"There's a light at the end of the tunnel...."

Mardi Gras is around the corner. I love the stories I've read about celebrants' can-do spirit, adapting to COVID reality by making their homes into Mardi Gras floats. Bravo to one more example of how citizens cope positively with the adversity that has been so challenging in the last twelve months. That creative spirit is cause for both celebration and optimism.

Mardi Gras also will mark one month since we launched this ministry of podcast, newsletter, and website. I'm gratified by the encouraging words in response and thankful each time you share with a friend. It means a lot! Thank you!

Next week, I plan to be present to my bride fully for a few winter break days. Look for the next newsletter in two weeks. However, there will be a new podcast episode next Wednesday, and it's a good one! Happy Mardi Gras to all!

Reconstruction: America's First Civil Rights Movement

Many of us were taught as kids that Reconstruction was an evil experiment in our nation's history during which scalawags and carpetbaggers reigned and cruelly exploited a conquered South. We were taught that leaders from the former Confederate States had to step in to deliver the nation from corrupt and weak leadership. Today, scholarly consensus rejects that myth. Instead, the evidence shows that Reconstruction was an extraorindary time of progress in civil rights legislation and our first movement toward the hope of a multiracial society. If you need hope these days, listen now to episode 6, for I hear the grounds for hope clearly present in the dreams they dreamed and the laws they passed to move one step closer to justice for all.

“Reconstruction was a period of tremendous change. You can imagine, finally, people had access to a kind of freedom that they had been wanting for generations during slavery.” - Dr. Kate Masur

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and more!

In our last episode, Dr. Kate Masur reminded us of important parts of the story of the American Civil War that continues to shape our racial topography today. In episode 6, we pick up where we left off and remember the jubilation, idealism, and enduring civil rights legislation that arose when Lincoln liberated those who were enslaved.

The Dance of Reconciliation

If ever there was a time when America needs friends and families to hold onto each other in Christian love, this is one. Quarantine, civil strife, and consequent fears divide us. What's the path to healing? Pop psyche books struggle to attain the depth of Scripture's wisdom, especially in the matters of peace-making, forgiveness, and reconciliation. These have dominated my thoughts in recent weeks, so, to sort things out in my head, I wrote a two-part reflection on reconciliation from the perspectives of both partners in the dance.

"When Your Brother Has Something Against You...."

Part 1 considers our steps when we have done something to aggrieve our neighbor. Jesus set a high bar for us because our relationships are essential to his work. I share some rabbinical reflection that Jesus presupposed his audience knew when he taught them what to do when they sin against others. You may be surprised; I'm confident he will challenge you, as he did me. Our communities and families will be healthier if we rise to Jesus' standard when our brother or sister has something against us. Read more....

"If Your Brother Sins Against You...."

Part 2 considers our steps when the sin of a brother or sister impacts us. In my view, pop psyche confuses us by teaching a soft concept of forgiveness that lacks the depth of scripture's account. Peace does not endure if we forego the discernment step in the dance of reconciliation. Jesus is present in our dance when we dare to seek the truth. Only then do our bonds of affection heal. Read more....

Lagniappe Love

So much of our national life has become bitter incivility. Sometimes it feels like we've forgotten our identity, lost our moral compass. That's why I've been playing this version of Better Days by Ant Clemons that features Kirk Franklin and Justin Timberlake. My favorite part is Kirk's soliloquy. So hopeful and true! Enjoy!