It’s been a while since I worked through the topic of Racial Reconciliation in this space. Then on Friday I attended our City Library’s second installment of a book club series on Candid Conversations. The first session met to discuss “Between the World & Me.” This time we talked through “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness.”

And, whew. It was a significant discussion. I of course do not know the beliefs of the 20 that attended, but I know what we talked through matters to God. I’m grateful that our city is tackling this pressing issue in both a civic and spiritual dimension. Because there is no distinction for those of us who want to love God and love people. If unjust practices are being waged on our citizens from the top down – almost exclusively on our brothers and sisters of color – then it is an affront to God and shows us an area in which we can focus our love.

But I should probably back up. I wrote before on this topic after watching the popular Netflix documentary “13^th.” And while this video was an incredibly eye-opening starting point, I cannot recommend highly enough the thorough, well-researched book itself. And I still have 100 pages to go. But I am not letting that stop me from bringing this conversation into this space even now. It affects too many people and those of us it doesn’t seem to directly affect are too unaware.

It is impossible to do the research justice in a blog post, but the basic premise is how, beginning in the 1980’s, a War on Drugs was declared. In order to fight this “war,” billions of dollars in federal funding were pumped into the police force across the country, offering perks and bonuses to those who bought into this militaristic regime. Not coincidentally, funding for government programs such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Department of Education were cut during this same time.

Then came the increasingly lenient procedures on who police may stop and frisk – and how. Whereas before a warrant was required to search a person’s property, now anyone a policeman subjectively deems “suspicious” is game. And the courts have held up officers’ rights to this, all the way up to the Supreme Court, in order to fight this war.

As you can imagine, certain types of people have been deemed suspicious by police. This is called profiling. And if you follow someone long enough, eventually they will not come to a full and complete stop at a stop sign or not leave their blinker on long enough when changing lanes or have a taillight go out – which requires being pulled over. And searched. And even though the vast majority of people pulled over will have nothing on them, eventually you will find those who do.

And although they are likely not committing any violent crimes, but in order to wage war on drugs, they will almost always do disproportionately long prison time with “tough on crime” mandatory sentences. Like 5-10 years for a first time, nonviolent offense. This happens to those of all races, of course, but it happens mostly to young men of color. Unfortunately, unless an officer is careless enough to say, “I suspected him because of his skin color,” there is almost never any legal push back for the reasoning.

And this is how African Americans are only 13% of the U.S. population but can somehow represent 40% of our prison population.

Unfortunately, this is all just the beginning of the vicious loop in the War on Drugs. When time is served and nonviolent drug offenders are back at it trying to get on with their lives, the deck is overwhelmingly stacked against them. Now that they are labeled a felon, it is difficult to get a decent job, and often their driver’s license is revoked, making finding any job difficult. They can be disqualified from federal housing assistance and even food stamps. As you can imagine, it’s tough to get your life back when you owe debt for legal fees and can’t find gainful employment. Many give up and get swept back into the system.

Here is where people like me need to be reminded of some important things: Our struggle is never against flesh and blood, but against evil that animates systems such as these. I have no doubt that most in authority seek to serve those they lead. The facilitator of our discussion Friday night has served in both county commissioner and legislative seats of government and sought for juvenile justice reform – and she pointed out inaccuracies when they came up.

But, friends, if ever there was a time to pray, I think we have seen that it is now. We are divided and often confused and need some serious discernment for this day in which we live. Will you pray with me? Actions to be taken can only flow rightly as our hearts break for what breaks His and as we wage war in the heavenlies for justice.

“Next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from Azariah’s house to the angle and the corner, and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard.”

Nehemiah 3:24-25a

Last time we looked at three builders and the rich goodness of their Hebrew names. In particular how to observe and choose rightly – but rest in Him. Today we see two new builders mentioned and have a need for the map again:

Do you see the red circle number 9 with a crown above it? That is the palace or house of the king mentioned in our verse today. If you scoot your eyes to the left to the number 8 you see the placement of Azariah’s house, which is where our first builder, Binnui, began. Our text says Binnui worked to the angle and the corner. Corner in Hebrew is pinnah – bulwark, tower, cornerstone.

If you haven’t had much construction experience in your life you may not have thought about how important a cornerstone can be in a building. The idea is based on the foundation of a masonry project. We know anything to do with a building’s foundation is significant. The portion that connects to the shifting earth and supports the rest of the structure is of vital importance.

The cornerstone, then, is the first stone set when building this foundation. And to which all other stones will be set in reference. It holds the building’s entire weight, yes, but also determines the structure’s position.

