Last week I wrote about my reaction to the church in Kentucky deciding to ban interracial couples from membership. That was on Thursday. On Sunday the church held another vote to affirm that they welcome people of all races in their fellowship.
One of the things I didn't talk about last week was the cost of staying silent. There were 40 people at the church that night. Only 15 people chose to put their opinion out there. Perhaps there were
people on the opposing side who stayed silent. It takes courage to speak up. I know that...I understand that. My post was not an easy one to write. I risked people telling me negative things about my marriage or my children. But, I spoke up because I felt compelled. Because this issue touched the core of my heart...my family. That post went on to be featured on Women of the Harvest's Writing Blog. And for that I am humbled.
However, for those church members in Kentucky, their silence was costly. This tiny little church in Pike County made international news. Blogs, news stories, Facebook and Twitter posts all commenting and expressing their opinions on the actions of the church.
News of this vote to ban interracial couples from membership caused the National
Association of Free Will Baptists to put out a statement regarding their position. It caused the publishing arm of the denomination to put out a downloadable Bible study on racism. And for that I am grateful.
One of the things I didn't talk about last week was the cost of staying silent. There were 40 people at the church that night. Only 15 people chose to put their opinion out there. Perhaps there were
people on the opposing side who stayed silent. It takes courage to speak up. I know that...I understand that. My post was not an easy one to write. I risked people telling me negative things about my marriage or my children. But, I spoke up because I felt compelled. Because this issue touched the core of my heart...my family. That post went on to be featured on Women of the Harvest's Writing Blog. And for that I am humbled.
However, for those church members in Kentucky, their silence was costly. This tiny little church in Pike County made international news. Blogs, news stories, Facebook and Twitter posts all commenting and expressing their opinions on the actions of the church.
News of this vote to ban interracial couples from membership caused the National
Association of Free Will Baptists to put out a statement regarding their position. It caused the publishing arm of the denomination to put out a downloadable Bible study on racism. And for that I am grateful.
Here is an excerpt from the study:
How are we supposed to treat people that are
different from us?
Treat them as someone created in the image of God
(Genesis 1:27). Treat them as someone for whom Christ died (John 3:16). Treat
them like you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). God also expects His people to
seek justice and confront oppression (Deuteronomy 16:19; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah
22:3). Anything less is sin.
In the conclusion of the study I found this
statement:
statement:
In many ways our time on earth is a rehearsal for our
time in Heaven. God has given each of us time to prepare for the eternity that
lies ahead. Revelation 7:9-10 makes it very clear that Heaven will be filled
with people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Do we live like we believe
that? Is our rehearsal on earth reflecting what will happen on the grand
stage?
My friend, Cyndi, recently began a network called Blended Souls. It is a network of Pastors' Wives and Ministry Wives... a gathering of "sistas" from various Christian denominations and ethnic backgrounds. Blended Souls Network was created to support women in their role as the wife of a pastor or ministry
leader, so that they can worship and pray together, network with one another, and embrace cultural differences for the “soul” purpose of giving honor to God. The network's desire is to reach out to wives from every tongue, tribe and nation.
I am excited to be one of the prayer partners for Blended Souls and I would love to invite you to
join the network. Just think as this grows it will be a slice of what heaven will look like! If you would like to be added to our Facebook group you can leave me a note or send me an email.
If there is an issue that burns in your heart my prayer is that you will not keep silent. May that burning propel you into action. To bring light where there is only darkness, to bring justice where injustice is found or to bring healing where healing is needed. And above all... to bring honor and glory to God.
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