Just to let everyone know, with youth camp this week and kid's camp next week I will probably not get anything posted until the week of August 7th. Amy and I are also supposed to close on our house on July 31st. I will get posts up about both camps and our house ASAP.

God Bless

Comments

Unforntunately, due to some comment spam, I have had to turn on the "word verification" function in comments to help end the spam (blogger's suggestion). I still want to encourage comments and discussion about anything that is posted on my blog. I am just trying to keep the spam comments out of my inbox. Thanks for understanding.

Youth Camp

Sunday kicks off two solid weeks of camp. Immediately following church Sunday our teens will leave for MUM Youth Camp at Crowley’s Ridge Youth Camp between Jonesboro and Paragould, AR. For most of our teens this is the only time of the year they are able to leave the city. This is the only time they spend in the outdoors (other than their yards). It is a time to relax and leave the pressures of the city behind. For some of our youth camp is “home.” Several years ago one of the teens at camp said that for one week of the year he was at home, and the other fifty-one weeks he was “visiting.” Camp is a safe place for our teens. For that reason, and many others, every year I am ready to step up to the plate and give whatever it takes to make youth camp happen. Youth camp is too important.

This year’s theme for youth camp is “God’s Young Heroes.” We will be looking at the young people in Scripture that God used to accomplish his purposes. People like young Samuel, Josiah, a young David, Daniel, Timothy, Queen Esther, Ruth, and Mary. Our teens will hear that God still uses young people today to accomplish his purposes in this world. Our young people will hear that God will use them, IF they will let him.

Please pray for us at camp this week. Here is a list of specific items to pray for.

1. God will meet us at camp.
2. For our Directors and counselors—have patience with the teens and get needed rest.
3. For our teens—that they will hear God’s call on their life, will have fun, and have a positive attitude all week.

Unemployment and Underemployment

Weekly I hear people in the neighborhood talking about employment. Most of them are seeking a job, but I also know of several individuals who are working multiple jobs because one job just doesn’t pay the bills. Unemployment and underemployment (having a job that is insufficient to meet basic necessities of life) are chronic issues in our neighborhood.

The 1st problem is a lack of jobs in our area. There are not enough available jobs for all of the individuals seeking employment. There is an urgent need for new businesses and industries to come into our area. Thankfully, we are beginning to see signs that growth is coming (a new Toyota parts facility which they say will eventually be converted to full scale automobile production; a new inter-modal and warehouse facility; and several new restaurants.) While many individuals in the neighborhood are not qualified for jobs that require a certain level of education and experience—the simple fact is there will be a trickle down effect. As more businesses and industries open service sector jobs should also increase. This is where many of the individuals in our neighborhood will find employment.

The 2nd problem is with the jobs that are available. In many cases these are the lower paying type jobs with a high turnover rate—fast food service, hotel cleaning, etc. These jobs are providing work and income, but seem to have a detrimental impact. When an individual in our neighborhood finds employment (in one of these type jobs) their government assistance is drastically reduced -- to the point that the individual is receiving less money and benefits than if they had not accepted the position. They are “punished” for finding work. And with the way welfare is now structured, they are also punished for not finding work—again through the loss of benefits.

An answer to the underemployment issue is addressing the minimum wage. The federal minimum wage has been frozen since 1997! (See Larry James’ blog post Minimum Wage More than Frozen in Place--Part One) Thankfully several states are not waiting on the federal government to act before they take action. This includes Arkansas. Arkansas recently passed legislation increasing the minimum to over $6.00 per hour. However, an effort to amend the state constitution through a vote of the people to tie the minimum wage to inflation based on the Consumer Price Index was defeated. This is exactly the step that the state of Florida has taken to address the issue there. (For the results of what has happened in Florida since that law passed see Larry James’ blog post Minimum Wage More than Frozen in Place--Part Two.)

However, more must be done. As we all go through the remaining political eletion season, I want to encourage you to support canidates who support the poor. That includes a possition for an increase in the minimum wage.

