Tom Allen

If your question had been, "Are you a racist?", that would simply have been too easy.  No.  I grew up in "really white" America.  My parents used the "N" word, without impunity, because it was the common term used in their homes growing up.  I went to completely white schools and had no black friends in my formative years.  So, the deck was stacked against me, but I overcame. I remember the 2 weeks my mom worked at our church in place of the vacationing secretary.  I went with her to work every day.  But, I spent all my days hanging out with the janitor.  She was black.  Her name was Ollie Tatum.  She and I had lunch together every day.  We became the best of friends.  When the 2 weeks were over, I asked my mom if I could kiss her good-bye.  She said "No".  I obeyed, but thought that was so wrong.  She had a problem.  I didn't. In my college days I made friends with people of color that I still cons...

As we pause to celebrate our nations's freedom and independence today, I hope it's more than just a day off from work for you.  I hope you pause and think of just how much sacrifice went into the things you and I take for granted. I hope you remember where that all came from, too.  This week, I was reminded that, although we only sing one, there are actually four verses to the Star Spangled Banner.  Verse four happens to be my personal favorite... Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Maybe we should sing that one more.  Happy 4th!   In God is our trust!

This past week the Supreme Court redefined marriage in the United States to be any union between two people, regardless of gender.  Marriage, as defined uniquely by scripture, is a thing of the past in this country.   Few, if any, have been without response to this decision.  The Gay/Lesbian community have celebrated it as a great victory and a day for freedom and equality for all in America to finally be celebrated, as have most of the media and those with anything other than a biblical worldview.   So, the question is apparent:  How are we, as Christ-followers to respond?     SHOCKING?  Many have responded with shock that such a thing would happen.  I don’t understand that response.  I would have been shocked had it been decided any other way.  In case you haven’t noticed, we live in a Post-Christian time in a Post-Christian nation.  Fewer and fewer people, even those who attend our churches and cl...