Worship at Embrace this past weekend was heavy. The weight of injustice and division in our nation seems almost too difficult to bear. We heard from Cameron, our youth pastor, about his struggle being a young black man in America. He expressed his fears for his family, especially his son. His righteous anger resonated with our people because we recognize that none of this racial injustice is new; it's been going on for way too long. We have made some progress, but still have such a long way to go. Dor'cas led our congregation in a lament challenging us to forgo our privilege and stand in solidarity with the black community in our church, community, and nation. Sunday was heavy, but I couldn't more proud of Cam and Dor'cas' bold witness and our congregation's willingness to open their ears, minds, and hearts. I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the audio above.
I love Stephen Matteson's reflection on Jesus and the Black Lives Matter movement:
"Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Samaritan lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Children’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Gentile lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Jewish lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Women’s lives matter.”
Instead of saying all lives matter, Jesus said, “Lepers’ lives matter.”
Even though Jesus loves everyone, even to the point of dying for their sins, he went out of his way to intentionally help specific groups of people — the alienated, mistreated, and those facing injustice.
So saying “Black Lives Matter” and participating in a movement seeking justice, positive reform, and empowerment is one of the most Christ-like things we can do."
"Followers of Jesus are both the oppressed and those who come alongside oppressed people, link arms with one another, and walk in solidarity while confronting the injustice of society in a manner that is faithful to the way of Jesus." -Drew G.I. Hart
-Pastor John
