The Breathe Life Bible is available at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Walmart, as well as independent Christian bookstores.
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, Michele Clark Jenkins and Stephanie Perry Moore asked the Lord, “What shall we do in the face of continued injustice and oppression?” The answer came as the duo’s third Bible project with Thomas Nelson, “The Breathe Life Bible.” Looking to replace hopelessness and despair with hope scriptural clarity, the project aims to elucidate the truth of the gospel that racism and prejudice have for centuries obscured and tried to eliminate.
As believers around the world grappled with the aftereffects of a modern-day lynching, many believers grappled with what their response should be. Armed with their answer from God of what they should do, the Sisters in Faith sought the answer to with whom they should partner. Each contributor brought their wealth of gospel knowledge and principles for practical application to this project. What readers experience in “The Sky,” “The Air,” “We Speak,” “Life Support,” “Inhale-Exhale,” #Oxygen, and “Release,” sections clarify the immutable message of the gospel in a clarion call for believers for these ever-changing times.
Many Americans remain cynical about the role of faith in the pursuit of justice and equity. Given the track record, many are right in their skepticism of the impact of faith in this fight. While watching helpless unarmed citizens breathe their last breath at the hands of police brutality and racial violence, the puzzling paradox of how Christians should respond has become the precipice of a paradigm shift.
Features throughout the Bible include “The Sky” which in three captivating articles guides readers into deeper fellowship with God. In “The Air,” readers take a look at the content and themes of each book of the Bible. Uniquely, this section provides a 21st-century scriptural context relevant to people of color. “We Speak” guides the reading of the Bible through the lens of 49 people in the Bible. Readers will learn through their lived experiences to inspire faithful living today.
“Life Support” fosters a deep sense of discovery through the examination of 10 selected passages. In the passages, readers will discover God’s truth in palpable ways that inspire faith-filled action. “Inhale-Exhale” is a Q&A formatted section that addresses some of life’s most challenging scenarios. The sections provide scriptural support that empowers the reader to lean on their faith to overcome life’s issues when they feel powerless and susceptible to succumb to them.
#Oygen, the prevailing theme of the project, features 98 snippets and draws upon the wisdom of the Word to illuminate the deep truths of the Word that inspire action. “Release” brings the B.R.E.A.T.H.E. acronym into focus, with 49 devotions written by foremost Christian pastors and teachers. These lessons edify the readers, extract gospel truth, dispel injustice, and equip the reader to become a change maker.
Other contributors include Bishop Marvin Sapp, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Pastor Debra B. Morton, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Dr. Franklin Perry, Sr., Dr. Charrita Danley Quimby, Dr. Eric Lee, Pastor Derrick Moore, Arthur Satterwhite, Pastor Tommy Kyllonen, Dr. Helen Delaney, Pastor Tommy Stevenson, LaKeesha Walrond, De’Leice Drane, First Lady Jamell Meeks, James Guitard, Dr. Lakeba Williams, Walter Kimbrough, and Jekalyn Carr.
The Breathe Life Bible’s include articles that explore Scripture through the lens of the BREATHE acronym (Believe, Reconcile, Exalt, Act, Trust, Hope, and Elevate), Q&A format articles addressing difficult life situations, short biographical profiles, and more features.
“I’m grateful for the team of editors and writers who have created the notes for The Breathe Life Bible,” said Philip Nation, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Thomas Nelson. “This is an edition that leads us to put action to our faith. I hope that their work will give everyone greater courage to stand strong during days that feel overwhelming, shed light on the dark places of this world, and activate us to walk boldly in faith.”
Believers searching for biblical guidance as they pursue justice in the world will find The Breathe Life Bible an important addition to their spiritual library.
At Thanksgiving, we pause to become pensive and collect our thoughts about the year. Even if the year has been less than stellar, we can somehow find a way to be thankful about something at Thanksgiving.
Faith is a huge part of my life. I’m guided by my faith in everything I do so I want to share this piece about my relationship with God. This piece was originally published on my personal site, www.whoisfredwillis.com. All of my sites are under construction so there may be some difficulty accessing the site at this time.
