Lament in the time of racism

The trial of Derek Chauvin is supposed to start this week with jury selection in Minneapolis. Chauvin is the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd.

In the past year it is necessary to examine how we, as white believers, have done in this issue of racism. Lent should be that time of reflection.

And it should be that time of lament… because, quite frankly, we’ve done a lousy job.

From yesterday’s post, just a reminder of Lecrae’s story in white evangelical circles HERE.

From earlier this year, a podcast with Lisa Sharon Harper over the Southern Baptists and their strategic timing in “condemning CRT” and how that cost in losing black pastors within their ranks is HERE.

And just released, a podcast from Jemar Tisby on why he is “LEAVING LOUD,” meaning he is pulling away from white evangelical circles… and he is naming names in the process.

In other words… white brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re doing awful. We are not listening any longer. We are not leaning in to be with our black brothers and sisters in Christ. And for all our excuses and high and mighty claims about what is “biblical” (like the issue of CRT being biblical) here is the fact: we are not being biblical in our love for our brothers and sisters who are hurting.

Lent should be reflection on how we are doing as followers of Christ. It should be honest reflection. And honestly… I grieve where things are with our brothers and sisters of color.