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A Bridge of Progress: Solutions for our Current Social Environment

12/10/2014

9 Comments

 
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In April 2013, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve as the pastor of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama. The unique neo-classical revival styled facility, designed by a black architect in 1922, stands on the corner of Broad and Minter as a national treasure.Yet, the most notable historic structure within Selma is the Edmund Pettus Bridge.  The bridge is not known for its exceptional architecture but for being the place where excessive abuse was inflicted upon African Americans on Sunday, March 7, 1965.The events of that day were so horrific and gruesome that it became known as “Bloody Sunday.”  Approximately three times a week, I travel to and forth over this hallowed ground and each voyage is mystical, as I reflect on this bridge’s significance in the progress of humanity and civil rights.  It is a monumental reminder that progress is a struggle, but through the courageous efforts of the human spirit and the grace of God progress is possible.  While many look at the Edmund Pettus Bridge as a “bridge of pain” stained with the blood of martyrs, I see this bridge as a “bridge of progress” birthed out of pain but paved with love and dignity. 

There seems to be a gulf between those who feel the hurt of the recent trends in our society and those who attempt to explain the hurt away.  This gulf continues to grow wider as each side digs their heels in the sands of contempt and point fingers of blame at the other.  Therefore, we must erect a bridge of solutions to the problems that have been diagnosed in our society.  Together, we must build a bridge that will mobilize a movement that invites all humankind from all ethnic, economic and social backgrounds to stand for justice.  Together, we must build a bridge that advances the gains we have inherited from the foot soldiers of previous generations.  Together, we must erect a bridge of progress so that our movement is archived in history for its social message rather than social madness.  We must build a bridge paved with respect for all human life and love for all humankind, so that the Creator of our manifold humanity will be glorified above all satanic forces that plague our human existence.  There are three pillars to support this bridge that can lead us from the struggle of the moment to the social satisfaction we anticipate in the future.

Pillar #1 – Assessing Police Training and Tactics

First, I am thankful for the hard work and service that our law enforcement officials render for us on a daily basis.  I honor these citizens’ labor to maintain order within our communities, towns, and cities as they risk their lives daily to serve and to protect their fellowman.  However, as the death of Eric Garner recorded in Staten Island has shown us, there are times when the practices of some must be questioned and determined as actions unbecoming of a public safety officer.  Police are public servants and the public should be able to voice its displeasure with the erroneous actions of a few “bad” cops without it being perceived as an attack against police as a whole. 

In order to police the public effectively one must have the trust of the general public.  The public must have confidence in one’s competence of skills and integrity of heart.  When a public servant has lost the blessing of the public, it hinders his or her ability to perform their duties.  The following are a few practical suggestions to ensure that public confidence in all law enforcement officials is maintained:

Cameras

I suggest that all law enforcement officers be required to wear a camera above their name badge when addressing the public.  While these cameras may be expensive, they are well worth the investment of tax dollars.  These cameras will ensure that the officers’ actions are respectful, reasonable and in line with their department’s code of conduct.  Furthermore, we will have the actual unfolding of events in real time, instead of a possibly edited version of an officer’s account.

Cross-cultural training

We are all human with our own preferences and associations.  This is a reality of our human existence.  We develop communities with those who often think like us, behave like us, and even look like us.  Subsequently, when we interact with others outside our developed communities with a lack of knowledge, this cross cultural interaction can be fatal.  Police officers are expected to serve the community at large; therefore, one should receive cross cultural-training as a part of their initial training to be a police.  This training will make the officer more comfortable as he or she interacts with others because they will have a larger knowledge base of the actions and tendencies of others outside their community.

Pillar #2 – Enlisting the Church’s Involvement

The church is God’s voice in the world.  When the church speaks, she does so as an ambassador of the King of Kings.  In the midst of social unrest, the church should stand and herald with a loud and clear voice, “Thus says the Lord!”  As the world becomes more pluralistic and the standards of right and wrong are shifting in society like a northeast wind, the church must remind society of God’s standard, God’s perspective, and God’s demands.  When the church is silent on issues plaguing the world, we are saying two things: (1) God doesn’t care about this and (2) The gospel of Jesus Christ has no bearing on these things.  Brothers and sisters, both of these are completely, totally and irrevocably false!!! God does care and the gospel does come to bear on all things pertaining to man.  The question is not whether God cares or not.  The question is does the church, God’s people, care to share God’s message on these things.  The church cannot be so heavenly minded that she fails to be of any earthly good.  Martin Luther King said, “Our life begins to end the day we are silent about the things that matter.”  Today, I suggest the church begin to lose it relevance when it becomes silent about the things that matter.  Robert Smith said, “We don’t socialize the gospel but we gospelize the social.” 

Pastors must proclaim the gospel in a way that has direct implications and applications to concerns transpiring in the world today.  The sermon must challenge the believer individually and the body collectively.  The believer’s perspective should not be shaped from pundits on CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, or any other news network.  The believer’s views toward the issues of society should be informed by the word of God through individual personal, private devotions and public proclamation of the gospel through a spirit-filled pastor.

