White Faces, Black Spaces
The (s)election of Demagogue-in-Chief Donald Trump sure brought out the worst in many people. Then again, perhaps he’s merely provided carte blanche for the hidden desires of their hearts to finally emerge. Many public figures have felt freer to express their sentiments and support of Trump but not without its consequences, as contemporary gospel music artist and Ardyss representative* Vicki Yohe found out this week.
For those of you scratching your heads in confusion, Vicki Yohe came to the attention of the Black church by way of gospel giant Cece Winans. Cece, after having seen Yohe on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), offered Yohe a recording contract with her Pure Springs Gospel label. In 2008 Yohe released her most popular single to date “Because of Who You Are.” It became a mainstay on Black gospel radio and within the hallowed edifices of Black congregations around the nation. Yohe’s career success is based solely on legitimacy given by a respected Black figure and the support of a largely Black audience. Imagine the surprise of that audience when they learned that she vehemently supported a candidate whose policies largely sought to endanger their existence.
Yohe’s hood was pulled off when earlier this week she posted this image accompanied with the following caption
“March all you want, protest all you want, President Donald J. Trump is our President for at least 4 years, no weapon formed against him will prosper! You know you are doing something right when there is so much opposition!!! #excitingtimes”
Referring to this past weekend’s Women’s March on Washington (with sister marches in varying U.S. cities), Yohe did what 88% of evangelical Christians and 53% of white women did on November 8: prioritize their white identity over anything and everyone else. She’s not the only one, however.
The Rise, Fall, & Rise of Paula White
There’s also the curious case of Pastor Paula White, an ardent Trump supporter and leader of central Florida’s largest Black congregation. Legitimized by Bishop T.D. Jakes in 2000 after speaking at his Woman Thou Art Loosed conference, White has been on a meteoric rise within the Black Pentecostal church for nearly two decades. She and ex-husband Bishop Randy White co-founded Without Walls International Church in 1991. Both enjoyed the trappings of success provided by the support of their largely Black audiences and congregations. Between Paula’s media ventures and church income, she and Randy raked in millions. In 2006, Without Walls brought in nearly $40 million with a combined compensation of $1.5 million for the Whites. Paula’s media ministry, Paula White Ministries, was bringing in $50K-$80K weekly.
White’s problematic politics should have been noticed far earlier than her invocation at the Trump inauguration. Paula & Randy White became the subject of a 7-year IRS investigation into the financial assets of their persons and ministries. While nothing came of the investigation, it’s worth noting that Without Walls was nearly swallowed whole by debt. In 2008, both their main and satellite campuses were in pre-foreclosure with lapsed payment for $25M in loans. In August 2011, the main campus suddenly closed after its lights were cut for failure to pay.
Currently, White pastors New Destiny Christian Center. You may have heard of this church by way of the mysterious death of its co-founder and senior pastor, Zachery Tims, in a New York hotel in 2011. Its congregation remains largely Black working- and middle class people while Paula White remains an unabashed supporter of Donald J. Trump.
Their Success, Our Expense
Both Yohe and White have built their brand and bank accounts on the backs of Black audiences. They’ve both embodied performative Black worship through their intonation and fluency in Black vernacular and colloquialisms. And for some reason, we eat it up. We continue to allow them in our pulpits, to lead our churches, and to rob us blind in Jesus’ name. We dance, shout, cry, and sow our seeds to their ministries while refusing to hold them accountable. We offer them a ‘Black Pass’, assuming that their presentation in our churches and concert venues is their authentic self. We give them far more grace and less scrutiny than we give our own and are suddenly shocked when their true self is revealed.
Have we even questioned what makes them connected to us as a people as opposed to pastoring a more ethnically diverse flock? When asked of Paula White:
“In her sermons at New Destiny and at revivals around the country, White often addresses the great unasked question in the minds of many of the worshippers before her: What does a rich, famous white woman have in common with a church full of working and middle-class black folk struggling to survive the recession?
Invariably, she answers with a recitation of her own early life of abuse, promiscuity, bulimia, two divorces, addiction to prescription medication and personal tragedy, including her son’s crack addiction when he was a teenager. She offers hope by example, overcoming struggles to live in prosperity and with the promise of salvation.”