Indeed

Christ alone

Cornerstone

Any other reference point will skew the project. We need a Bulwark, a Strong Tower at the foundation of our faith and for the direction of our lives.

Next on the rebuilding scene is Palal who works the other side of the angle to the “tower projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard.” It is so great that the word upper in this verse is elyown meaning “high, uppermost, lofty, (as a title) Supreme.”

If you didn’t already know, One of God’s Hebrew names it is El Elyon: God Most High. Indeed, no other upper palace compares to His throne room. And yet the most spectacular truth is He chooses our hearts to be His ultimate temple as He brings the Kingdom among us.

One more fascinating Hebrew reference in this small verse. When describing Palal’s work it references the court of the guard. Guard or prison is translated from the word mattara – ward, prison, target, originating from natar – meaning angry or bear a grudge.

Oh you can easily see where this can take us, yes? What a prison we make for ourselves when we hold onto our anger like a shield. Rather than admit the hurt or fear behind it, we cling tightly to what feels just. Only to become a target for our enemy.

I won’t pretend to know all the details of your hurts. But whatever it is, friend, grieve it in His presence. For your own sake and the joy of your heart. Anything else will be shackles around your ankles, creating a prison for you wherever you go.

But what joy and liberation comes from forgiveness. Believers, let’s refuse to hold grudges. Let’s be quick to forgive so we don’t become a target to our enemy. Ponder again what all He has forgiven in your heart and ask Him to forgive others through you.

Because His fame and our freedom are worth it.

At Watermark come see David Grann Thursday, July 20 for an author talk and signing of his book The Killers of the Flower Moon.

The Crowsons will be playing their Bluegrass Music at Watermark tomorrow, July 21st, beginning at 6:00 pm.

And next up for Camp Watermark: The Camp That Shall Not Be Named. Register to bring the kids on Wednesday, July 26th, from 11-1:30 for a literary youth camp for ages 7-11.

And coming up at the Wichita Art Museum: Mid-Kansas Jewish Federation Summer Film Series “Dough.” Come Sunday, July 23rd at 2:00 for this free event.

Wichita Parks & Rec is hosting a Trash Cleanup for Pawnee Prairie Park this Saturday the 22nd from 9-noon. Come help make our parks clean and beautiful.

The next time to swim for free is this Saturday the 22nd at Linwood from 1-6. (Thanks Wichita on the Cheap!)

Up next in the KEYN Summer Concert Series is Annie Up. Come to the lovely Wichita WaterWalk tomorrow the 21st from 6:30-10. Meander, dance, and enjoy food and drinks.

Come see Rodwick Pocowatchit on July 22 at 1 pm at the Mid-American All-Indian Center as he discusses his films for the Indians in the Arts exhibit opening.

The next Market-to-Table experience at Old Town Farmers’ Market is with Reverend Cindy Watson. Come at 9 am to learn and eat fresh.

 

Library:

Tonight join the Learning Circle: The Art of Poetry from 5:30-7:30. This 6-week course on learning more about appreciating poems is free but registration is required.

Tomorrow’s Summer Throwback Movie is The Mighty Ducks

And at Westlink, come learn more about Amelia Earhart from 2:30-3:30 this Saturday the 22nd. “Scholar and performer Ann Birney of Ride Into History will present this historical performance as Amelia Earhart in honor of Amelia’s 120th birthday.”

See all Upcoming Library Events here.

 

Have a great weekend!

Summer Produce

Getting in the veggies

Seeing friends

Garden fresh from friends

New fav

Light

Glory

 

Your 7 Days?

“Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.”

Nehemiah 3:23

Last time we looked in on the priests from the surrounding region throwing in and rebuilding. Today we see the next repairs being made and the names of the men are spectacular.

The first one mentioned is Benjamin – Binyamin meaning “son of the right hand.” The Hebrew word yamin means hand, but is from the word yaman which specifies the right hand. To go or choose right.

Just the name Benjamin can be a word for us. The Holy Scriptures often refer to the right hand – of kings and the God of Angel Armies alike. We even say someone is “his right-hand man.” A person who does things in accordance to the will of the one giving orders.

And of course our Savior is seated at the right hand of God Almighty.

Could we be so immersed in Him and His Word and His people and His purposes in our generation that we would be sons or daughters of His right hand?  That we would go and choose rightly? Be followers of Him to the degree we do things in accordance to His will – even if it contradicts our own?

I think we must. Our times demand it. Perhaps in previous days we could get away with being unaware or half-hearted. But during our days here we must be immersed in our First Love. Which always means being immersed in the Word He breathed, the communion of saints He loves, and the fingerprints of His Spirit on this terrestrial ball.