Last week during my devotion time, I thought about the 23rd Psalm and how David ascribed the tenets of a shepherd to the character of the Creator. He says “The Lord is my shepherd” and as he received shepherding from YHWH, he detailed what He does for him like David did the sheep in his care. These were no ordinary sheep as nearly all the sheep in Bethlehem were set aside for sacrifice in the temple. He knew that this flock needed special care. He knew that too needed special care and that it took an even more special shepherd to provide it.
He knew that feast days called for unblemished sacrifices. Attention to detail was the standard, and this was no menial task he was assigned to. He was entrusted with overseeing the flock the people used in service to God. It may be a stretch to call him a “black sheep”, but he did say that he was a stranger in his own house (Psalm 69:8). It was thought that David was the product of adultery, so he was regularly mistreated as a pariah within the ranks of Jesse’s heirs. He was of Jesse’s house but of no consideration. This they proved when Samuel came to anoint Israel’s next king. He had to ask Jesse, are these all your sons?
To them, David was a forgettable, regrettable mistake, but in truth, he was the apple of God’s eye (Psalm 17:8). In this psalm of praise, David exclaims that the Lord most high is his shepherd, protector, and patron. When forsaken by his own family, he knew that the Lord would avenge every wrong done against him and entrusted his life and soul into the Lord’s care.
He became acclimated to the proclivities of sheep and knew that they were smarter than they get credit for. They are so smart that some sheep had a sole advocate in a shepherd. If they were not careful. some sheep would find themselves outsmarted and without nourishment. Other sheep disregarded sick sheep and, since they constantly graze, they would have very little to feed on once they recovered. This is why the shepherd would set aside a meal for the injured or sick sheep. In their own strength, they would drink only from still waters. They would otherwise be carried away from a flowing stream. In the instance that the meal was prepared, the water provided was in abundance hence, his cup runneth over. This speaks to the superabundance of God’s grace in our lives. A grace that always makes room for more than what is desired.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5
Of course, the other sheep had to watch this sheep get special treatment as they dined on what would otherwise be consumed by their voracious counterparts. In short, the Lord does for him what he does for the sheep in his care. He guides them with a rod and staff. He anoints their heads with oil so that parasitic insects don’t burrow into their fur, dine on them, and ultimately destroy them.
He has seen sheep in their worst state and thanks God for protecting his sheep as he could protect the sheep in his care. I’ve been writing the second edition of one of my books and as I learned more about shepherding, I got stuck on Psalm 23:5. This led me to write my psalm of praise as I reflected on my life. You know, it’s so easy to feel rushed to do anything. It’s so hard to compare yourself to others and even get despondent about your journey. It’s so easy to feel uncovered and uncared for in this cruel world.
As I reflected on the verse, I found myself thanking God for preserving my portion! I thanked God that no misstep, detour, disobedience, sabotage, or betrayal was a match for the Lord, my shepherd! In fact, He preserved my portion and held back my “enemies” who then had to watch me dine! Now that’s some real shepherding!
This Thanksgiving lesson is two-fold. The Lord showed me that He will always make a way for me and that He’s showing my enemies that nothing they do or throw my way will prevent me from partaking in the portion He has prepared for me! Over the years, I’ve learned that some enemies in my life aren’t human. They’re imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, doubt, faithlessness, condemnation, fear, and a bevy of other demonic and natural forces working against me. None of them are a match for the shepherd who will leave the 99 covered to retrieve the sheep who have lost their way.
Nothing’s missing, nothing is lacking. As one translation puts it, “The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” Reflecting on this lesson, I’ll say it this way, “The Lord is my shepherd, I will have everything I need and will possess every blessing assigned to my life.” Why blessings? Don’t you know that what the Lord provides as shepherd is more than we could ever do for ourselves? When we rely on Him, we release ourselves to His blessings, His way! I would never reduce my reliance on God to only demanding blessings. Job refuted his wife’s demand that he curse God and die with this, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10)
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Paul told the church at Thessalonica “in everything give thanks” not necessarily for everything. So whether I feel fulfilled or forsaken, I’ve found a way to be thankful! I’ve learned to be content no matter the state of my life. This year has been hard for business but it has also been one of the best. I’ve learned lessons about myself that have strengthened my trust in God and also showed me when I’ve missed his provisions. He was making ways I couldn’t see nor understand but I’m thankful that I learned more about the shepherd I trust with my life and my soul.