The presumption that the sole marker of Black experience is struggle, promiscuity, and other social ills sounds eerily familiar to Trump’s infamous declaration that “the blacks” should support him because we “have nothing to lose.” He went on to further generalize and stereotype the Black lived experience as growing up in fear of our crime riddled streets in the “urban areas”, complete with short life expectancy or prison sentences. Why are we allowing people to preach hope to us who see our skin color as nothing more than a mark of certain struggle, oppression, and death?
The latest antics of White and Yohe leave me with a central question: How many Black clergywomen had to die for the ascension of Vicki Yohe and Paula White? Not a literal death, of course, but how many Black clergywomen have had their careers belabored by the preference for and pushing of white leaders in blackface? We know Riva Tims, ex-wife and co-founder of New Destiny Christian Center, is at least one casualty in the centering of whiteness in Black pulpits. When her ex-husband died, Riva was denied the opportunity to lead the church she co-founded. The selection and voting committee at the time cited a stipulation that the senior pastor should be married—despite the fact that Tims was divorced at the time of his death. White, who eventually won their vote, was not remarried until 2015.
The Cost of the Black Pass is Ours to Bear
It is our eager willingness to hand out ‘passes’ to others that has led us here. Yohe’s implication that Jesus was somehow absent because of an Obama presidency is deeply harmful. We cannot overlook the white evangelical Christian’s core tenet of faith that Blackness is inferior to whiteness (You can read more about that here: White evangelicalism is white nationalism). Let’s put aside faith for a moment and pick up logic. Yohe exclaimed that Jesus was “on [His] way back to the White House” and that opposition must mean Trump is “doing something right.” First, everything has opposition. You cannot base the “rightness” of your position by the level of opposition against it. There are millions who oppose restrictions against same-gender marriages and still millions who support it. Numbers, in this case, do not measure the validity of an ideal.
Further, folks got knee-deep in their feelings when I posited that White Supremacy is bigger than the concept of God. From Yohe’s chosen optics to her phrasing, it only supports my prior thoughts on the matter. Her message was posted with an image of a Eurocentric Jesus with baggage. First of all, I can’t even begin to delve into the problematic nature of #WhiteJesus and Jesus being pictured with baggage. That’s wild in and of itself.
What’s important to recognize is the portrayal of Jesus as a temporal, lukewarm messiah. If Yohe’s intended message is that Jesus was absent from the White House because it was troubled, what kind of savior only appears in times of joy and absconds the throne in times of trouble? It speaks volumes that for white evangelical Christians, God is only veritably present when accompanied by the oppression and sacrifice of others.
Our Sacrifice & Unwarranted Forgiveness
We’ve internalized this idea that we are a sacrificial lamb for the greater good. That somehow our willingness to suffer at the hands of institutionalized intersectional oppression is like unto the suffering of our Christ on the cross. We’re striving for our atonement and veneration as “good Christians” by way of asceticism and self-flagellation of sorts. Worse yet is that we’re giving passes to people to enter our pulpits not to pull us out of suffering, but to be participants in our oppression through their political and social actions.
As expected after numerous engagement cancellations and a dragging across the interwebs, Yohe offered up a (non-) apology to appease the situation. If you’re playing call out bingo, we hit these high notes:
“I’m sorry if you feel that I hurt you”
Focus on personal victimization rather than contrition for those who were harmed
“I’m not a racist, I have black ______”
Your perception of my message was not the intention of my message
Yohe spent 4 disjointed paragraphs never really accepting her fault. She didn’t seek to understand what and how she was wrong. Instead, she chose to reiterate that it was the perception, not content of her message, that was wrong. And of course she pulled the “I can’t possibly be racist card” given her association with Blackness by way of her ministry and a claim of 42 kids in an African orphanage. Make of that what you will.
Still it should be noted that when called out, Yohe responded by blocking people even when they peacefully expressed their hurt and disappointment. [Side note: Which seems to be popular among public Christian figures. Heather Lindsey blocked me and several others without even attempting to engage in an open dialogue once called out.] She privatized and/or deleted various social media accounts.
