Stammering Awkwardly and Boldly on Race and Violence (Holy Spirit, Help!)
The following are my notes from Sunday’s message – which included receiving communion together (with instructions to sit, holding the bread and cup, quiet and still before God—bringing our anger, hurt, sorrow, and fear into God’s presence, asking God to soften our hearts).
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At the heart of the gospel is a table where men and women, young and old, rich and poor, native and foreigner, black and white… share a meal together.
Together as equals… sons and daughters of the King. Family. Kin.
In all our beautiful diversity. Every nation, tongue, tribe. Celebrating together. Sharing and laughing and crying together.
This is what Jesus did and what Jesus is still doing today: bringing people together.
This is a better and more beautiful way—the way of our Savior.
Last Sunday, in my message “When Doves Cry,” I said:
“All that trends toward death and destruction grieves the Holy Spirit.”
And, “All that leans toward life, all that contributes to the flourishing of life, all that brings and blesses life… the Spirit sings over this.”
I had a repeated line in the sermon… ” And God cried.”
I went through a brief history of events in our world that brought death and destruction, giving a date and brief statement of the violent, tragic event—each time ending with the statement, “And God cried.”
This week I needed to add a few more… Read More