As the songwriter penned, “I trust in God wherever I may be. Out on the land or on the sea. Come what may from day to day, my Heavenly father watches over me.” I could be fearful about my future. I could fret about my past. But I shall do neither because I trust in the God. I trust that He is the good shepherd, I believe in Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep. The Lord is my shepherd, and at the appointed time, I shall have my portion prepared for me!
What a lesson! As I reflect on what I’m thankful for this year, I’m thankful to the Lord that He has preserved my portion! It didn’t spoil, it won’t spoil, but it remains as fresh as the day I was chosen for it! There’s so much to be thankful for, this is just one of millions! I will spend the remainder of my life giving thanks to God for what He has done for me!
If you’re reading this and you haven’t yet made the Lord shepherd of your soul, I’m willing to pray with you to guide you through that. If you want to learn more about this shepherding or have questions, I’m open to talk. Simply email me and let’s talk!
This weekend, lots of churchgoers are displaced. With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, many large gatherings are forbidden citing public safety concerns. Many mega ministries have made the wise decision to comply with public health officials and their directives, and Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church in Houston was the first to announce this weekend’s closure.
It’s a wise decision and many ministries are suited to handle not only online viewership, but digital giving. But, what about the people who aren’t comfortable with watching service and just need to go somewhere? What about those who feel like they must be in service somewhere? There are even those who have quoted Hebrews 10:25 admonishing other believers to press to beyond their fears (and even health officials) to gather in the name of the Lord.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25
New Look Friends and Family Day
The safe number has toggled between 250 and 500 leading to many cancellations this weekend and beyond. What about churches with membership and weekly attendance well beyond 250? This is a great opportunity to welcome new visitors this weekend! Not necessarily to try and gain new members, but to simply make new friends and make room for those who normally don’t or can’t come because of their obligations at their own church. While many churches have struggled to decide whether or not to remain open this weekend, they have missed out on a great opportunity for outreach in the community and even within their social networks.
As the pandemic rages on, large gatherings will continue to be affected. Smaller congregations have a unique opportunity to welcome guest and still not risk swelling beyond the safe number provisioned by local health officials.
As a precautionary measure, we do advise each ministry that remains open to become proactive in the prevention of the spread of the Coronavirus. Please be sure to have ample soap, warm water and hand sanitizer in the restrooms. Also, disinfect hard and soft surfaces which can spread the virus when touched. Next week, we will share information about how to disinfect your sanctuary’s carpet, chairs and vents.
Got Room for New Friends and Faces?
If you would like to be included in our directory of small congregations willing to welcome new faces, email us at: info@soulprospermedia.com.
Earlier this week, Kirk Franklin officially announced his intention to boycott the Gospel Music Association and the Trinity Broadcast Network “until tangible plans are put in place to protect and champion diversity, especially where people of color have contributed their gifts, talents and finances to help build the viability of these institutions.“ This comes on the heels of a portion of his speech being edited out for the Dove Awards telecast. While support is pouring in for one of gospel music’s most decorated artists, there are many who oppose the boycott and wish to proceed without any interruption of fellowship.
Truthfully, we all want to
continue without disruption of fellowship, but we also cannot disregard the gift
of disruption when sent from God Himself. What is this disruption? It is the
shining of a light on one of the darkest segmentations of the body of Christ,
racists. Not every racial offense is bred from hatred. Sometimes the culprit is
cognitive dissonance, and other times it’s unconscious bias. However, when willful
acts are committed, immediate redress must be given. Many seeking to dismiss
Franklin’s boycott as an overreaction or misunderstanding of simple editing for
television don’t understand the depth of the issue Franklin and so many others take
issue with.
While the gospel and contemporary Christian music communities seek to find a resolution, First Baptist Church in Naples, Florida is grappling with its own lack of racial dexterity. In a letter to the congregation, the Pastoral Staff lamented that “through social media, texting, phone calls, and emails, racial prejudice was introduced into our voting process.” In the aftermath of this rancor caused by racism, the church must decide how to proceed, albeit without a new Pastor. The vote for Pastor Marcus Hayes’ appointment to the Naples church was all but a formality, until certain members initiated a campaign to block him. The percentage needed was 85%, but the vote fell short at 81%.
