Grace and Peace, Friends
Today is Juneteenth, now a federal holiday that started in 2021 commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is celebrated on the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger read the proclamation of freedom for enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.
In our times, there exists a concerted hyper-focus trend toward simplifying and whitewashing the more shameful and discomforting chapters of our shared history, an effort that extends to our public spaces and conversations. People commonly experience a sense of dissatisfaction and inadequacy when they confront their reflections in the mirror, grappling with the imperfect images that stare back at them. This struggle with self-perception is mirrored on a larger scale in the ongoing debates in over 40 states regarding the content and boundaries of education, mainly focusing on sensitive subjects such as race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
The issue of erasure transcends our borders, manifesting in various forms of abuse suffered by refugees, migrants, and marginalized populations at the hands of smugglers, traffickers, and even government entities. The erosion of individual identity and worth in places like Palestine and Ukraine paints a stark picture of the repercussions of deliberate and systematic erasure. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining a heightened awareness of the need for inclusivity and equity across all facets of society. Failing to address deeply ingrained biases and systemic discrimination not only impedes progress but also squanders the potential for meaningful change and advancement. It is incumbent upon the church, you, and me as a collective society and individuals to actively create a more equitable and compassionate world. The weight of responsibility lies with each of us in navigating these complex issues with a clear-eyed focus on justice and unity, recognizing the enormous significance of our actions in shaping the course of humanity amidst the pivotal juncture we find ourselves in today.
When mentoring young preachers and hopeful pastors, I give them some of the wisdom given to me, one of which is, “Either you are a chaplain to empire or a prophet of God speaking truth to power and giving hope to the vulnerable.”