And wouldn’t you know it? In the comments section of her apology was the all too familiar swift forgiveness of Black Christians. Not that I should be all that surprised. Especially since Travis Greene justified his minstrelsy as bending the ear of the King while Chrisette Michele offered to build bridges none of us asked for. God help us all.
P.S.: I heard about Martha Munizzi’s imaginary abortion conversation with Oprah Winfrey. I ain’t got the energy to address it.
You can read more about Paula White’s controversial life and ministry here: Holy High Roller
*Editor’s Note: From the comments: “Vicki Yohe has not been a part of Ardyss FOR YEARS! She is selling the HCG diet now.”
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You just wrote a WHOLE WORD!!!!! Thank you for this!!!! Now I have to spread the message!
It’s a shame the lock that white America keeps holding on black people. I’m embarrassed that the majority of our people seem to be so gullible to white horse crap. They broke are forefathers backs in slavery and trained us to chase them for crumbs. Enough already! Grow up and detach yourself from these sick abusers and users of your lives, talents and resources. What would you be doing if you had no one to rely on but you? Then start doing it.
I just read your article and I am not at all surprised by P. White and I thought I really liked V. Yohe but reading all of the statements made, I did not know she supported Trump. So my question is what GOD does she really sing about? Not my GOD!
They Trash! Absolute Trash!
Ain’t no White folks in the Bible nohow….
Great article!
Can anyone explain where did Peter Popoff (born July 2, 1946) disappear?
It makes a lot of sense now. I was wondering where have the TVEvangelists absconded: John Hagee (born 1940), Clarence McClendon (born 1965), Peter Popoff (born 1946),Joyce Meyer (born 1943, Rod Parsley (born 1957), among others popular tv ministers. A lot of them just disappeared suddenly. And YouTube has given an excuse not to inquire but it all has come out.
I would not attend Paula White ‘s Church, Trump can not tell us that we can say Merry Christmas again when we never stop saying Merry Christmas. Since he love Christmas and family , why did he spend most of his time tweeting about the Russia investigation on Christmas morning.
Thanks for your courage and for the enlightenment!!!
Thank you!
Great article and not at all surprising to me.
I am so glad that someone addressed this. I wasn’t really shocked to read the comments of Yohe and I really wasn’t surprised by Paula White. Our problem as a race is so many of our people are stuck with the slave mentality and believe that white is right regardless of whether one of our people are more intelligent or not!. This happens not only in the leadership of our nation but everywhere! It is sad but I see it everyday. I sometimes wonder if I’m in a world of my own because I refuse to allow anyone, black or white to make me feel infereior or less intelligent than I know I am. I loved your article. I’m glad my grandson shared it with me.
Outstanding article. Thank you for ‘going there.’ I have been wondering when those endorsers would speak up about this behavior…they haven’t and probably won’t. Glad you did!
We need the Black Churches to truly look at themselves a know the God given power we have.
The truth. We need to face it.
Girl you are on it!
Excellent articles! They are filled with great information! My question though is this… when will the Black “Christians” Wake Up? The lack of “True Unity” amongst us (I’m Black) is so Very Discouraging. Listen, I do not think any Anybody should be used or abused.l- No matter what the color of their skin – but it seems that we as a Black People have allowed our ‘sense of logic’ go to sleep on us. Even God was concerned about His People ( generations of His creation) and the way that they suffered from lack of knowledge, unfortunately, many of those to whom He sent it Rejected it! Wow!!! Ok…so we know the problem does exist..No Fought. Now, who has some kind of suggestions towards the solution..ANYBODY?
Unfortunately, we can’t even get on one accord to acknowledge that the problem exists. Can’t always fix what most people see nothing wrong with. So a big thing for me is to continue to bring clarifying awareness.
And I for one appreciate that!
“When will the Black “Christians” Wake Up?” if and when they realize that they are more than the label of “Christians” then maybe… In addition, there needs to be an awakening of the forgotten stories, parables and artistic expression that predates the European interpretation of our ancestral symbols and ideology. Until then, we will continue to see the pitfalls of blind faith. Everything you described matches the whole “Shepherd” concept. The masses waiting in line to be told what to do, when and how to do it. And if the person giving the instruction is white, then the false pride and trust kicks in. Lastly, people don;t like asking the difficult questions. When my mother in law tells me that I don’t understand because I don’t go to church enough, all I can do is shake my head and wait patiently.