Make sure daily in your heart you’ve crowned Him LORD of all.

Our next rebuilder’s name is Chashshub whose name comes from the Hebrew word chashab – to consider, compose, design, purpose, weave. You know, all those action words have something in common: they take time. Meditating and ruminating; purposefully weaving together all aspects of a situation.

Oh friends, how are we doing with that? Do we slow down enough in our lives and hearts to ponder? Do we put down our electronic devises enough to consider? Could we purposefully compose and design a loving, thoughtful statement about the world in which we live? If any of that is not true of you, take a deep breath. We can choose today to slow down. We can put down the news and pick up the Word, which always points us to His heart and washes our minds with perspective like a crisp, cool stream. We can stop worrying about how we did yesterday and just be faithful today.

The final rebuilder listed in this verse is Azariah, whose name means “Yah has helped.” Which makes me smile because the above paragraph is all true. But unless Yahweh helps us, our actions will be nothing more than actions. We are desperate for His help. Fortunately He has sent us a Helper – One closer to us now than when Jesus walked bodily beside His disciples on earth. His very job is to help. He intercedes, guides, opens hearts, tears down the veil. And, yes, He convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves only a God Who convicts could be a God worthy of our worship. Only the One Who controls the tides could be trusted to be the Sure Foundation for our times.

Of course there’s a way to trust this foundation and not repel everyone around us. It is one thing to trust Him and His words and be arrogant about it. It’s another to trust Him and His words and lay down our lives for those who may not or who are searching or are wounded and hurting and can’t even hear His words until they’ve first experienced love and understanding from His people. Let’s be those who love well as we trust well. Only His Spirit can help us do that.

The final names listed in today’s verse are not rebuilders themselves, but rather Azaraiah’s father and grandfather. His father’s name is Maaseiah – from maaseh (work, accomplishments) and Yah. Or more specifically, “the work is a product of Yahweh.” Yes.

And Maaseiah’s father is Ananiah – from anan and Yah meaning “Yah has covered” or “Yahweh has manifested Himself.” This word anan is so interesting and can mean anything from sorcery to observing. Because it is in reference to the One of perfect character, we know we can scratch sorcery for our purposes today. The Creator of all has no need for magic tricks.

But I’m delighted both by “Yah has covered” and “Yah has manifested Himself.” I suppose the work of the Spirit can look a lot like soothsaying and magic to those who simply want to profit from Him. But as we pray for eyes to see, He shows us the way He manifests Himself is as Sovereign King of the Universe. He sees and knows all and He genuinely has our times covered.

Now to we humans, what this can look like is being an observer of our times. Not in anxious speculation but in faithful trust. The burden isn’t on us to be perfect observers, but to pay attention – then remember the work is of Yah.

There is rebuilding to be done, friends. Sometimes in front of our own houses. Pray with me to faithfully do and prayerfully trust. To slowly observe and genuinely love.

The work is of Yah.

Friends

A visit to Grandparents – and learning about record players

Grandma & Grandpa’s is the best

Creation Glory

 

Your 7 days?

“The next repairs were made by the priests from the surrounding region.”

Nehemiah 3:22

Last time we looked in as the high priest’s home and a section of the wall were rebuilt together, reminding us the Spirit inside gives us strength to look outside our own interests and love beyond ourselves.

Today we see the next section being rebuilt by kohen – chief ministers of the region. Although Elisashib was the designated high priest, his colleagues would live and work in the same general area near Temple (source). I love they are working together to rebuild the area in which they will minister.

Remember, the responsibility of the high priest was to intercede for the people and help establish community. And according to scholars, when the exiles returned to Jerusalem, the other priests were no longer designated the teaching role (a charge given to the Levites as in Nehemiah 8:7). They were, however, in charge of ceremonial matters in Temple – things such as offering sacrifices & collecting tithes.

How does that sit with you? Does part of you sigh in relief thinking how others will take on the role of teaching as the People of God remember how to worship? Or do you feel like these ministers got jipped having to do menial tasks while others take over equipping the people? The way you answer likely depends on how He has made you, but it has me thinking. How are we working together? All of us here now in our one shot at this? These men lived all over the Jordan Valley (kikkar). They may or may not have been excited about their role in this renewed City of God. But they were throwing in.

Friends, what God is doing in our day matters. We have never seen, heard or imagined what He’s prepared. It’s bigger than all of us, but it includes us. We get to be swept up in the beautiful chaos of joining the work and letting Him lead the way. None of us will be perfectly prepared. Perhaps we’ve never held a trowel or offered a sacrifice. Maybe what He’s doing doesn’t even seem to directly affect us – after all, we’re from the surrounding region; this isn’t our home. But we get to love and serve and reconcile and resist and rebuild anyway. Because it’s the only way to be free.