Conflict

I hate conflict. I really hate conflict! I tell people that my usual practice is to run from conflict like it was the plague. My motto is “Can’t we all just get along.” Unfortunately, this hasn’t always served me the best. Over the past several weeks I have been dealing with several issues that involve conflict—and require my leadership as the Director of the ministry and minister of the church.

The first is that two church “members,” who used to be best friends are not getting along. Their interpersonal conflict has spilled over into and has affected the life of the church. To me it is very much a Philippians 4 situation. We don’t know what happened between Euodia and Syntyche, but it was big enough that Paul knew about it—and he wasn’t even in Philippi. Paul told them to “iron out their differences and make up. God’s doesn’t want his children holding grudges” (The Message). While we knew the things that broke these to ladies apart, they seemed unable to work beyond them and iron out their differences. Unfortunately, we are still working to resolve this situation.

The other situation, which erupted last week, is too delicate to describe here and requires an investigation through the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Right now, I don’t see how there can be a happy ending with this one. People have been hurt and lives have been affected. While we are letting the authorities sort out the legal issues, there is a moral stand that must be taken by the church as well. In fact, our Servant Leaders made the decision last Wednesday (with my recommendation) to ask an individual to worship somewhere other than Wonder City, until the investigation could be completed and the results of that process were made available.

God must have some kind of humor. It has only been since the first of May that I have fully made the transition from the youth guy to the one leading the church. Right out of the blocks we have these two major issues. I wish I knew what God was doing! One thing is for sure though, I believe God is teaching and working on me just as much as others in these two situations. I believe that it is only through pain that we as individuals grow. When we are comfortable and things are going well, we have no reason to stretch and grow. It is only when life is tough and we are not comfortable that growth can occur. For me this has meant that I have had to fight my natural tendency to run from and avoid these issues. It has not been easy staying in the struggle. I wish I had the perspective on conflict that one of my good friends has. He views conflict as a sign of health. For him, the absence of conflict means that apathy has set in. But conflict means that people still care and are willing to work. Maybe one day I can have that view of conflict. But until then, I will fight. I will continue to fight the tendency within me to run from and avoid conflict. I will stay where God has put me until I have learned what it is that he wants me to learn. So pray for me. Pray that I will learn to value and accept conflict for the growth opportunity that it is.

And pray for those involved in these two situations. Pray that God will work them out to His glory!

Uplift

Over a five day period from June 24-29, Nathan Bills (my ministry partner) took 11 teens to Uplift (a camp for teens at Harding University). The following is an article he wrote for the Missouri Street Church of Christ bulletin. Missouri Street made it possible for our teens to attend Uplift.

This past week at Uplift eleven Wonder City teens were encouraged to reflect upon different relationships—family, friends, the world, God. In our Tuesday night devotional when the group shared some reactions to the week, their comments demonstrated that they had indeed been reflecting. I asked them about their fears, successes, dreams, and weaknesses. They responded by talking about relationships. And I was reminded once again about how much negativity these kids experience in their lives.

The speaker on Tuesday night, though, spoke from a text that gives these kids a turning point: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you…was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes…” (2 Cor. 1.19-20). God has said “yes” to these kids in Jesus Christ. I think that message encapsulates the week at Uplift for these kids. Many of them did not look forward to returning home in large part because their environment says “no” in more ways than one. Yet, this past week they were able to hear God’s “yes” in classes, activities, and daily worship. Missouri Street made this trip possible, and we want to thank you for being a part of God’s “yes” to us.

Workcamp

Fist, I apologize for the delay on getting anything of substance up on the blog. I could give you a long list of reasons (read “excuses”) for why I haven’t had the time… Anyway, I am sorry!

For the second year in a row Wonder City youth participated in Memphis Workcamp, June 5-9. Workcamp is a week of service. This week teens from churches of Christ all over the Memphis area (and a few from other places) come together, to go into the hoods in Memphis to serve. Workcamp crews scrape and paint homes for those who can not afford to have it done and/or are physically unable to take care of it themselves.

