Category: Uncategorized

Lean In…And Get Uncomfortable

As I scroll through social media and watch the news, I see a lot of pain and injustice in the African American community. I see my brothers and sisters hurting. It breaks my heart. At times it can seem overwhelming. I asked myself, how in the world can I make a difference? Can anybody relate? Even though I cannot do everything, I can do something. So, I have decided I will continue to stand up and do everything I can to help end racism in America. I will continue to lean in..,and get uncomfortable.

I will continue have real conversations about racism in America, with people wanting to truly make a difference in this world. Not just talk about the issues, but take real action. I will surround myself with others who want to fight the sin of racism. I will continue to get educated. I will continue to listen to my brothers and sisters of color, as they share their experiences. I will lean in..,and get uncomfortable. I will continue to take the time to see the pain of my brothers and sisters of color. I will not pass them by with a “I’ll pray for you.” No, I will stop and pray for them in that moment. I will not allow my brothers and sisters to walk through this unjust world alone. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I will continue to have uncomfortable conversations with my white brothers and sisters who believe racism is not a major problem in America today (That is a whole other blog). I will proudly stand up and say #Black Lives Matter. I will continue to challenge my white brothers and sisters to step out of their comfort zones, and sit down with people of color and truly listen to their life experiences. I will encourage them to study African American history and visit African American museums. I will continue to confront racism when I see it. I will continue to speak out against injustices even when it’s not popular. I will lean in…and get uncomfortable. I encourage you to join me. ~OC

1

Today

Today’s a new day! Slow down today. Share a smile and kind word. Show grace when it would be easier to judge. Show love even if hate is thrown your way. Do not miss out on a beautiful interruption. Take time and embrace the moments you will experience today. I pray your day is filled with amazing moments and God’s blessings. ~OC

0

Keep Talking

Today’s a new day! Just because most of the media has jumped to other stories, do not stop having true and meaningful conversations about racism and injustice in America. It’s still real and still happening. Keep the conversations going. ~OC

0

Monuments of Hate

Lately, as I watch the news or scroll through social media, I see some people are upset about some monuments being taken down. I hear people making the argument that people are trying to erase our history in America. Especially Southern history. Let me share a little about the history of Southern monuments.

Most people think these Confederate monuments have been around since the end of the Civil War in 1865. This is not the case. The vast majority of these monuments were built between 1895 and the 1950s. Why were so many Confederate monuments built during this time period? Well, it had nothing to do with celebrating these dead soldiers. No, the building of these monuments had more to do with hate and intimidation. Let me give you a little history lesson.

1895-1915: Jim Crow laws are alive and well during this time period. There is a resurgence of the KKK and other white supremacy groups. A large number of Confederate monuments are built during this time.

1915-1955- Jim Crow continues to rule throughout the South.

1955-1970- The Civil Rights Movement kicks into high gear with the Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision. In the South, racist groups begin a reign of terror against African Americans and start erecting Confederate monuments again. The motivation was to continue terrorizing African Americans. Most of these monuments were placed in the middle of town and at courthouses.

So, when I hear my fellow Southerners complaining about “Our” history being washed away with these monuments being taken down, I wonder if you truly know the history behind these monuments. These monuments are not about history. These monuments are about hate. That is not the kind of history I want to celebrate.

Here is another history lesson for you. If you travel to Germany, you will not find monuments celebrating Hitler. If you travel to South Africa, you will not find monuments celebrating Apartheid. You will find museums remembering the victims of these horrible crimes.

Let me share one last thing. I do not believe people should be destroying these monuments. That’s just dangerous. Someone could get hurt. I think these monuments should be taken down by city workers and discarded. We need to stop celebrating a history of hate and intimidation. Those were not the good old days. ~OC

0

Hello Christian

Let us take a walk to your local mall and take a survey. No, not the Census. The survey we are going to take is much more important than the Census. Here we go.

The good thing about our survey is there is only one question. That’s right. We traveled to the mall to ask one question. I believe it’s a pretty important question. Here we go. The one survey question we are asking fellow shoppers is “What Do Think About Christians?” What would be their response?

Group A:

Would they say Christians are such loving people?

Would they say Christians are such giving people?

Would they say Christians are such forgiving people?

Would they say, I wish I could learn more about having a relationship with Jesus?

Group B:

Christians are against everything.

Christians are judgmental.

Christians are angry.

Christians are racist.

Christians are hypocrites.

Let me asked my brothers and sisters in Christ a question. If you personally did this survey, would you end up in Group A or B? I pray my brothers and sisters will take the time to honestly answer this question. Because the way you answer this question could change the world for better or worse.

“So I give you a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” ~John 13:34-35

0

Celebrate Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth! Today we celebrate the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1865. Take time today to learn more about this holiday and its history. Take time today to learn more about African-American History and Culture. Take time today to have conversations about our history (the good, the bad, the ugly) with our African-American brothers and sisters. But, do not make this just a one day celebration or conversation. Let’s use today as a launch to have more conversations about the beautiful history of African-Americans and the ongoing issue of racism in America. -OC #Juneteenth

0

LOVE

Today’s a new day! People need to feel your love and concern, before they hear your words. ~OC

0

Unleash

Today’s a new day! Unleash Compassion+Unleash Love+Unleash Grace+Unleash Hope+Unleash Prayer+Unleash Forgiveness= A Changed Life & A Changed World ~OC

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