We know He has made us to be part of a worldwide priesthood, set apart to declare the praises of Him Who brought us out of darkness and into His wonderful Light. Let’s declare.

It’s already 2nd Saturday time again. Shop small, shop local.

Which means time for The Workroom’s 2nd Saturday Artisan Market. Enjoy local vendors, food trucks & music.

And, of course, Yoga on the Lawn at 9 am this Saturday the 8th on the beautiful Art Garden (and Tai Chi on the Lawn Tuesday evening July 11th at 7:00).

Ooo…and Saturday Shuffle by Zen Fitness in College Hill Park every 2nd Saturday.

The Sedgwick County Extension Office is offering a Medicare Options event next Wednesday, July 12th from 11:30-1:00. Come learn more about the world of Medicare.

Nancy McCabe will be at Watermark tonight, Thursday July 6th, at 6:00 for an author talk and signing of her book Following Disasters.

Also see Siobhan Fallon on Wednesday July 12th at 6:00 pm for a signing of The Confusion of Languages.

And the next installment for Camp Watermark is Camp Half Blood on Wednesday, July 12th from 11-1:30.

And you know about Lincoln Heights Farmers Market, yes? Every Wednesday morning from 7-11.

Don’t miss GreenAcres Market’s Free Ice Cream Social next week on Tuesday and Thursday.

 

Library:

Don’t miss the upcoming Mad Science events at various Library Branches.

Our next Candid Conversation on Race will be Monday, July 10th from 6-7:30 pm at Rockwell Branch. We’ll be viewing the 2nd part of Race: The Power of an Illusion to help understand the history of systemic racism in America – with a discussion to follow.

Another Breakout Box is offered this Tuesday, July 11th from 2:30-3:30 at Westlink Branch. Can you figure out the clues to unlock the box? Ages 6-10.

And enjoy the monthly Adult Coloring event at Westlink on Wednesday, July 12th at Westlink from 6-7:30 pm.

See all upcoming events here.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Pitching

Friends

Best Parade in town

Our Elf

Hogwarts Crew

Cousin Fun

Pool Time

Love

Glory

 

Your 7 Days?

It is that time again: Free Tea Day at McAlister’s! Head to any of their Wichita locations to get the best tea in town.

It’s also Final Friday time. Tomorrow, June 30th, enjoy the local art crawl. At City Arts, check out the 4 new exhibits. And at Reverie, see Intractable by Gina Nugen.

Do you want to help support the lovely girls at Carpenter Place and get a t-shirt while you’re at it? Head here to see how you can get a 2017 commemorative Tee from their Restoration Ride Car Show.

And are you ready for July 4th next Tuesday? Wichita Moms Blog has an extensive list of fireworks displays, parades, and more for Wichita & the surrounding area.

Beginning next Wednesday, July 5th, enjoy Camp Watermark: Spy Camp. This youth day camp for ages 7-11 will be held each Wednesday through August 2nd and includes hands-on activities based on books. Register for one or all 5 to save some moolah.

Beginning today, June 29th, to Saturday, July 1st, head to the Sedgwick County Zoo for the American Red Cross Blood Drive from 8-3 each day. Donors receive a ticket for free admission, family discount tickets, tickets for a Wingnuts game, a t-shirt (woo hoo!) and goodies like donuts and pizza. Head over and donate.

Tonight, June 29th, is the final Free Summer Concert at Bradley Fair, Celebrate America with Vincent Ingala beginning at 7:30. And be sure to stay for the beautiful fireworks display!

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers opened last night! Get your tickets for the rest of the Music Theatre Wichita showings here.

So we did the $1 Wingnuts Game this past week and it was a hit. (Pun intended.) Next one is this coming Monday, July 3rd. You can enjoy Pizza slices, hot dogs, 12 oz drinks, and ice cream sandwiches for a buck each as well!

You can swim for free this Saturday, July 1st at the Aley Pool from 1-7. (Thanks, Wichita on the Cheap!)

 

Library:

 

Tomorrow, July 30th,  come to Central for Friday Throwback Film Space Jam.

Then this afternoon, June 29th, from 3-4:30 contribute to KMUW’s Engage ICT: Raise Your Voice at Westlink. Share what issues your area of town faces and how to contribute to our Wichita community – all while kids are entertained with art activities.

See all upcoming events at the Library here.

Also please note: All Library locations will be closed Sunday, July 2nd and Tuesday, July 4th.

 

Have a great weekend!