Tag: America

45 years later we’re still fighting for it

Today will be an historic day. Last night the Democratic Party officially nominated Barack Obama as their party’s presidential nominee. Tonight, he will accept the nomination with a speech in Denver — exactly 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Today will be a great day in American history – and yet a sad day as well. Just this week, men were arrested in Colorado for plotting an assassination attempt on Obama – simply because he’s black.

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

A VP in our office just walked through excited about Obama’s nomination but also noted, “looks like its going to come down to black vs white (in November).”

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” – the American Declaration of Independence

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

And whatever happens in November will already be historic. The downside though is that no matter what — we still have a long way to go.

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

“America has given the negro a bad check. A check that has come back marked ‘insufficient funds.'” – Martin Luther King Jr.

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

And this goes beyond just white and black. It goes for red and yellow, black and white. For all are precious in His sight.

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

“I remember reading the stories of white Christians telling King to be patient. Black Christians were told over and over again, black and white alike, to wait for God’s kingdom in the arena of racial justice. The right to vote was not the end. It was seen as a means to participate in democracy, to work alongside fellow citizens to aide our society to fulfill its own sense of calling.

I live with a tragic history that remembers the failure of churches to be more determined by color than baptism. A reality we still wrestle with today. But a part of that tragic history is how fellow Christians, on this continent, refused to let people of color in on the conversation called America. What they didn’t know was that we already had our own conversation, and we wanted them in on it. Even though we had our own conversation going since the beginning of sojourn, we still wanted to join in as fellow citizens and broaden the conversation. We wanted to bring out gifts to the table. We wanted equity along racial lines. A piece to the puzzle to achieving such equity was the practice of voting.” – Anthony Smith (aka Postmodern Negro)

It amazes me that we’re still fighting this battle.

Jeremiah Wright’s entire sermon

Jeremiah Wright medic

Well everyone I know has an opinion on Rev. Jeremiah Wright now and what they know or don’t know about “Black Liberation Theology.”

Jeffrey Weis over at the DMN has links to the entire “God damn America” sermon (as a side note – notice he’s not swearing, he’s actually saying, “God condemn America”).

To the many of you who have weighed in here on whether or not Rev. Wright is on target or a hatemonger, I strongly suggest that you personally experience the entire sermon about “Confusing God and government.” There is a lot more to it than you’ve heard or read. More to make you angry, if you are in that direction, and more to make you think, no matter where you sit on this. The overarching theme of the sermon is that governments lie, change, and fail. But that God and Jesus do not.

I haven’t listened to the entire message yet – hope to do so soon. But here’s a couple interesting nuggets that Weis pointed to:

Here’s a nugget to make you mad: “Our money says In God we Trust, and our military says we will kill under the orders of our Commander-in-Chief if you dare to believe otherwise.”

And here’s a nugget that turns the thought that he’s simply anti-white on its head: “Long before there was a red, white and blue colonization, the Egyptian government was doing colonization. They colonized half the continent of Africa, they colonized parts of the Mediterranean. All colonizers ain’t white. Turn to your neighbor and say “oppressors come in all colors.” Hello, hello, hello.”

Listen to the full sermon. Read the sermon.

See what Mike Huckabee had to say.

I have to wonder, is this simply an act of the national media trying to show they’re not absolutely infatuated by Barack Obama as Hillary Clinton’s campaign (and Saturday Night Live) have suggested? Were they desperate for dirt so they simply found a great sound bite they could use to discredit Obama’s campaign?

Share your thoughts (after you read everything in context)….

Quote the whole dang thing!

Oh how I wish more people would have spent some time in a journalism class!

I’m so tired of people quoting only half of a statement because that’s all they chose to hear.

I’ve got the day off today (nice) and I woke up and read another section of “Jesus for President.” Bought it last night before going to the Dallas Museum of Art with Laurie.

I was good and ready to write a quick blog post about the what I had read before when my friend John forwards this to me from a site he forwards stuff from pretty constantly:

EXCERPT:

There is a word that describes John Dominic Crossan and that word is Heretic.

On a related note: Brian McLaren of the Emergent Church in his latest book Everything Must Change quotes favorably from Crossan’s latest book. McLaren and Crossan reinterpret the message of the gospel in such a way as to practically eliminate the doctrine of Christ’s Penal Substitutionary Atonement (This is the Biblical teaching that tells us the Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and died as our substitute on the cross in order to propitiate God’s wrath against our sins). After quoting Crossan on pages 122 and 123, Brian McLaren concludes that rather than die for our sins, “Jesus will use his cross to expose the cruelty and injustice of those in power and instill hope and confidence in the oppressed.”