What this shows us is that racial disparity is still prevalent in our church. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said that “it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is 11 o’clock on Sunday morning” and that remains true. In its expanded form, 8 am, 9am, 9:30 am, 10 am, 10:30, and noon on Sundays also fit that narrative. These segregated Sundays and services become segregated radio station, television stations, political parties and even award shows. Though the church and bride of Christ are established, and the gates of hell won’t prevail against it, there is much to be said about a segregated bride. As Jesus said in response to those that called him the devil, a kingdom divided against itself won’t stand. There is no way to serve a segregated savior and to think that it pleases the Lord to have His people divided is falls way short of any scriptural interpretation.
The Southern Baptist Convention has long grappled with race issues and many of its stalwart leaders were stern segregationists, promulgating the curse of Ham and were the last to acquiesce to integration and civil rights for blacks in America. The residue remains though in a 1995 resolution the convention denounced racism, in all its forms, as deplorable sin.
This didn’t stop the practices from flowing in the undercurrent of American Baptists, and in 2017 when Pastor Dwight McKissic introduced a resolution to denounce white supremacy, it was met with consternation and shifted the meeting into utter chaos. The concession? A revised statement against the alt-right, seemingly bolstered by rhetoric from President Donald Trump.
Whether sitting at church or
at Lipscomb University at the Dove Awards, the tension is there, though it may
not be as pronounced as in other places. Racial tension is embedded in the
fabric of the identity of the United States of America. While the freedom
fighters fought for their freedom from British rule, they did so with the help of
their captive, enslaved laborers. The war of 1812 was won due to the force and
ingenuity of enslaved Africans. The constitutional right that guaranteed freedom
and liberty excluded the abductees, their families and for centuries, any semblance
of their heritage throughout the country they worked to build.
So, what now? We’ve enjoyed
freedoms and even unbridled fellowship with other races in America, what’s
keeping God’s children in America from achieving the level of fellowship
outlined in the bible? What are we to do when our brother needs to be corrected?
I take this example from the Apostle Paul that I want to share with you. In
Galatians Chapter 2, Paul recounts his face to face rebuke of the Apostle
Peter. Peter was not in fellowship with the grace that had been made available
to he, Paul and other believers and at that moment, Paul took immediate issue
with him.
In Galatians 2:18 Paul says
to Peter: “For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a
transgressor.”
For each step toward racial
reconciliation taken, there are multiple steps taken backward. We can’t
continue this vacillation and expect to achieve racial harmony. As we work toward
racial reconciliation, there must be and will be difficult conversations ahead.
The sin of slavery is not one Christians should shy away from. The Apostle Paul
begs the question in Romans 6:21 “what fruit had ye in those things whereof
ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.” Either white American
Christians are yet partaking in the fruit of slavery or they are not yet fully ashamed.
Either way, we are assured that “the wages of sin (even the sin of slavery
and racism) is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
Whether achieved through a
boycott, disfellowship of members causing dissension or a miracle of biblical
proportion, the time is now to get serious about racial reconciliation. As I
close, I want to remind you that in the Kingdom of God, “There is neither Jew
nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Last Sunday, the Dove Awards aired on TBN and at one of the most poignant moments of the broadcast, the gospel community realized that something was awry. When Kirk Franklin graced the stage to accept his award for Gospel Artist of the Year, a portion of his acceptance speech was edited out. Franklin called again for reconciliation and prayers for the family of Fort Worth resident Atatiana Jefferson and Aaron Dean, the former Fort Worth Police Officer who killed her, now facing charges in her death. The omission in the broadcast rankled many viewers, local supporters and the gospel community at large, namely Phil Thornton, SVP of RCA Inspiration, the label Franklin records on.