Last year six teens participated. This year we had nine participate—with five returning participants from last year. Our teens love the time to get out and serve others. An interesting fact is that many of our teen’s homes are in worse condition, than the houses chosen for Workcamp. While they occasionally mention that fact, they talk more about the fun (that’s right—fun while they work) they are having. In addition, our teens are picked up from their homes about 6:45 in the morning, and almost without exception they are always ready to go when the van arrives.

Many people think that those in the hood are lazy and don’t want to work. Many believe those in the hood simply want to live off the hard work of others through their government check. However, these kids proved otherwise during Workcamp. These kids were ready to work. They wanted to work. All they needed was the opportunity. (If you are interested in learning more about/or having a discussion on the poor and unemployment/under-employment visit and read Larry James’ Urban Daily—see link to right).

Later this summer, our teens will have another opportunity to serve. August 12th will be the first annual Day of Service. Kyle Strickland (youth minister at Missouri Street Church of Christ) and I hatched this idea after Workcamp last year. On August 12th both Missouri Street and Wonder City will come together to serve in the hoods of West Memphis. We plan to do yard work and light general maintenance for individuals similar to those served through Workcamp. I have no doubt that Wonder City will be ready to serve—this time in their community.

Another house update

Here are a couple more pictures of our house (taken today). They are saying we should close either the first or second week of July.

Senior Blues

The following article was written by my lovely wife-Amy.
(Graduation was Friday, May 19.)

Over the past five years, I have not had the opportunity to witness one of the youth from Wonder City graduate from high school. This year was different. I was prepared to attend graduation, but I was not prepared for the lack of “senior pride.” For Brenae (our only graduating senior this year), graduation was definitely something to look forward to, but she missed out on many of the highs of graduating. She was unable to purchase her senior pictures, her Senior Book, and Class Ring. I know, I know, these are material things, but they are also rights of passage for a teenager in today’s society. I remember what it felt like knowing there was a good chance I would not have the funds for these things as a senior in high school. My Grandfather eventually purchased them for me, and I had to pay him back as soon as I was able. For many, there is pride in inserting a photo in a graduation announcement, and many people expect the photo to be there. I have heard the phrase “No photo, no gift,” so many times that I too expect to find a photo when I receive a graduation announcement. So I received Brenae’s announcement, opened it up, and what? There is no photo. I knew she had her pictures taken, but was not sure what had happened. So, I called her. There was pain in her voice when she told me she could not afford them. I too was pained when she spoke these words. Not because of what she could not afford, but because of what I was reminded of. I was reminded that we as a society take so much for granted, and that our expectations of individuals tend to be based on our own standards, financial ability and upbringing. While Brenae graduated with “Pomp and Circumstance,” I watched her with a case of the Senior Blues, knowing that I am guilty of taking the little things in life for granted.

A Divine Appointment

On the way back (5/21) from a conference in California, I had to fly from L.A. to Atlanta (a long flight I don’t recommend). I sat next to an older gentleman and his wife who were traveling to Rome. We got to talking and I told him I was on my way home from a conference in Azusa. He was slightly puzzled. I told him about Urban Youth Workers Institute—a conference for those who were doing religious based urban youth work. He inquired whether I was involved with youths in gangs. “Yes,” I replied. At this point he revealed that he was a prosecutor, and he had prosecuted some gang members. What he relayed next continues to stick with me: he added that what I was doing (thus also others who are involved in the same work) is where the real and lasting difference is going to be made.

In other words, if real change is going to come about in our cities, it must involve the work of the church and blood of Jesus. All the government programs in the world may help, but they are missing the key “ingredient” that can sustain lasting change. In that moment I was extremely proud. What a huge privilege that God has allowed me to be apart of this ministry. Yet, I also felt overwhelmed. What a huge responsibility! There is so much work to be done. Jesus said it this way, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Mt. 9:36-38; NIV). If the church is the answer to the problems in our city, the change this prosecutor was pointing towards will only come about if we all answer Jesus’ call to go into the harvest field. Will you?