Pillar #3 – Challenging Individual Responsibility

Perhaps you are one asking the age old question, “What can I do?”  This is a good question and the answer is, “You can make a difference.”  Many times we stand by idle waiting on someone else to voice what we feel as well as, initiate what we are thinking.  Yet, I say the world is waiting on your voice.  We are searching for your creative, cutting edge ideas.  Your community needs your compassionate acts.  Someone is longing for your embrace.  Some child needs your unconditional love and guidance.  Some downcast soul needs your words of encouragement.  God has equipped you to be the change we are looking for, calling for, wishing for, and hoping for.  You are the voice for justice and equality.  You can be the catalyst for change in someone’s life, in your community, as well as in our world!  You can do it! You can make a difference!  Together we can build this bridge of progress…one day at a time!!


9 Comments
Ebony Flake link
12/10/2014 03:18:38 am

You've done it again! Your use of metaphor illustrates the literal, historical, and philosophical "bridges" required to catapult this new "Movement" toward progress. Your first post diagnosed the issues and now you've provided practical solutions. This is a nice continuation of the panel conversation that you initiated in last weeks Community Forum. Thank You for using your voice to provide solutions.

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Stephanie
12/10/2014 05:57:45 am

Excellent blog! The major difference I see between then and now is now we don't have strong leaders like Dr. King to help facilitate the change. Our "leaders" aren't making the needs of the community their priorities.
Also, many people today are not socially conscious or actually committed to a cause. It's a trend, whatever is popular on social media is what people focus on. Once the new hot topic comes along everything else is forgotten whether a solution was achieved or not.
At the end of the day we are just a different type of people compared to those who crossed that bridge in 1965

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Victoria
12/10/2014 06:32:45 am

I thoroughly enjoy reading your blogs! Your insight of various issues is very enlightening. I can't wait to read your first published work AND New York Times Best Seller!!!

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Tramaine Solomon
12/10/2014 01:13:14 pm

Great insight!

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Jackie
12/10/2014 01:58:02 pm

Pastor ODC very well said. Two short comments...."for a lack of knowledge, the people perish" as you said, pastors must proclaim the word of God in a way that it transpires the soul and the minds of people towards a better place. To another point you made, it's high time we challenge our individual responsibility and become change agents rather than agents of change. Lord knows our work it cut out for us!

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Mildred Stallworth
12/10/2014 04:31:02 pm

I do agree with you when you say, "We must build a bridge paved with respect for all human life and love for all humankind, so that the Creator of our manifold humanity will be glorified above all satanic forces that plague our human existence.” I must say that I am glad that someone from the church is speaking out on these issues from a biblical stance. Together we can make progress, if we as a people turn back to God and hear His voice and stop looking for just anybody to come in and change our condition. God has given us the solutions to every problem through His word, but it's up to us to step out in faith to begin the movement. He has given us the power to ignite the flames that will bring about the change. Just as our brothers and sisters endured the harsh abuse as they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965, we too must take a stand in 2014, against police brutality, black on black crime and all other abuses that plague our society, by being patient, understanding and accepting beliefs that are different from our own, but always believing that we are worthy of being treated with respect.

Accountability speaks for itself. If there were more courageous leaders such as: (pastors, ministers, brothers and sister) that will speak out and address these issues with their congregations, communities, in the homes and the world, then we would progress, make a difference and God will get the Glory. People are hungry for the Word of God and it is up to us as leaders and servants to be the mouth piece for God to proclaim it. The problem is; some leaders, male/female compromise their God-given gift for personal gain from human sources, not realizing that God has all the resources. We all have a responsibility to speak out about injustices that are put upon our fellowman. We are the voice! If we sit back and remain silent, then we are just as guilty as the one that commits the crime.

Love is a powerful word. It's time that we take a stand on behalf of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who set the example and loved us more than we loved ourselves. The big problem lies within humanity itself. When we began to see others as we see ourselves, then we will start to make progress that will clean up the divide.

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Pamela Green
12/11/2014 03:18:48 am

This is a very good blog. I really enjoy reading this.

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Marion S Preyear
12/16/2014 01:13:53 am

Very impressive! I am not at all surprised. Not only by your blog but by the work you are doing thru your ministry is truly amazing! Continue to let GOD use you! You were Ordained on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose! In reference to all the chaos in the world we can simply peacefully protest...patiently wait on GOD to intervene....because he will.....soon and very soon! It's too much strife, hatefulness, bigotry, racism going on and not enough love you know. I have 2 sons and 4 nephews and I am constantly in prayer for and about them. Actually for all Black males. Prayer is a POWERFUL, effective tool!! When you STAND....Stand for what is RIGHT! We can't keep doing things "our" way....the looting and destroying property is not God's Way! #Ferguson Your intellect and the Holy Spirit within you flows thru this blog! Stay on the path GOD laid out just for you! Be abundantly blessed as you strive to bring HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE all over the world! Cause you do know that you are everywhere now!:-) Blessings Pastor! Keep spreading the good news!!!!!

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Neilya Lett
12/18/2014 06:03:01 am

I enjoyed reading this blog. Great insight.

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    Pastor ODC is the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Church in Selma, AL and a graduate of Beeson Divinity School.  He is a biblical scholar/student with social consciousness that challenges society to examine itself in light of the scripture.  He also encourages believers to fulfill their divine purpose to the glory of God.  His writing is compelling, convicting, and challenging.

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