Free Shipping Fridays: A Hunger for Reconciliation

Dear Readers,

I'm out of clever analogies and ways of saying, "here are really great articles that I want to 'send' to you." So, here are really great articles that I want to "send" to you.... 

People are often surprised to discover that our family is in the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America) denomination. They are even more surprised to discover that we're happy about that. No church/denomination is a perfect fit, but we love the devotion to the Word and prayer, emphasis on the family, and desire for reconciliation that is taught in the PCA. The last one--reconciliation--is tricky. There's a history there. But being part of a multi-ethnic church--with a black head pastor--in Jackson, MS--is not something I would trade for any of my lesser preferences possibly being met. The systemic problems of racism in our country are once again being made more known to the dominant culture. And I'm proud to say, the PCA is doing some of the work necessary to see Gospel reconciliation happen.

Dr. Sean Lucas, explaining some recent events and responses:

http://byfaithonline.com/grace-race-and-the-pca/


Pablo Mazariegos, sharing about being neither black nor white, but really Other:

http://www.newcityeastlake.com/news/2015/9/24/what-i-experienced-at-racial-reconciliation-conference


Michelle Higgins, reminding the church of the unique mission of Gospel reconciliation:

https://thehigginsloftins.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/the-charge-resounding-still/


And Jemar Tisby, asking tough questions about what true reconciliation should look like:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2015/fall/multi-cultural-conundrum.html


Enjoy. Be blessed. Disagree, discuss, and find God in the asking, friends. All of these authors are powerful writers, and brothers and sisters who help me in my own process of discernment and growth in this area.