A New Chapter

Today, as we solemnly remember the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s assassination, Memphis still carries the unfortunate distinction of being the place where hate won that day at the Lorraine Motel. A city full of talent, soul, and tenacity took on a dark cloud when that shot rang out. Memphis became the personification of what was wrong in America.Two nights ago, I had the privilege of sitting at Clayborn Temple with 85 pastors from the city of Atlanta and 85 pastors from the city of Memphis. We represented the bookends of Dr. King’s earthly journey. Atlanta was not only the birthplace of Dr. King, but also the place where he faithfully pastored. Memphis became the place where he would take his last breath. Yet as men and women of numerous denominations and races gathered, we also embraced the opportunity to write a new chapter.[bctt tweet="Let's embrace the opportunity to write a new chapter."]As a white Memphian, as an American, and most importantly, as a Christian, I can either be part of the solution or part of the problem. In reality, there isn’t a third category; there isn’t a category of neutral well-wishers. Honestly, some days I wish there were. It’s much easier and much more comfortable to stay in my bubble and have good intentions… but my faith will not stand for that. For our country to truly heal, we must be willing to ask the hard questions, hear from our brothers and sisters, step into their pain, and actively be difference makers who change the story.As Christians praying for revival in the city of Memphis, we can’t expect revival to come only to the white church or the black church. We must own the fact that the body of Christ should lead the way in proving love works, not just within our own race but across all races. In 1968, Memphis personified what was wrong in America. My prayer is that the men and women of God in this city will lead the way in showing America what could be, what should be, and what must be.Racism is a big problem, but it’s not too big for our God. And while we call on Him, may we also know that we must make a difference. We can each start by building one new friendship at a time. Pray for our pastors. Pray for our churches. Pray for our city. I can only believe that the heart of God would be pleased to heal the wounded history of Memphis and beyond, if we will only cry out to Him and reach out to our neighbor.[bctt tweet="Healing our wounded history. Do you want to be part of the solution or part of the problem?"]