So much wisdom is someone so young. Thanks, this 60 year old is encouraged. Please continue to speak, I assure you I hear you!
Thank you, Ms. Robin! Your encouragement is definitely water 🙂
Great article. Blessings to you.
From a white(Dark Italian) man growing up in a apostolic “black church” let me 1st say well done. Yohe’s comments are disturbing. “No weapon formed” etc etc. Seriously? Trump wouldn’t be selected as a “trial Usher” until he got his ego alone under control let alone every other character flaw he seems to wear as badges of honor. How can any Christian stand on the same side as the KKK, neonazis etc and believe they are on the side of Christ?
Forget their hate, these folk don’t understand the basics of Christianity(Love, give, honor, sacrifice, deny yourself, humble, do unto others, feed clothe visit those less fortunate than yourself and so on) let alone the complexities of Christianity.. And her claim about Jesus abandoning the white house based on politics? Proof that her politics are stronger than her faith. She’s 1 of those Josh Feurstein types that smash their right wing idioticness together with their so called “salvation” and then go around telling everyone else they are going to hell if they voted for President Obama. Matthew 25: 31-46 defines these folk well. Anyway…. well written.
Yes awesome article,
Cultural Appropriation in the Church, some thoughts I heard not to long ago. Thank you for this. It has helped to motivate me in my own journey. Thanks again. I’m inspired, and now I don’t feel so strange.
Please do! If there is anything I can do to amplify other voices of progressive faith and critical theology, I’m happy to help 🙂
Do you not like people of other color? Should people of different races not be allowed in or celebrated in all churches who proclaim to love like Jesus? I’m interracial, light skinned, but dark curly hair and dark eyes, which church should I avoid attending since one of my parents has a white face and the other a face the same color as you? There are good, bad, holy, evil, genuine and hypocrites in every walk of life. According to scripture the world will know us by the love we have for one another – Blessed are the peacemakers – don’t judge and you won’t be judged. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks – I pray you will develop a love for all whom Jesus died for. He died for the whole world, every race, skin tone and culture, and, that you would as a Pastor teach others to love beyond the outer appearance of man, like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God bless.
…Vicki Yohe and Paula White are advocating for a man who seeks to extend institutional disenfranchisement for everyone who is not White and Male, and you’re questioning MY love of God’s people? Think about that. Marinate. Come back once you’ve found the right answer.
Looks like Terry is missing the point entirely. It’s not about color on the superficial level, it’s about using another group as stepping blocks to advance yourself and then turning around and then refusing to support the very people to supported you. It’s about being ungrateful and un-Christ-like.
What a great read! So on point. Glad to know you are out there. Placed you on my favorites bar to follow.
What?! That makes me so excited! Thank you!
I’m visiting here for the first time and I absolutely love this article! Everything you wrote is spot on!
Amen! The truth exposed
This is my first time reading your commentary. You are just awesome using your journalistic talent! I will continue to follow you and I “liked” your page on FB.
Great commentary and insight! Looking forward to seeing you and Christopher on CNN in the near future!
THE race doesn’t matter, it’s the hypocritical greed shown by too many mega-church pastores and televangelists. I could summon pages of ScrIpture where the Lord warns us of that sneaky “love of money” demon, but both clergy and congregations rationalize a path of circumvention. If any person professing to live a life of dedication to Christ ACCUMULATES AND KEPPS millions of dollars and a grandiose, opulent lifestyle….the smell of a false prophet or a misguided, jaded vocation overwhelms any counsel they could give. It’s not race nor gender, but who’s in the heart of the professed…God or Self-centeredness.
While it greed and corruption are certainly an issue in the church, it’s not quite the discussion at hand here.
It’s 2017 and the black church just recognizing church slave masters? Strong language, but it’s true. Been running around pimping the anointing a long time. People always running to hear a word that sound so “wow” with no substance. Here’s an example, “God’s going turn your pain into victory”…shout your way all the way down to the alter and sling that bag of cotton you worked so hard to pick. Many sisters would be offended and stand up to defend their slavers because their spiritual understanding is elementary.