Apnointing Leaders

What a great day Sunday, May 7th, was at Wonder City! It was a day that I have been anticipating in general ever since I have started working at Wonder City and more specifically since this past fall. It was the day when, for the very first time after six plus years, Wonder City Church has officially recognized leaders from the community. This does not mean that we have not looked to the members for leadership. It does not mean that important decisions have been made without considering the church’s input. But, now there is a recognized group of individuals from the church who we can go to for ministry and important decisions.

The process started this past fall when we preached through the book of Judges. Our tag line for that study was “God’s Search for Faithful Followers and Legitimate Leaders.” We talked about what it means to be a faithful follower of God and what God is looking for in his leaders. Then in December, based on the voice of the congregation, we put forth 3 ladies who would become our Servant Leaders. These three ladies—Ann R., Linda R., and Linda L.—then went through a lengthy more in-depth study on what it means to be a leader. These ladies took a profile that helped them identify their spiritual gifts and several discussions about how they can work well together based on their gifts. This 8 month process culminated Sunday, when we apnointed (appointed and anointed) these ladies as our Servant Leaders.

Ladies recite their commitment as leaders to the church.

Ann signs the Leadership Covenant as Linda L. waits her turn to sign.

Church gathers around our new leaders and prays for them

We continue to look forward to the day when God provides others, men in particular, who will join these ladies as leaders. We also continue to look forward to the day when we have men who are spiritually mature to become elders. Please be praying that God will bless these ladies and the leadership they will help provide to Wonder City. Pray that God will use them in ways we can’t even imagine. Pray that God will provide others, especially men, who will join these ladies as leaders.

Combined Worship With Downtown Church from Memphis

Several months ago our church members decided they wanted to invite the Downtown Church (another urban church plant located in downtown Memphis) to come worship with us. The date of April 30th was agreed to by both congregations. Since April 30th was a 5th Sunday it was also Everybody Bring Something Sunday (EBSS). EBSS is based on 1 Corinthians 14:26 which says, “What shall we say then, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.” So we encourage all of our church members on the 5th Sundays to bring something to praise God and strengthen the church—a song, a scripture reading, a prayer, a word of encouragement, a poem, a Christian hip-hop rap, etc.

So on April 30th, over 100 from the Downtown Church (DTC) and Wonder City came together for a rousing Spirit filled worship service. It started with a time of worship lead by two men from the DTC in which the church was “transported” the throne of God. Nathan delivered a short message from the book of 1 Corinthians on using our gifts to glorify God and strengthen the body which was followed by our time of members from both churches standing and sharing what they had prepared to glorify God and strengthen the church. The pictures below are from some of the members sharing their gifts and words of encouragement through song, skit, and testimony. This was followed by a time of response where the church could ask for prayers for struggles in their lives. Here is what Anthony Wood wrote about the response time.

I was blessed to lead the response time. Some made general confessions and requested prayer, while others blessed the church with good words. But, one lady in particular stood to confess a very specific sin, "I’ve got a problem with cussin’, and I need God to help me quit!" Her resolve and determination shocked us all, and I said, "You know there’s a difference between cursing and cussin’ someone. Cursing is saying words you shouldn’t say, but cussin’, that’s different. When you cuss someone, you have evil intent, and you mean harm. You know the difference. Our sister has blessed us with a good confession, and I know there’s got to be someone else who wants to confess their sin of cussin’."

At that point, nearly everyone in the audience raised their hands, quickly, with vigor. Then a lady said with a loud voice, "Well, I guess we got us a cussin’ church here." The church roared in laughter, not so much at being a "cussin’ church," but because we could be honest and believed that God would bless our confession and repentance. He does, and because of the blood of Jesus and His resurrection, we can continually be forgiven, and renewed.