Franklin’s announcement of a boycott is right out of the playbook of the civil rights movement. Not until black dollars and participation were lost, did many of these companies championing the oppressive Jim Crow laws and lifestyle realize just how much they depended on the black community they regarded as second class customers and citizens. Using the full heft of his influence, Franklin is a hometown hero-calling into accountability the long-standing practices of unconscious bias in Christian institutions like the Gospel Music Association and the world’s largest Christian television network, the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
The Dove Awards added the speech in its entirety later last week on its YouTube channel. According the Gospel Music Association, all acceptance speeches were cut short and Franklin’s was no different. As Thornton said, the edit was not the issue, the content was. When artists at the zenith of the spectrum speak truth to power, it is then incumbent upon the hearers to respond. Whether the response is for or against action is never promised, however the onus remains. In the wake of this fallout, Franklin has decided to boycott both the Trinity Broadcasting Network and the Gospel Music Association until “tangible plans are put in place to protect and champion diversity, especially where people of color have contributed their gifts, talents and finances to help build the viability of these institutions.“
The Dove Awards has done a much better job to include the black gospel community with even a new gospel worship category, this year. The Dove Awards I hasn’t shunned political action because one of their sponsors is My Faith Votes. Why was Kirk Franklin’s speech edited? It couldn’t be that it was political. I think that the call for justice falls into the category of white noise (static), bolstered by cognitive dissonance. This problem persists because we have remained in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have not been touched with the feeling of our infirmities.
I am aware that the word “boycott” often has a negative connotation and finality to it, but my goal will forever be reconciliation as well as accountability. It is important for those in charge to be informed; not only did they edit my speech, they edited the African-American experience. I’m not asking those in the gospel community to follow my decision. No, this is my personal choice to take a stand and hold responsible those in a position of power to acknowledge the issues in our separate communities that have existed from colonialism to Jim Crow. To many of the issues facing us today I pray that there will be a significant change from this hurtful experience. I look with anticipation for that day of healing and I’m committed to contributing to that process. In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
You can watch it here. Additionally, all of our winners have received their full acceptance speeches to post and share on their platforms as desired. In recent years, we have worked hard to ensure that The Dove Awards stage is a platform that promotes unity and celebrates God’s diverse Kingdom.
Kirk Franklin performs at the 50th GMA Dove Awards
Last night on the telecast of the 50th GMA Dove Awards, a portion of Kirk Franklin’s award acceptance was edited and omitted part of his speech, to the chagrin of many in the gospel community. Namely, RCA Inspiration SVP and GM, Phil Thornton took issue with the omission and called out GMA and TBN in a series of tweets. The controversy comes on the heels of what was an otherwise iconic night of celebration.
The Gospel Music Association replied with an explanation that many speeches were cut in the interest of time and that there was no malice behind the omission of a portion of Franklin’s speech. They also hoped to air the speech in its entirety, soon.
“A young girl by the name of Atatiana Jefferson was shot and killed in her home by a policeman and I am just asking that we send up prayers for her family and for his, and asking that we send up prayers for that 8-year-old little boy that saw that tragedy,”
As stated by Phil Thornton, the issue is not in the editing itself, rather it is the content chosen to be omitted. While it’s easy to be upset with the Gospel Music Association and the Trinity Broadcasting Network, there remains a more prevalent persistence that demands our attention and action. Black and white Christians have very different experiences in America. While many white Christians still enjoy the many, even unintentional benefits of white privilege, many blacks in America are still subject to the fact that America’s greatest sin is its unrepentant, native sin.
Because we are monotheistic but not monolithic, we suffer chasms within the faith community. We can seemingly all agree on certain political points the bible supports, or do we? Entitlement benefits, morality in the white house and international diplomacy are all issues believers invoke scripture to support or refute. Police brutality is an issue many evangelicals don’t seem to feel the need to address. For this reason, a deep divide has persisted within our communities. But the DOVE Awards is not apolitical, not in the least. One of the show’s sponsors this year is My Faith Votes, an association committed to galvanizing the faith community to take part in each election. So, if police brutality is a political issue, it’s not a political issue the GMA cares to engage its base to take action against.
I’m not sure what the culprit is, whether it’s racism, apathy or a trivialization of the pain that persists in our community. Blacks today at large still face systemic racism and the fight for equality and equity in shared spaces rages on, even within the church. Black and white communities in the Kingdom still exist separate and apart from each other; and with that issue seemingly at the heart of the cutting room omission, I decided to share this essay.
