July 21, 2020
Greetings, Macedonia Family and Friends!
Over the past months, we have been inundated with instances of racism — some overly familiar (e.g., shopping while Black and driving while Black) and others utterly unfathomable (e.g., sleeping while Black, bird watching while Black, and sadly, losing lives when jogging while Black and being arrested while Black). For some of us, our emotions and outrage have peaked to the point of boiling over. Our thoughts and actions have been dictated accordingly. Well, today, I want to remind you of two simple commands:
“Be ye angry, and sin not...” (Ephesians 4:26 KJV); and
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...” (Proverbs 3:5 NIV).
Anger, in and of itself, is not bad. It can be a catalyst for good. Feeling overwhelmed and bewildered is not bad. It can increase our faith and motivate us to trust God.
What one thing under the sun is new? Certainly, racism is not! Rooted in prejudices and stereotypes, it is pervasive even in Bible days. Previously we discussed this in John 17:20-23 and Acts 6. But it goes back even further! They sneered at David as a little shepherd boy before he defeated Goliath! They scoffed at Jesus for being from Nazareth and a lowly carpenter. The list goes on.
Join me tomorrow for Bible Study as we continue confronting our human propensity toward prejudging, stereotyping, and yes, even discriminating and the tools and charge God has given us to eradicate it. I challenge and implore you to invite at least 10 people. Now is not the time to be complacent. It’s the time to evangelize, disciple, and proclaim that JESUS IS LORD!!!
In closing, at one point in the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, we were encouraged to and declared with power, “SAY IT LOUD!! I’M...!” (You know the rest!). Today, let us reword that mantra, and with that same passion and zeal:
“SAY IT LOUD!! I’ M SAVED, BLACK AND I’M PROUD!!!!
Peace & Love,
John L Brooks
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