It truly amazes me at what God does when his people in honesty and sincerity “confess their sins one to another” (James 5:16). After this time of confession we were able to take of the Lord’s Supper as a family who was right with God. We had laid ourselves bare before him and we were allowing the blood of Jesus to cleanse us.

The time of worship and fellowship was concluded by a meal together where everyone enjoyed visiting and the continued words of encouragement. But as my ministry partner said, “Our real joy left of the conviction that our guest of honor, the Lord’s Spirit, showed up. And we were built up.” It was truly a blessed Sunday.

Update on House

Here is one of the latest pictures of our house. As you can see through the garage, the sheet rock is hung and most of the exterior work is done. We are currently being told that we should be in around the middle of June.

Kevin's Story

Meet Kevin (not his real name). Kevin is 16 years old and is unable to attend school. He started the year in the 9th grade (already a year behind). However, he had trouble making it to school on time and was usually about 15 minutes late. Instead of marking him tardy and sending him to class, the office would tell him he had to go home and try again tomorrow. Now he has missed too many days and will not be allowed to pass to the 10th grade. He was also told that he would have to re-register in order to complete the school year.

Kevin though, is not dumb. He is one of the smartest teens in our youth group. He is emerging as a strong leader among our teens and is a positive example to our younger kids. He almost always knows the answers to the questions in Bible class. He knows how to be a regular teen and can hang out, goof off and have fun with the rest of the teens. However, Kevin knows when it is time to be serious and pay attention (something others his own age have not yet learned). Kevin knows he doesn’t have to show out to gain the attention and approval that all of our teens desperately want and need. Kevin is willing to do anything someone asks him without complaining about it. A lot of the times he will volunteer to do the “dirty” work just to have something to do and someone to hang out with. (This is definitely not typical of a 16 yr old boy.)

I was thinking about all of this Wednesday night on my way home after church. I nearly started to cry—it broke my heart. Here is a young man with so much potential. Yet, like so many young African-American men, he is being pulled down by societal forces around him. Sure he could have made some better choices, like getting out of bed earlier or not falling back asleep. But couldn’t we all have made better choices growing up! Here is a young man who needs someone who can step up and advocate for him. Be the voice that fights on his behalf. Unfortunately, there is a limit to what many of us can do. Not being his parent or guardian, there are many places (including schools) that are not willing to discuss Kevin with me, or even begin to work out a solution that is in the best interests of this young man. I want to fight for Kevin. I want to scream and shout, “This isn’t right!” There are many Kevin’s in our neighborhood. Please pray for Kevin and all the young men and women in our neighborhood just like him.

Growing Leaders

Being in a ministry long term at the same location allows you to see all kinds of stuff—people coming and going (all for various reasons); people struggling with the same issues over and over; friendships in the church going south; etc. But one of the most rewarding things to witness in long term ministry is watching people learn and grow. Wonder City is now just a few weeks away from appointing our first group of leaders. I sat down with two of these individuals Wednesday night after church to discuss a mercy ministry request. (A requirement to be a leader is that they have completed our financial literacy program.) That is an awesome feat in itself—that I could sit down with two of our members to discuss such an issue! More importantly, I was able to ask these ladies if one of them would be willing to visit with this church member about her financial situation. A couple of years ago it would not have been possible for me to do this. What surprises me even more is that the one who volunteered is currently going through some financial difficulties of her own. The most exciting thing about this is that the volunteer, having been through our financial literacy program, knows what to do when in a tight situation. What a blessing to have leaders who can, and are willing, go and minister to a brother or sister in need!

Update on House

Last Wednesday framing started on our new home. Here are a couple of pictures.

A Wardrobe Full of Clothes...

The following was written by my current ministry partner, Nathan Bills, about an incident that took place in church on Sunday, March 12th.