Makes me sad seeing people I know running behind both of them like good little slaves who want a piece of pork. Slavery never ended – it’s just in different forms and either way the plantation master (i.e. Paula White and others) are wealthy off every good little slave who run sowing seed (i.e. bringing in their bag of cotton from working in the field all day)!
Searching for the lie…none detected.
Thanks for this, I thought I was the only one. I too peacefully asked her about the impact versus the intent of her not one but many controversial racist post and she blocked me. But when I gave her several thousand dollars to support her orphanage because she was begging on Facebook for monetary assistance she personally called me to say the fraud that everyone was saying about her request wasn’t true. I understand everyone has a right to their opinion but as christians it’s a way to express those rights without posting on social media out of hate, frustration, and aggravation to offend people. It was not done as an opinion but as a voice of who she really is. But when asked she blocked people therefore immaturely condoning her behavior! Thus we can not continue to support someone who professes kingdom love on the outside as a way to make money to take care of their family but possess a worldly hate in their heart that is expressed on their Facebook page. It has nothing to do with who she supports politically but how she does it socially.
WOWSA! Right, this is not her first offense. We’ve seen this occur with her more than a couple times. I’m so sorry to hear that she blocked you despite your financial and spiritual support.
Danyelle, I’m so grateful for the gift God has placed in you. I have said very similar things to friends and family. I’ve always thought myself to be a pretty good writer, but you have perfectly summed up; quite eloquently I might add, all that I could have said, and I believe perhaps better than I could have stated it. “The black pass” will become a widely used phrase among those of us who are awake. And perhaps your article will awaken the masses who yet allow the demigods of somnolence to keep the black consciousness in a deep coma like sleep. Thank you again for giving a name to and calling out this strange but all too familiar phenomenon. It’s worth mentioning that this phenomenon is not limited to the gospel or gospel music. How many blues and R&B singers have the black community supported and made millionaires, for merely mimicking the essence of blackness? Justine Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Adele, Pink, Tina Marie, Vanilla Ice, Michael Bolten, etc. etc……. We must return to supporting our own. All we need, God has supplied and it lies in US.
Absolutely a phenomenon that goes beyond the church walls! And while I enjoy those artists, Adele shouldn’t be enjoying more global success for a cheapened version of, say, Jazmin Sullivan’s sound.
Thank you, Danyelle for this enlightening post, and for so eloquently shedding light on the proverbial elephant in the church.
I, like so many, was troubled by Vicki Yohe’s post and even moreso by her non-apology on the radio shows yesterday. However, it was a very necessary wake-up call for the Black Church.
I am sharing this article with my friends and family in the faith on hopes of starting some meaningful conversations on how we can learn from this and course correct. It is very necessary.
Bless you for being a blessing.
Thank YOU for your kind words. I wasn’t sure how this post would go over, but I didn’t imagine it to spread this far or wide. But it’s reassuring to see that I’m not alone.
Thank you for speaking the truth.
Danyelle, That was a very insightful, & well thought out presentation, & on point, but let’s take it a step further. I was born, & raised in church, & what I’m seeing is so called pastors pimping congregations across the nation. I’ve seen example after example of high profile pastors butcher scripture for the sake of filthy lucre, & preachers across the racial spectrum are guilty. I believe the true christian faith is under attack, mainly because of greedy preachers, & false doctrines. My strong advice to anyone reading this is don’t get caught up in personalities, or emotions, & study God’s word for yourself, so you will know when you are being lied to, & pimped.Above all put your faith in Jesus Christ & not in man. The one rule of thumb is make sure that what a man says agrees with what God says in his word. My bible says PROVE ALL THINGS!!!
All accurate observations, Joe! We must be careful not to be blown with every wind of doctrine.
You held my attention from beginning to end. As a black female minister in America, it was necessary that I read this. It has cemented some things I’ve observed over the years and have given me great insight for the future. Excellent article.
The two most dangerous things on the planet is sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. People when it comes to voting for Trump, you can not claim sincere ignorance on this one. No profile pic but you can find me on fb with maroon Rolls Royce as my pic.