The cacophony of cognitive dissonance is drowning out the sound of racial harmony in the Gospel/Christian music community
We don’t get to “shut up and sing gospel music…” when something affects our community, we are expected to say something. In fact, it’s a good idea that when you see something, you say something, right? In most cases, this is true. While we’re working vehemently to interpret scripture and its meaning for all members of Christ’s family, some issues are clear cut, er…black and white.
When Kirk Franklin graces the stage at Lipscomb University to speak during the LIVE taping of the Dove Awards, you can prepare to be amused and challenged. Franklin has mastered the art of universal communication and whether using self-deprecating humor or scripture, he reaches the listening audience in a way that only he can.
Over the years, his time at the microphone has matched his heart, sharing his hopes for racial unity and even taking a moment to pray. This year, at the 50th GMA Dove Awards was no different and Franklin took time to share what was on his heart about the tragic killing of Atatiana Jefferson here in our hometown of Fort Worth, Texas.
Miss Jefferson died at the hands of a police officer, Aaron Dean who has since resigned from the force and is now facing charges. Franklin has openly shared his heart about the shooting on his social media channel and for those closely following him, the speech at the DOVE Awards came as no surprise.
What was surprising, disappointing and even disparaging was the omission of a portion of Franklin’s speech on the edited, televised version of the awards show- to the dismay of many in the gospel community. This omission was seen as more than a cutting room floor decision, but part of a greater problem faced when the gospel and Christian music communities converge.
Instead of harmony and reconciliation, the cacophony of cognitive dissonance further widens the racial divide. When one side can’t see what is impacting the other side, we can never bond together and work to solve each other’s problems- together. In truth, the fact that there are other sides when we are supposedly on the same side (the Kingdom of God) is a problem, within itself. Franklin has called not only for racial unity, but for love to increase. Love from the law enforcement community that will reach citizens and love from citizens to reach and impact the law enforcement community. Because so much time is spent apart in their respective microcosms, many gospel and Christian music artists rarely interact apart from the DOVE Awards.
No Sleeping Allowed, Church. The “WOKE” Movement Should Be No Stranger to Sunday Morning
But when issues are raised in our shared spaces, don’t we then have the onus of at least trying to help? This again begs the question raised in Luke 10:29, “who is my neighbor?” For many, the issue of distance is the source of the dissonance. We often find ourselves pleading for help ad nauseam because our brothers and sisters in the Kingdom can’t feel our pain. “I can’t hear you because that’s not my experience!” Perhaps the source of the dissonance is distance to those in need, “I know nothing about that issue and don’t know how to help!” Sadly, the most painful source of the dissonance is the neighbor you tell about your problem. Because they don’t see you as their neighbor, they ascribe no ownership of the problem, nor can they see any potential for their investment in the solution.
But if it ails one, it ails all…this is our belief as Christians, isn’t it?! Isn’t this why we send money and missionaries to third world countries? Isn’t this why we setup ministries in impoverished communities? The question today isn’t about who our neighbor is, the question today is about who the neighbor we’re willing to help is. The issue of police brutality has suddenly become political, though for years, it has been an extension of the plight of black and brown people in America.
Blacks were infamously brutalized in the south during the Jim Crow era and though now decades removed from the horrors of Jim Crow laws and policy, blacks still face many of the derivatives of oppression in official capacity. This often materializes in police brutality in minority communities. What’s worse is that though citizens are brutalized in white communities as well, there’s not as much outrage. This blanket sentiment is applied when the black community, inclusive of its gospel music makers speak up to raise their voices. Victim blaming is acceptable and many have yet to see the problem minorities yet face with police in their community.
Why? You’d have to spend years peeling back the layers of society to even begin to try and understand this phenomenon. Blacks who speak out against police brutality are actually speaking out for a cause that benefits everyone in the room when spoken in mixed audiences. Political alignment has muted voices in what would otherwise be open and shut arguments for God’s idea of justice and as His children. It behooves us to re-consider the allegiances the don’t align with Kingdom principles.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
Amid all the backlash, there have been calls to boycott the DOVE Awards, TBN and any other entity that sides with any effort to silence any voice speaking truth to power. Trouble is, this ideology is so pervasive that it’s much bigger than the Gospel Music Association, Trinity Broadcasting, evangelicals, Southern Baptists, and our other neighbors who are content to turn a blind eye to the plight of their family in Christ.