We jump-start every Sunday worship service with a time of testimony, confession, sharing, and prayer. This period is an opportunity for the church to get honest with itself about the struggles, the victories, and the places where God’s hand is at work (or needs to be at work). I never know quite what to expect, but we often have church members bring a range of emotions—joy, grief, anxiety, thankfulness—peppered with supportive “hallelujahs” or “help’em Lords.” It frequently becomes something of a faith rally for many of our members who feel burdened and beat up by last week’s events. We aim to give each other encouragement and comfort, especially to those whose self-esteems have sustained deep wounds. Yet, it was during this period of time a few Sundays ago that I had to laugh at a church member who began to self denigrate herself.

“I can’t hang,” she said as she launch her self assault. She went on to narrate an embarrassing experience that teenage girls would deem a nightmare. She had decided, with another church member, to put on some new clothes (i.e., get fresh) and find a club in Memphis where the duo could hang out on a weekend night. Now, West Memphis has it share of clubs, but these two ladies, like two kids sneaking out of the house against parental consent, both reasoned that by going to Memphis they would remain in cognito, avoiding the potentially awkward situation of explaining their little Christian lights in a nightclub (all around the nightclub scene, I’m gonna let it shine!). They had no intentions of participating in questionable behavior while at the club. They just wanted to hang out. They merely had a hankering to hang out…like they used to every weekend years ago.

The daring escapade was a disaster. They discovered they could not “hang.” The two felt so out of place that they retreated to their car soon after they arrived. Before declaring defeat, they discussed attending a club in West Memphis, but they could not muster enough courage even to venture into the parking lot. So, in an act of surrender they raised their white flag and went to Waffle House. There they sat, two women decked out in their finest passing each other the syrup. Not exactly the hot spot in West Memphis!

After lamenting her experience to the congregation, we all laughed. I like laughing with church members who are no longer in vogue, no longer hip, in the words of our youth—“lame.” She ended her statement by praising God for changing her. It was not too long ago, she recalled, that she lived for that kind of excitement. However, God is doing his work in her life, and she has found her previous lifestyle to be unfulfilling, to be nothing compared to “hanging” with the Christ. She is being transformed, and her fleeting flirtation with her old ways just confirmed for her how “out of this world” her life has become. But this has created a new problem for these ladies: they now have “a wardrobe full of clothes and nowhere to go,” as they phrase it. I disagree…they have clothed themselves with Christ and are set foot on the narrow road that few find.

Different Sights

If you were driving around West Memphis last week you may have seen some unusual sights on Wednesday and Thursday (March 15-16). Both days there were almost 30 individuals who were out in neighborhoods on the east side of town going door to door knocking and simply asking those at home if they could pray with them. Thursday afternoon if you drove by the park at S. 14th between Polk and Broadway around 4:30pm you would have seen 25 young white individuals hanging out playing games with kids from the neighborhood. If you drove by the Wonder City building about that same time you would have seen about 30 people lined up outside waiting to come in and receive clothes from our annual spring and summer clothing giveaway (a total of 66 families came between 4:30 and 6:30).

These different sights have several things in common. First, they were all possible because a group of college students from Oklahoma Christian University gave up their spring break to come to Memphis and serve in the MUM church plants. Second, they all showed the community that we (Wonder City) are in their community and we care about the community. We care enough to come to your home and sit down, listen to what is going on in your life, and pray for you. We care enough to go to your park and hang out with the kids from your neighborhood and play with them. We care enough to provide clothes for those who don’t have the clothes they need.

That is exactly what Jesus did. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (The Message). He moved into the neighborhood because he and the Father care about the neighborhood. We are in the neighborhood because we care about the neighborhood. Nathan (my current ministry partner) and I were talking the other day that all many people want to know is that someone cares about them. We were able to do that on a larger than normal scale thanks to OCU kids who gave up their spring break. I challenge you to reach out today to someone who may think no one cares about them and let them know that you do care specifically about them?

