media -I'm thankful for nice bike rides, for referrals to figure out my health, for good soccer games -I'm thankful for good message about resting in Christ and drawing from His well of living water  -I'm thankful for the opportunity to add to history in a positive way -I'm thankful the technology can be used to advance the gospel  Lord, I lift up to you racial restoration- I ...

We are in such a crazy time. but we are here "for such a time as this." I keep thinking about hearing a message on how in God's amazing timing, the New Testament and the Good News of Jesus happened at the perfect time. The technology of the day including the Roman roads were pathways that enable that message to begin to spread throughout the world. In the same, I think the technology of today including social media enables us to see from a national level that racism still exists. Bad things have happened to people over the ages, but when you don't hear about many. You may not see that they are systematic, you can be saddened by the situation but not feel drawn to action because it was one bad man or a bad police officer not a systemic issue. I'll be honest, I thought that way for a long time. The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and reading, listening to messages like this from  Christine Caine/ Dr. Phillips have change my mind.  I believe God allow...