not finished in my lifetime

For a class we had to write about "isms" in our life. Prior to this journey, I thought I had dealt with the "isms" in my views and perceptions.

I was wrong.

One area we are focusing on is racism. Systemic racism within communities and the Church. In my fieldwork class, we read a portion of a novel from Ta-Nehisi Coates' book "Between The World and Me". I was curious about the excerpt because I didn't understand the references to "body" and other ideas. I decided to do a search for more information and found many, many YouTube videos of his interviews for his books and found on this this book. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xRq4wx5wnE) My eyes were opened about a different way to think about this as it seems so overwhelming to change an entire denomination's outlook on inclusion in my ministry. Mr. Coates explains around minute 47 of the video the longstanding fight of the African American people from slavery and beyond. Paraphrased he said that it was exceedingly rare to see real change in one lifetime. He referenced slavery being 250 years in our country and those who fought against in during the middle years around 1750 would have had 3-4 generations behind them a slaves and 3-4 generations before them as slaves, yet they fought. He also said that your vision is impoverished if you thinking you will see it (whatever you are fighting for) to be realized in your lifetime. Wow. I have felt so guilty lately for not being able to see how this change could happen right now in my little home congregation. I feel a bit of relief or grace to hear that I can work for equality and working for inclusion of all "isms" in the Church yet it is okay if it does not happen totally in my tenure as a pastor. But I have to fight. I have to work on my and the places I minister to work toward inclusion of all God's family to be included and loved.

This will be a long road. For myself, I have many preconceived notions and learned behaviors and thoughts to move beyond. I have much learning to do. I have much to pray about and discern. There is a lot of work to do in our congregaitons through God's love and to be open to loving all.

It will not be easy, but I will work toward a more inclusive world, church, home, and life.