I Need to Rant

About two weeks ago a couple of events were brought to my attention that absolutely floored me and made me very angry. What is sad is that both of these events involve the same basic type of situation and age “appropriate” (read inappropriate) consequences. Neither of these events was just nor helped the individuals involved.

First, I was told about a four year old who was suspended from pre-school for four days for scratching another kid. The situation was basically this. A little boy in the pre-school class had been picking on one of our member’s daughter. At one point a couple of weeks ago he bit her. This day he was pulling on her arm. She retaliated by scratching him. For that she received a four day suspension from school! What!?!?! Do we not expect kids to be kids anymore? Do we not expect little children to not retaliate when they are being picked on by other children? Do we now as a society expect four year olds to be perfectly behaved little people? I am not saying there should not be consequences for actions. But I don’t remember kids being suspended for days when getting into trouble when I was in school—especially being suspended for something like scratching another kid.

The other event involved an older teen student. This young lady I was informed spent a few days in jail a couple weeks ago for fighting at school. I have not heard most of the details involving this situation, except that she was arguing with a teacher. The problem I have with her revolves around this specific young lady. She is currently staying with her aunt. Her mom’s boyfriend was sexually abusing this young lady and mom took the boyfriend’s side in the matter. To top it off she is pregnant and there is a chance that the baby is mom’s boyfriend’s. I can’t imagine being in that situation. I can only image how much anger is inside her that she has to work hard at every day to keep under some kind of socially accepted control (many times she doesn’t do a good job). Please, someone tell me how jail helps her situation? She doesn’t need jail. She needs counseling—lots and lots of counseling. She needs love, grace, mercy. She needs men in her life who will not take advantage of her. But instead of those things, when her anger explodes out, she is sent to jail!?!?!

A fellow minister hit the nail on the head when I was talking about these events to him. He said, “Common sense has become uncommon!” That couldn’t be any truer. It seems in many areas of society our answer to situations is not to deal with them. We push them off on someone else (suspend from school or sent to jail—“anything so that I don’t have do dig deeper and find out what is going on”). We ignore the deeper problems hoping they will go away on their own, and all the time they are tearing individuals, families, and society as a whole apart. What we need is some more common sense. What we (Wonder City, the church, society) need is caring individuals who will look beyond the outward signs of anger. We need people who are willing to dig a little deeper and find out what is really going on and then get the appropriate help. Next time you encounter a difficult and angry person, please don’t just brush them off and pass them off to someone else. Please take a minute and show some care and compassion. That’s what Jesus would do.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Those letters spell respect. Defined as “to consider worthy of high regard” by Webster’s online dictionary. We have all heard that respect is something that has to be earned. In the poor African-American community one way a young man earns respect from other men is by fighting. When someone disrespects you, puts down your momma, or does something else that offends—if you want respect—the proper street response is to fight. Believe me one of the things African-American men want and need more than almost anything else is people to respect them. Therefore, if someone does disrespect you and you don’t challenge that person to a fight, you are only inviting more disrespect and names like “weak”, “whimp”, etc.

This past Wednesday night at church, one of my older teen boys was not himself. He was quiet and withdrawn. He had a look of anger on his face. After class he immediately went outside and distanced himself from all the other teens. I walked over to him and asked him if he was ok. He replied that he was. I told him he didn’t look ok, he looked angry. He told me some of the other teens were talking about him behind his back (even some that he has been relatively close to in the past) and that he was ready to “click” (fight; go off; etc.). He told me that if one of them came over and said one word to him he would snap. I affirmed that I heard that he was angry. And I told him that I was proud of him and respected him for not clicking. I told him I respected him for walking away and cooling down.

What I did was flip the script (give opposite of what is expected) on him. He did exactly what we have been teaching—not to respond to those situations like the world says to respond. And what I am sure he expected to hear was how weak he was for backing down—and he may have heard that from others later. Instead what he heard from me (at least I hope) was that for making that decision he received respect.