Harder than it looks

This past weekend I have read a lot concerning the events that took place in Charlottesville, VA. I have also been reading the responses of many people. Then, during one of my busiest times of the year, I was presented with the opportunity to speak rather than be a reader.

I was asked would I give my thoughts on how the church should respond to #Charlottesville. In the brief moments, it took me to process the question my answer was clear.

NO

Everything inside of me wanted to reject this invitation. Several thoughts ran through my mind.

You aren’t as knowledge as others are…

You aren’t as well spoken as those you listen too..

You will offend people…

Now, I am not sharing this to gain sympathy or to solicit words of affirmation. My aim is to show you what had to be overcome in order to do what I believe was right.

While I wanted to say no for the reasons mentioned (these are just a few) I actually said yes.

See, I believe that in order for life change to occur people need to believe differently than they currently do. In order to believe something new or, different people must hear and learn a new message. For people to hear and learn a new message someone must speak to them. (This is an imperfect attempted to model Romans 10:14 – which is dealing with faith coming from what is heard which comes through the message of Christ)

So, I began to think to myself,

Thomas, what if this is your opportunity to speak to people about this messy topic?

Now, please don’t misread that reflective question as if I and ONLY I can speak into this matter nor do I think that I will bring a new revelation to the conversation. Rather, I am reflecting on the opportunity to speak on solid truths that honor God and hopefully encourage people to move a bit further on this journey of having crucial conversations.

Truthfully, this terrifies me every time I have to speak.

Fortunately, I am even more terrified of not acting when God demands it and not speaking on behalf of those who have no voice. This always motivates me to act when I am cowardly, to love when I choose to hate and to speak when I want to remain silent.

Am I perfect? NOT EVEN CLOSE

Do I always communicate clearly? NOPE

Nonetheless, it is my prayer that I can say and do something that will inspire people to live and love like Christ. Therefore, I will speak with all the passion and truth that resonates inside of me.