That is not the Biblical gospel!

That is a bunch of Emergent goblidy gook!

But here again the scriptures tell us plainly what the gospel is and so we ask who are you going to believe?
Mark 10:45 [Jesus said] “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Arrghh! I’ve read the book. I knew exactly when I read the email which portion of the book it came from. I had to jump up immediately. Head out to my truck and grab the book.

My response

again… taking one line out of an entire chapter.

McLaren NEVER says, “rather than die for our sins…” McLaren is making the point about Jesus’ framing story compared to that of Ceaser Augustus.

Now I’ve got to type this whole thing out to prove my point……. geeze….

The empires “good news” is a framing story of peace through domination, peace through redemptive violence, peace through centralized power and control, peace through elimination of enemies. (Sounds a lot like modern America doesn’t it*) It involves the gods legitimizing those in power so that resistance to their sacred regime becomes not only treason but also heresy. The imperial narrative that drives them to dominance often drives them to self-destruction. Jesus’ alternative framing story, as we’ve seen involves God bringing down those in power (Luke 1:52-53) so that the poor can be legitimized (Luke 4:18) and so that the religious collaboration with the empire can be exposed as hypocrisy. The empire uses crosses to punish rebels and instill fear and submission to the oppressed: Jesus will use a cross to expose the cruelty and injustice of those in power and instill hope and confidence in the oppressed.

*my note

I have to wonder – would we really have that much to talk about, blog about, write about, get angry about if we’d only quote the whole dang thing. Maybe if, rather than listening for a sound bite to put on YouTube we’d actually take a couple hours (or maybe minutes) and read the entire chapter or book, or listen to the entire message.

Example 2

I have to share this from Kevin Hendricks re: the recent hub-bub about Jeremiah Wright:

Wow. The craziness is flying over comments made by Barack Obama’s pastor, Jeremiah Wright. I’ve read reactions from people stronly opposed to Wright, and from people defending Wright (or at least giving some helpful context — Knightopia links to several more).

Some of what Wright says is clearly off the deep end (i.e., the government invented AIDS to wipe out people of color). But I think some of his comments are right on. Like the “God Damn America” comments:

“The government gives them the drugs [referring to the Iran-Contra Affair], builds bigger prisons, passes a three-strike law and then wants us to sing ‘God Bless America.’ No, no, no, God damn America, that’s in the Bible for killing innocent people — God damn America for treating our citizens as less than human. God damn America for as long as she acts like she is God and she is supreme.” (Seattle Times)

The ABC News story left out the last sentence, which I think helps give some context. Wright is preaching prophetically, like the prophets of old, who spoke out against injustice. I love America and the freedoms we have, but it’s not anti-American to speak out against injustice committed by America. That’s patriotic. (I wish Obama would have made that point.)

And America has some injustice going on when there are more black men in prison than in college.

Which of these is different?

America is the “land of freedom” a “melting pot” and as Christians we’re taught to “love one another” but how has our attitude changed since 9/11?

From This American Life:

Serry and her husband’s love story began in a place not usually associated with romance: the West Bank. That was where the couple met, fell in love and decided to get married. Then Serry, who was American, convinced her Palestinian husband to move to America. She promised him that in America their children would never encounter prejudice or strife of any kind. But things didn’t quite work out that way.

How should we as Christian Americans respond to those around us who may not see eye to eye with us?

Also I learned in this particular podcast, there’s a statue of the prophet Muhammad in a federal building in Washington D.C. Didn’t know that.

In the 1930s, the designer of the U.S. Supreme Court made a frieze to adorn the courtroom walls. It depicted eighteen great lawgivers through ages, including Moses, Solon, Confucius…and Muhammad. The only problem is that Islam forbids such portrayals of the prophet. Host Ira Glass talks to Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, about why the frieze is offensive to Muslims, and what they tried to do about it.

Interesting. Listen online.

What to do with the homeless?

