This BLM movement has brought ripples of change through our nation and the world. It has revealed beliefs and practices that have been somewhat hidden. It has exposed the hearts and minds of our neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends. It has made us have to look at ourselves and find out what we really believe and who we really are. For me, this movement has changed me in many profound ways; here are 5 of them.
Growing up in a racist society doesn't just happen when you encounter the police. It is on every level, around every corner, and sown into the very fabric of life in America as a black person. From high school functions to encounters with police, housing, jobs, going to the grocery store, and even raising your children, racism is always there lurking. Let me share with you some of my own experiences.
I'm back! And ready to bring my spiritual point of view to the unprecedented times that we are all experiencing. From nationwide issues to personal struggles, it always helps to remember that deeper issues are always at work.
Does Christian forgiveness mean always being walked on? Scriptures to note:Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:13
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 1 Cor. 5:11 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Mat. 5:39 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Eph. 4:27 So watch yourselves. "If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying 'I repent,' you must forgive them." Luke 17:3-4 You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. Lev 19:17 "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Mat. 18:15-17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer. 2 Thess. 3:14 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Gal. 6:1 And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 1 Thess. 5:14 How our issues and spiritual growth are connected. Scriptures to note: Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, Heb. 6:1
You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit. You are always on their lips but far from their hearts. Jer. 12:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Pet. 2:3 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. 1:5-8 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:2 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Col 3:8-10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph. 2:10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Pro. 28:13 3 tips to keep in mind while waiting for God to send a husband and how to spot him. Scriptures to note:He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:39 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:16 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. Gal 5:24-25 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Pro. 4:6 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Jam. 1:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Pro. 3:5-6 Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, Pro. 3:13 The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps. Pro. 14:15 Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Pro. 28:26 Sexist men vs. feminist women: whose side is God on? Scriptures to note:The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:28 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God. 1 cor. 11:11-12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Pro. 16:25 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Isa. 5:20-21 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? Jer. 17:9 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor. 13:11 A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense. Pro. 19:11 There one sure fire way to know if God is real or not Scriptures to note:For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Rom. 1:20
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer. 29:13 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deu. 4:29 Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." John 9:39 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" Zec. 13:9 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. Dan. 12:10 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psa. 147:3 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psa. 107:20 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. Psa. 56:13 But you have made me as strong as a wild ox. You have anointed me with the finest oil. Psa. 92:10 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. Psa. 18:32 Some pastors preach that you should not even think about your past sins, is this accurate or even possible? Scriptures to note:Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitudes of your mind; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in the true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 I was formerly a blasphemer, a prosecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. 1 Timothy 1:13 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. Luke 7:47 Therefore, there is not condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18 In today's chaotic and unpredictable world is it necessary for Christians to own/carry guns? Scriptures to note:“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Matthew 26:52
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 2 Corinthians 11:20-21 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 How this and other high profile cases reveal bias in the black community. Scriptures to note:For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11
The Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:9 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement. John 7:24 And He will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:2 The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments. 1 Corinthians 2:15 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 How to know if R-Kelly is telling the truth? Scriptures to note:For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11
The Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism. Acts 10:34 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:9 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement. John 7:24 And He will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Isaiah 11:4 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 1 Corinthians 6:2 The person with the Spirit makes judgements about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgements. 1 Corinthians 2:15 Which political party represents God best, Republican or Democrat? Scriptures to note:For or struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
Treat everyone with high regard; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 1 Corinthians 3:3 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 For as I have often told you before, and now declare even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, as we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:18-20 |
Author/CoachStephanie K. was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and various coaching certifications. (read more)
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