Pastor's Corner – March 27th, 2024
There’s more going on at Faith Church for the next two weeks than I can share in this brief note, so please visit our Facebook page for a complete listing of worship and fellowship opportunities.
I will mention that this is Holy Week, and we are all looking forward to celebrating the holiest of all Christian holiday, Easter. I invite you to worship and celebrate with us both Friday and Sunday as we remember the agony and victory of our savior.
As we celebrate this Holy week, I am reminded of how badly we all need a resurrection because of the preponderous pain and death we continue to experience in our streets and in our halls of justice.
Each day, we lose at least one of our children to senseless gun violence, and each day, we lose at least one element of freedom we won by blood, sweat and tears over the past 100 years. Elected officials lack the intestinal fortitude (guts) to pass even the simplest laws to control this epidemic of violence. More than 20 states, including Alabama, have enacted legislation designed to dismantle government programs designed to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion or DEI. It would appear that all hope is dead but we must remember that this is our Friday, but Sunday is coming… and resurrection is coming.
I am reminded of a soundbite from Malcolm X when he was asked by an interviewer to discuss the progress of Black people in America.
Here’s what he said: “If you stick a [blade] in my back 9 inches and pull it out 6 inches, that's not progress. If you pull it all the way out, that's not progress. Progress is healing the wound that the blow made...,".
That interview took place in March 1964 – 60 years ago to the month. In the metaphor, the backs belong to Black people in America. The knife represents policies the U.S. government has crafted to address centuries of systemic racism.
Some of our elected leaders are trying to reinsert those knives – by ending affirmative action as we know it and dismantling government programs aimed at strengthening diversity and inclusion, or DEI. We are being crucified on the political front – it’s Friday, but Sunday is coming.
Hebrews 12:2 tells us this about Jesus: “Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross.”
Our pain is real, but so is our hope. And because of that hope, you can find joy even in your darkest moments. There is a resurrection on the horizon.
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!
Blessings,
Pastor