Thank you for helping us learn, grow. Now hopefully we will help each other prosper with our talent & gifts instead of those who mimic our gifts.
These 2 women are what the average black women can do in many churches yet Paula is a multi-millionaire?
This situation is similar to what Fred Price went through when he found out the Hagins believed & taught that the White Race should not marry Blacks in order to keep the White Race pure. Price exposed Hagin & openly asked them to repent. When they did not, Price pulled his church & influenced other Black Churches to stop supporting Hagin. Price started his own fellowship & the Black Churches that were under Hagin joined it & left Hagins. They woke up!
Thank you, thank you. thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
This article gave me my entire life back! There’s been so much that I’ve wanted to express and your article said it all! I appreciate your critical theology and wish we had more people willing to speak up and speak out in the same way you have.
Very insightful article. Tackles multiple issues in a short read. We need more examinations like this!
First let me say THANK YOU for articulating these thoughts so clearly, cogently and concisely. Everything you said was thoroughly on point. I grew up in a church (in Houston) that was mostly white and became more diverse due to changing demographics and white flight. The hypocrisy of allegedly “loving Christians” not wanting to open their church doors to black, brown and everything in between, WHILE also patting themselves on the back for how much they gave to worldwide missions, made me deeply cynical. Moreover, the lack of logic (and the accompanying reliance on emotionalism) kept me away from the church for 9+ years. I believe that a lack of critical, Christian voices such as yours made it easy to forget Who I was supposed to be following, and become distracted and repulsed by the antics of those claiming to know Him. Thank you for your voice! It is so necessary!
I have to be honest and tell you your comment brought me to tears. This is what I write for. It’s not always well received but I feel like I have to give voice to the silent thoughts and feelings of so many. For all the ones that left and even for those of us who stayed. We need critical theology and we need to be more willing to listen in discomfort.
I just want to know why these two heathens (Edomites) have such a large Black following!! All they care about is your money, and Black people so quick to give it up to anyone who does not look like us! Where is their large white following????? This is nothing but the curse of Deuteronomy 28 upon us “your oppressors will reign over you”. (just 1 of many) and Black people so quick to forgive #blackpeopleneedtowakeupnow!
Great article. Never heard of your site, but enjoyed the JHB article. One correction though, as an Ardyss distributor, please note Vicki Yohe has not been a part of Ardyss FOR YEARS! She is selling the HCG diet now.
Thanks again for the article, looking forward to hearing more from The Unfit Christian.
Thank you Gina! Editing now 🙂
Love it
Many of us wanted to distance ourself from Kim Burrell and now that these two has come out what are we going to do now my brothers and sisters let’s show love to Kim Burrell and distant I ourself from these to haters Paula White stole a church form a black person please brothers and sisters wake up
It doesn’t escape me that we were certainly far less gracious to Kim Burrell (who, truthfully, deserved to be corrected for her actions). Juanita Bynum is another example that comes to mind as well.
Though the hour we face is painful and it’s uncertainties can be paralyzingly, I am profoundly grateful for the clarity and focus of the voices that still call the church back to its center. Appreciate you. (Hennessy on me if you are ever in Brooklyn!)
Always good to have you, Pastor Emma. Making it a point to come worship with you guys when I visit NYC this year!
You have articulated my exact thoughts and sentiments here! Well done and keep speaking out against all these injustices and hypocritical behaviors. Well done!
Thank you so much!!
Oh my, my, my!!! What a great article and picture you painted. Many have removed their hoods under the feeling of freedom and protection from a man who only values his freedom and protection to do and say as he pleases without consequence. The difference is that these women, and I am sure many others, believe that because we have followed and supported their ministries we (black people) or complete followers and ignorant. News Flash…we are not!!! Preaching love and inclusion for 25 minutes does not make you a champion for everyone…it makes you an exploiter of the truth. I have withdrawn all support for these two and I am sure that my list will get longer and longer. Thank you for your courage, convictions, and commitment to the truth!!!
SAY THAT!!
