The New Jim Crow - Re-Read / Recommitment: Just Mercy
I just finished re-reading The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness when I read this book when it first came out I was overwhelmed. I read it in awe but on the second read the issue became digestible. I could see, feel and carve out a space for contemplative action. I see what I need to do to address the life trajectory of my brothers and sisters who are caught in this vicious system. As a professor, pastor and artist I have to create work that calls attention to this system of injustice. I have to shine a light on this evil. When we see what is happening it will lead us to doing something about what we see. You can’t look at injustice and be in relationship with just God and do nothing. Our faith compels us to act.
At our church we are going to develop a Freedom Ministry. The birth of this ministry will be a six week Bible Study and reading centered around the book The New Jim Crow along with looking at the work of work of Bryan Stevenson and his book Just Mercy. The ministry will start with a time study and prayer to first understand both the real and spiritual sides of the issue(s). As we come to an understanding of what we are dealing with we will then develop a plan of action. We will act on our plan and then move forward. We ask your prayers and support as we do what God has called us to do. What is God calling you to do? I would love to hear from you.
