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 consider friends to this day.
My first pastorate was in a redneck town where time had stood still for about 40 years. I invited a black man in town to church. He explained to me why that wouldn't be such a good idea for him or me. I told him, if he came I wouldn't sit on the platform as I usually did. I'd come sit right beside him. He appreciated the thought, but declined my offer.
When my sons grew up and were in High School, they would invite guys over. Sometimes before basketball home games they needed a place to chill for a few hours. My son would bring 5 or 6 guys home with him...all black. I asked him one day if he realized he wasn't black? He got all up in my face and asked if I had a problem with his black friends. I explained,
"Not at all. I'm so proud my sons have the opportunities to grow up in a more color-blind society than I did. Just wanted to make sure you were aware you're a white kid, that's all".
I could go on, but you get the picture. Me, a racist? No way!
Then, this whole Confederate flag thing came up. Look, I'm an open-minded guy, but, I've never understood all the hullabaloo over some dumb flag. It's a flag. It's a southern thing. It's about history and culture. Get over it, for Pete's sake.
Then, I read something. One simple question: "What if you traveled to Germany for vacation and saw Swastikas flying, and when you asked about them they just said, "Oh, it's a cultural thing...a historical thing. No big deal. Get over it."?
No. It's a symbol of hatred and racism and a justification to not only hate a race of people, but to attempt to wipe them off the face of the earth. It's a symbol of superiority from a people who were inferior in their thinking, compassion and morality. I would be disgusted. You would too.
That's when it hit me...it is a big deal. Call it what you like. Justify it any way your conscience allows you to. But, in the bottom line, there's NO DIFFERENCE. I was wrong. It IS a big deal. It's a symbol of our past when we chose to fight over the right to call a race of people inferior. And, to hoist it over our capitol or to stick it on our bumper or to wear it on a t-shirt says very plainly, "I don't care who won the war, THEY are still inferior to me".
This may not sit well with some of you. So be it. I'm here to confess today I was wrong. I was an accidental racist. Plain and simple. I get it now. I will do better.
7/9/15
7/4/15
OUR NATION'S ANTHEM
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!
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!
7/2/15
A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO THE SUPREME COURT
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