Great article and something we as a church must discuss but I ask this question. Once we have exposed the past of a leader, discussed their faults, measured their wrongs, brought out their views and opinions, played everything out on the table……where do we go from here? What is the solution? Do we walk away with more information and a new found opinion of the one we have listened to on the radio, and watched on the Chrisitan Television Networks, and keep these targets in mind forming an even strong dislike or opinion? Or….do we have dialogue of what we can do to break down the wall of race in the body of Christ, knowing ths t Heaven has not race or culture section, we are all one striving to get to the same place. When this discussion takes place from the pulpit to the last row in the church, I think we can get to a new and better place. Blessings!! Pastor K.D. Sanders-Metro Detroit
Pastor Sanders, I think what we do from here is hold people accountable. We are to be measured, in my opinion, by the totality of our humanity and not just by one act, mistake, or grievance that we cause. It is only in being accountable for what the implication of our actions mean that we can begin the conversation of how to rectify. It’s really hard to have a “moving forward” conversation that is both productive and authentic when someone doesn’t understand what they’re moving forward from. Particularly, if they believe it is only necessary to move on from being hurt rather than addressing and changing the behavior that caused the hurt. We’ve gotta move forward and certainly address it as the body of Christ, but we can’t be so rushed to forgive that we forget to remedy what caused our affliction in the first place.
Everything about this!!!! Love it and thank you for saying so unapologetically perfectly. DOPE
Thank you, Rev. Leonard! I appreciate the words of kindness and encouragement.
Thank you!! Well researched, well written, THANK YOU
Thank YOU for reading and for stopping by!
While we don’t always agree on everything some of these points are spot on. I was VERY disappointed with the evangelical community and almost concluded they must only be sent to save white ppl. Mainly bc the embracing of Trump without reservation bc he supported pro life and Israel, both of which I support. But where was this CHRISTIAN support for Obama, many of the policies he put in place save gay marriage and abortion were proChristian to me. Support for the poor, incarcerated, yet Trump can be a serial adulterer and promote casinos and somehow he gets a pass bc he is white. The hypocrisy is maddening, you are prolife but you pillage and Rob the poor yet they is no outrage from mainframe Christianity. I am not naming names bc some Christians have denounced this man and I do not know what’s in his heart nor stand to ‘judge him’ but my question is can not Hillary Clinton be saved, is she beyond the saving hand of God or is God only reserved for wealthy white men.
Exactly. And even though I am both open and affirming to Queer Christian identity, I respect that others are not. But we cannot say that President Obama’s policies were, in their entirety, anti-Christian. We are called to do justice and to aid the poor among us. And much of his policy action sought to level the playing field for years of institutionalized -isms that kept many of us at the margins.
Wow, this is so true….. Awesome read….
Thank you!!
The truth doesn’t irritate anything nothing but the devil! This is the TRUTH. Well stated.
Thank you, Bishop!
Great story
Thank you!
THANK YOU !!!
None of you folks know Vicki, she is not even close to being a racist. Because she supports Trump does not make her a racist, as much as a person that supported Obama is a racist. We all just need to cool down and keep our battle against the enemy of our soul. Its a spiritual war and people are falling right into the devils plan, and that is to separate us.
You still think it requires wearing a hood and calling someone a nigger to be a racist. I’m not invested in taking the time to explain why this is wrong.
Even before Trump became President, there was no doubt in my mind that he was racist, and it was proven by his own words, so it’s no different for Vicki, we can only go by people behavior, and what they say. So at what point do we start believing that when a person tells us how they feel about us as a race that we should believe them???
Thank you so much for this! I agree 100%. It makes me sad that these white women get a pass with church folks despite their blatant racism and scandals. Meanwhile, a black woman like Juanita Bynum has been dragged through the mud because of her past history. This double standard needs to be challenged.
TUH! I almost brought up Juanita but decided to focus on all Black Clergywomen whose opportunities have been taken by those who have no investment in the advancement of our people.
So glad someone is talking about this! Bravo!!!!!
Thank you! That’s what I do, discuss and say the things most people of faith are too scared to say.
Dead in accurate! Thanks for articulating this
Thank you, Leslee!
Love this. Thank you.
Thank YOU for stopping by and reading!