5/365

Anyone can tell you that the homeless population in America continues to grow. According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty there are currently 3.5 million homeless people in America right now. That includes between 4,000 and 14,000 in Dallas. Twenty to 30 percent of the homeless in America have jobs yet can’t scrape together enough to pay for a place to live. I’ve read that nearly 1/3 of the homeless have slight to severe mental issues. Another 1/3 have chemical dependencies of some sort. The remaining simply fall on hard times and can’t catch a break long enough to get them off the streets. A missed paycheck, a health crisis, or an unpaid bill pushes poor families over the edge into homelessness.

So what is the answer to America’s (and the world’s) homeless population? Is there one? Jesus said that we will always have the poor with us. But does that mean homelessness and extreme poverty as well? Is there an answer to the problem?

I just finished reading “Under the Overpass: A journey of Faith on the Streets of America” by Mike Yankoski.
Yankoski and his friend Sam spent five months on the streets of Denver, Washington DC, Portland, San Fransisco, Phoenix and San Diego. They experienced being shunned by people everywhere, including people who were very open about their Christian faith — even while sitting in churches.

An ongoing struggle to find safety, a place to sleep, a bathroom and food becomes dehumanizing for anyone. One experience at a time, a person’s sense of dignity and sense of self-worth gets stripped away. I don’t know what the experience would be like for someone who has lived on the streets for thirty years.

But I do know this: blithely allowing this terrible stripping to occur is a blot on the conscience of America and especially on the conscience of the church. If we as believers choose to forget that everyone — even the shrunken soul lying in the doorway — is made in the image of God, can we say that we know our Creator? If we respond to others based on their outward appearance, haven’t we entirely missed the point of the Gospel? (emphasis added)

Reading the book and ministering to the folks at Austin Street inspired me. The book made me rethink how I’ve treated everyone I see standing alongside the road looking destitute and looking for a handout.

Every evening I drive to Laurie’s there is someone standing at the corner of Ferguson and I-30 asking for help. I have to ask myself, am I doing right by giving this man or woman a handout? I feel guilty if I don’t, yet at the time it’s very easy to look away and pretend I’m busy on the phone or pretend I’m changing the radio station until the light changes green. Yet I don’t really know that person’s situation. I haven’t taken the time to get out of my truck and share the love of Christ with them.

Even if I do toss a few coins or dollars their way is that really sharing Christ with them? Would a tract be more “Christian-like?”

I tend to believe that if a person asks for money, as a Christian I should be willing to help. After all Christ says, “To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.”

If Christ says that about our enemies, how much better should we respond to our neighbors and the stranger on the street?

Christ also tells the rich young ruler, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

But then I have to consider, am I not also to be a good steward of my money?

I’ve felt guilty the last week or so because I have three or four piles of clothes sitting in my hallway that need to go to the Austin Street Shelter. Because of other “priorities” I have not been in three weeks.

There are clothes sitting there that can be used to keep someone warm that might not get into the shelter at night, or even as they’re out and about during the day.

Tonight on my way home, as a winter storm finally began to make it’s presence felt in Dallas, I decided to meet my dad at Fuel City, at the intersection of Industrial and I-35.

It’s a nice bright convenience store with the best tacos in the state (according to Texas Monthly).

Dad had worked all evening looking for icy roads in Dallas to sand. I decided I’d meet him after his shift to share a few tacos and a few minutes of conversation.

I know the Fuel City area fairly well. Austin Street is less than two miles away. I stop their frequently and I’m never surprised when someone asks me for spare change so they can catch a bus, get some cough medicine, buy a taco or what not.

Tonight was no different.

As I sat in my truck I saw a man and a woman trying to keep warm near the entrance to the gas station.

I felt guilty watching them shiver as I sat in my truck running the heater.

I watched them as they asked other customers for change. The woman seemed to have somewhat sporadic behavior and I began to wonder which 1/3 of the homeless population she fit into.

An Hispanic lady stopped at the taco stand and purchased several tacos for herself and for the woman begging outside.

I watched as the woman took the taco(s) and then just sat them aside as she went asking for more money.

“She’s looking for a fix” I thought to myself. Just hoping to get a drink or a drug fix later tonight.

Judging her I focused on the man. He was much more calm, less aggressive in asking.

Finally my dad called and said he should arrive in 10-15 minutes.

I got out of my truck and approached the window of the taco stand. The man spotted me right away. Like a tractor beam he approached and asked for money.

“Couldn’t get into a shelter tonight?” I asked.

“No, the shelter costs $7,” he replied.

“They charge you for a bed on a night like this?”

“Sure. Can I have some money?”

