I have never had a conversation with a black police officer about any sort of racial issue. I have never even talked with a black man about racial issues. For some reason this is just an uncomfortable subject. I remember a seminar I did 35 years ago at Bishop Joseph Garlington’s church. I made a complimentary comment to my black audience saying, “You guys are better than whites in this area" (I forget now exactly what the area was). Bishop Garlington interrupted the seminar and asked me two or three times what I meant by “you guys.” And I was afraid to provide a more specific answer because I didn’t know if I should call them Black or Negros or African Americans, and I assumed that if I chose the wrong phrase it would be offensive to them. So yes, I have never had a conversation with a black man about racial issues. This is about to change!
Is it true that there is systematic racial discrimination with police unfairly focusing on arresting black men over white men? The best way I know to answer such a question is to ask a police lieutenant who has served with the NYPD for 12 years. This is exactly what occurs in the video below.
I was spellbound as I listened to Edwin Raymond share the rules within the police department which unfairly targeted black people. Lieutenant Raymond has fought this corruption within law enforcement for years. He has even joined with other police officers in suing the NYPD in an effort to bring about change. He decided he was willing to be fired and even die if need be for the cause of racial justice. Check out a bit of his story here.
This interview with Lieutenant Raymond is riveting, informative and eye-opening. He is being interviewed by Carl Lentz, pastor of Hillsong East Coast. I guarantee you will learn a lot and become better equipped to bring racial healing to America.
The Church is to lead in discipling a nation unto obedience to Christ. Within this mandate would be the charge to press for equal honor toward all men, women and children. I personally can't conceive how the Church could have accepted slavery or not allowing women to vote. Sure shreds the command to "honor all people" (1 Pet. 2:17).
Some key insights I walked away with include:
"Distance creates distortion. Proximity creates passion." Jesus was not distant. He was on the streets having dinner with sinners such as Zacchaeus (Lk. 19:7-10). Being touched by Jesus' love transforms people.
For sure, everyone around us needs a touch of unmerited, unconditional, agape love. I don't have to agree with a person to love, honor and respect them, and there is never a need to call them names or put them down. I can at least smile at everyone I meet, and give them a warm greeting and brighten their day.
Reflection: Growth involves being willing to give up our security and cross some bridges which others are unprepared to cross. At this point they may decide they no longer like you, or believe you are a Christian, and they may even begin calling you names. Growing involves these kinds of pains. Certain things are given up as we grow. Can you recall times you have stepped out, knowing some would not understand and it would cause a separation? Did you find stepping out into God's light brought increased life, light and freedom, along with some rejection? Are you willing to do it again as you stand for full racial equality in your nation? Are you willing to come to the aid of the marginalized and downtrodden and offer them a helping hand?
Application
Lord, what do You want to say to me concerning the information in this video interview?
What action would You have me take?
Resources
- Crime + Punishment: Trailer (Official) • A Hulu Original Documentary - This documentary includes Lt. Edwin Raymond
- Race Based Medicine - Is it scientifically valid?
- Redlining - Making it extremely hard for black families to get a loan
Race in America Series
- Understanding and Responding to Racial Tension
- Should I Just Hunker Down, Pray, and Try to Avoid All the Turmoil Engulfing the USA?
- "All Sheep Matter!"
- T. D. Jakes Explains Racial Issues in a Way I've Never Heard Them
- A Lieutenant Discusses Racial Discrimination Within the NYPD
- Perception, Presumption & the Pain of Not Belonging
- What Can I Do To Help Heal Racial Tension?
- It's Time for Blacks and Whites to Talk About Race Issues
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