• I think this adds to our conversation.. Who is valued? From today's NY Times.
    Opinion | Gwen Ifill Was Right About ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome’
    I've seen it happen time and again. Missing white women and girls receive outsize media coverage when other missing people receive none.
    www.nytimes.com

    1. I found this to be a very interesting read about racial progress. I wonder if the "I-We-I curve" is unique to the US or are other counties are experiencing it too?
      Opinion | Why Did Racial Progress Stall in America?
      The answer may show us the path out of our fractured and polarized present.
      www.nytimes.com

      1. Thanks for sharing Shannon. It's a thought provoking read.
      2. I wonder about the "I" connection when it comes to the rejection of masking and questioning why all the fuss over this "little flu-like" virus.

    2. Examen Written Collaboratively by Vernée Wilkinson and Ted Wueste For many of us, we are realizing that the statement “I’m not a racist” is not enough. Better is to say “I’m antiracist.” In other words: proactively standing against racism in our hearts and minds, in our interactions with others, and in the way we strive to see our cultural institutions operate. In that spirit, we offer this examen. An examen is a structured prayer in which we are led to prayerfully reflect on our lives by focusing on being present to God and asking God to search our hearts and guide our steps. *set aside time daily to slowly pray through these questions . 1. Remind yourself that you are in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s grace in your life. Give thanks for God’s love for all who have been made in His image. 2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is at work in you as it relates to living as an antiracist person. Review, with God, the call to be active in bringing peace and justice to the world around you. As you consider the injustice of racism, what does the Spirit seem to be stirring in your spirit? Do I extend the peace of Christ to people of color with my words, deeds, actions and influence? How have I allowed the evil of racism to affect me? Have I “wept with those who weep?” 3. Review your day … Ask God to search your heart and mind to see how embedded thought patterns of bias might have affected you today. Have I done anything to diminish the image of God in my neighbor, friend, colleague or family members that are persons of color? Did I say hurtful words to someone or about someone because of their race? Have I been silent when I could have spoken peace and truth into a racially biased or explicitly racist situation? 4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God’s heart concerning racial injustice, or further away? Are my private thoughts uplifting and loving towards all races? Do I recognize people of color as fearfully and wonderfully made? Where do I struggle with this the most? a specific person, people group or environment? Where can I let go of my ego and make more space for racial justice? Are there ways in which I promoted peace and extended love to people of color? Take a few moments to repent and ask for forgiveness where it is needed, and then celebrate with God where you see growth and transformation. 5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s heart to extend brotherly and sisterly love. How can I speak up, show up and affirm people of color in my life? in society? What action can I take tomorrow to nourish the longing for racial justice? Are there things that need to be undone? Is there someone to whom I need to apologize? Is there someone to whom I need to reach out? How can I be antiracist in my community of influence as well as help in the work of larger societal change? What ongoing values and actions will I apply towards living a life as an antiracist person?

      1. When I listen to the podcasts on "Scene on Radio - Seeing White" it saddens me and leaves me unsure how to affect the past and move forward with an open heart. Racism has been entrenched in our culture, for many of us unknowingly. I don't see myself as one who speaks against people who are different than me, yet I also don't see myself doing much about creating change. I will continue to listen, learn and perhaps the Lord will provide a path for me to demonstrate love and understanding

      2. I too have been struggling to know how to create change and 'do something' around this issue. I have found our discussions about the 'seeing white' podcasts helpful to become more informed and to connect with others within the church around this topic. Thanks for sharing the examen.

    3. Join us tonight at 7 p.m. to talk about these 5 podcasts... Or just join the conversation. Zoom link on home page of website and Enews.

      1. Four of us met on Zoom last night. Do continue to listen to sessions 5-9 of the podcasts. These are well done and there's so much to learn.

        1. http://www.sceneonradio.org/episode-31-turning-the-lens-seeing-white-part-1/ I invite you to listen to this first podcast
          Episode 31: Turning the Lens (Seeing White, Part 1)
          Events of the past few years have turned a challenging spotlight on White people, and Whiteness, in the United States. An introduction to our series exploring what it means to be White. By John Biewen
          www.sceneonradio.org

          1. Guidelines/Ground Rules for Good Conversation • "I” statements are encouraged. • The goal is not consensus, agreement, or a right answer. • There is no expectation that you explain, justify, or defend anything you say. • Respect confidentiality • Stay engaged • Share airtime • Be patient with self and others • Speak your truth as you are able • Notice your judgements • Expect and accept non-closure • Oops & Ouch