Equal But Separate

William Blake's "Jacob's Ladder"-1800

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUqjxLOjcvA

Equal But Separate

Mr. Plessy look at us now!

“We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord…”

Gradually seeking diversity…for the joy of all peoples.

“We are climbing Jacob’s Ladder…”

"Capital Campaign Millions" in three years...and racial “harmony” in ten…twenty…?

“Soon and very soon we are going to see the King…”

Hello sister, you're Black…do you need a scholarship?

“Not my brother, not my sister but it’s me O’ Lord…”

The "Latino Service" will be meeting in the sanctuary today...instead of Room 321.

“He’s got the whole world in His hands…”

Sorry…Dr. King’s birthday is only once a year.

“Lift every voice and sing, ‘Til earth and heaven ring…”

Inspired by...Racial Framing/ Church Paternalism Anger...Racial Diversity "celebrated" once a year...

Mama ML singing "Jacob's Ladder"...God's Vision of His "Radical Church"...

Bold Print = Song Choruses

150

150

Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.

The walls cry out…

I am the Bread of Life.

The floors cry out…

I am the Vine.

The chairs cry out…

I am The Way.

The giant flat screens cry out…

I am from above.

The rafters cry out…

I and my Father are One.

I become silent and the stones cry out…

Inspired by...Luke 19:36-40...Psalm 150...the lack of deep worship in the church..."Stoic Worship"..."shock" and unapproving stares at the "charismatic" hand raisers and "Amen Corner"...my silence in a "Silent Church"...

 

Harmony

Harmony

Our theology is Rock Solid...why can’t you accept it?

The Word is good…but y’all are “so business”.

You’re so different…but we really care.

From a distance it’s all polite…if we stay will we always be Plessy?

This is just the way we do it here...it’s gonna take time.

"Framing" me and so paternalistic…I thought you were my friend.

We think like the suburbs...and have a heart for the city.

The way you say “North” Minneapolis or the "South Side"…is that code or pity?

You’re always so angry…do you need prayer?

I can’t pretend like that…I’m just trying to be real.

God is real…but is His Church?

Inspired by...Authentic Relationships...Racial Framing Anger

White and "People of Color" (in bold print) Christians speaking real to each other...

 

Evangelical Blues

Evangelical Blues

Dear Lord, gotta sing out my feelings…don’t have no words to write.

Can’t pretend there no problems…I’m just not that white.

 

Have thine own way Lord, have thine own way!

We are the potter and We are the clay.

We mold us and shape us after our will.

Stay up in Heaven yielded and still.

Lord, I been in the right place…but it must have been the wrong time.

Can You make meaning out of this rhyme?

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!

            Hold o'er my being absolute sway.

            Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see

            Christ only, always, living in me! 

 Re-fried confusion...is making itself clear.

Inspired by...Dr. John 1973...Jeremiah 18:1-6...Religiosity...Legalism...

Church as an organization...The White Church messing with my right mind

Comfort Zone

 Comfort Zone

The cold warmth of Superior…are you my “Haven of Rest”?

Steam Devils rise without warning… "rescue me Lord”!

“Quick, put out into the deep.”

Trust and obey is there no other way? 

Inspired by...Psalm 84...The "winter warmth" of Lake Superior...God's command to leave our "safe harbor"

 In 1887, following an evangelistic meeting led by Dwight Moody, a young man stood to share his testimony.  As he spoke, it was clear to many that he knew very little about the Bible or orthodox Christian doctrine. Irregardless of these facts, his testimony affected hundreds when he simply stated: 

"I'm not quite sure. But I'm going to trust, and I'm going to obey."