Comments on: Why #BlackLivesMatter Makes You Uncomfortable

By: Killer Mike Shines The Spotlight On This Police Officer... - Northwest Leader - Brian Dolleman

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:02:57 +0000

[…] words #BlackLivesMatter in church and what came next took me by surprise… I wrote about it here and […]

By: Longing For A More Colorful Table (Not A Colorblind One) - Northwest Leader - Brian Dolleman

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 02:04:30 +0000

[…] RELATED: “Why #BlackLivesMatter Makes You Uncomfortable” […]

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 22:38:15 +0000

Louise – this series is on Netflix too. Excellent.

By: Louise

Louise — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 05:50:04 +0000

Brian, thank you for an important post. For those who don’t understand why black lives matter, I suggest they watch any episode of Finding Your Roots when Dr. Henry Gates traces the ancestry of African Americans. (https://www.facebook.com/FindingYourRootsPBS?fref=nf) Ancestors who were enslaved are pretty much impossible to trace because they did not have names. They were considered property and were listed by color, age, gender and price. No identity! Just a price tag. An entire race of people has emerged from this cruelty and they must receive equal treatment – in every way. While there are many other vulnerable groups of people who also deserve our respect and support, the painful history and continued mistreatment of many of our brothers and sisters of color requires that we keep saying Black Lives Matter!

By: John Hailes

John Hailes — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:29:15 +0000

LOVE THIS!

I can’t stand it when people say they don’t see Color!
The Church needs to learn to celebrate our differences as people..doing
that doesn’t move away from equality!

Time to stand with the marginalized!

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:38:20 +0000

I think there are a lot of great, sincere, Christian men and women that didn’t realize they harbored fears or other negative feelings that are causing them to be put off by the “black lives matter” movement. But we are being confronted by race issues and need to think about it and act in a grace-filled, generous manner that fights for the same peace and justice that we seek for our own loved ones. It’s uncomfortable and might mean some not-so-pretty truths about our inner thoughts, but as we know, it’s never too late for God to change our hearts.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 18:51:59 +0000

I think that’s a good insight – the fear of scarcity – worried about too much attention given to “them” somehow means there won’t be enough left for “us.” I’ve wondered if that wasn’t what drove Joseph’s brothers to get rid of him… the idea that if he is loved so much by our father, there won’t be enough love for us / if he succeeds, there won’t be any success for us.

By: Angie

Angie — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:17:40 +0000

I really appreciate you addressing this. I think the other reason it bothers people is because of the same discontent of the older brother in the story of the prodigal – we fear there won’t be enough love, resources, attention, etc to go around. Of course that’s silly when you consider things through the lens of God’s provision and depth of love.

When it’s said “black lives matter” and we jump in to say, “how about White lives and Asian lives and Mexican lives…” we’re being petty at best. It’s like when someone shares a problem and the listener highjacks their moment with their one-upping sob story. It’s not showing Jesus’ love and care to downplay one person or groups emergency/need by basically saying, “you don’t get a turn” or “quit feeling sorry for yourself” and then tell them to figure it out – alone. It’s not a biblical idea anyway, to strike out on your own and do things your way and for yourself and only help those that have “earned” or “deserve” it.

Bottom line, there is nothing about Jesus’ message or example that would support an attitude against “black lives matter”. We need to stop being so fearful. Showing love, support and solidarity with the black community does not equal disrespect for other groups or flouting the law.