“How bout I buy you a taco or two instead?” I asked him.

“Yeah. Chicken – no onions,” he told the lady at the window.

I pulled out my money and paid $5 for four tacos. I had $1 remaining and he eyed it right away.

I started to put the money back into my pocket and he asked me for it.

I told him I had a pocket full of change I could give him and I did.

He was grateful and then became somewhat frantic when several coins fell to the concrete sidewalk.

He gathered them up again and then asked for my last dollar.

“Come on. Give me the dollar so I can get into the shelter.”

“You really think you’ll be able to get a bed this late at night?” I asked. He didn’t respond.

“You know if you go over to Austin Street they don’t charge you for a bed.” I was hoping I was right but knew at this late hour the shelter would be packed to the max.

“Come on just give me the dollar.”

Something inside of me said, “Go ahead. Help him out.”

So I did. Moments later the tacos were ready. I handed him his two tacos and told him he should go to Austin Street next time and to stay warm.

He shook my hand and said thanks.

I walked back to my truck and watched him.

He went back to the window and complained that he said “No onions.”

I don’t believe they fixed his order but he turned around and began eating them as he asked another customer for money.

He finished his tacos and threw the container away.

I hoped I had done the right thing by giving him my last bit of cash.

A few minutes later an announcement was made that the store would stop selling beer shortly. Five minutes till midnight, sounds right.

The woman then approached the man and they talked briefly before walking away from the store.

As I watched them they climbed into a car parked on the property and drove off several minutes later.

“Wow. I guess I’ve been had,” I thought. “Oh well. Lord please let my gift be a blessing to them somehow.”

Events like this have made so many in our country and our church skeptics of the homeless. They’ve turned what may have been at one time a very generous heart, into a cold, unthinkable, more than willing to pass you by attitude.

But in all reality — they have a car. So what? Does that mean they also have a place to stay warm on a cold night? I’ve slept in my truck before when it’s freezing outside. It helps, but it’s not a huge help.

So what should we as Christians do?

Do we ignore the whole fruit basket because of one or two rotten apples? Or do we give generously and hope that it rubs off on someone?

I feel like I’ve had this discussion numerous times in the last six months. Whether it’s homelessness, illegal immigration, Abu Gray, Guantánamo Bay or anywhere else, people have their defense mechanisms turned on.

Seth Woods writes, “We snicker at the lost and thank God that I’m saved.”

We all have our reasons for not reaching out. I have plenty myself.

But I have to consider, who did Christ love? Who did Christ give forgiveness to when none was deserved? I know I’m one of those who have received His grace, His forgiveness and His mercy when none was deserved.

Christ came to save the world not condemn it. Christ came for the very sinner who may have lied about what he was going to do with my $1 bill. Christ came for the illegal immigrant hoping to make a better life for himself or his family. Christ came for the terrorist spending his time in prison. Christ came for Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden and George W. Bush.

Christ came to love and share love and I believe he’s called us to do the same.

I still don’t have the answers as to how this plays out in our day-to-day life. I don’t know how this gives an answer to the homeless issues our country faces. I don’t even know what this means for prisoners in Guantánamo Bay — but I know that I as a follow of Christ are called to love them.

The last time we saw Henry was the day before we left San Fransisco for Phoenix as he was stumbling through the center of the park, talking frantically to himself, shaking his fists widely at the sky. All I could think about was the fact that Jesus spent time with people just like Henry. Jesus came to them, healed them, cast the demons out of them — gave them life and peace.

But here’s the thing: Jesus expects us to reach out to Henrys too — and He draws the expectation in the clearest of terms. How we treat people in this life will determine whether we hear “whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me” (Matthew 25:40) or “whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me” Matthew 25:45).

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter whether Henry or the man who thinks he’s Jesus are clinically diagnosed as mentally ill or spiritually described as demon possessed. Neither label gets us off the hook of what we are called to do and be in their lives.

We are called to love, regardless of what the other individual has done. Two final quotes tonight before I end tonight and wrap myself in my warm, cozy bed.

God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them. – Bono

I want to be like my Jesus — but I’m not sure what that means. To be like You Jesus, cause You said to live like you and love like You — and then You died for me. – Jeremy Camp

UPDATE: For a real personal look into the homeless issue, be sure and visit my friend Mark Horvath at InvisiblePeople.tv. Watch his videos. Be touched. May we all learn to see the invisible people we walk by each day.