H.U.E Podcast – Redeeming the Race Narrative
Heal. Unite. Engage. - Cultivating transformative unity in our homes, circles of influence and churches through informed, Christ-centered, cross-cultural perspectives and actionable faith.
H-O-P-E… A 4 Letter Word
HOPE is a four-letter word. It’s risqué and can be spoken with derision or disgust. The difference is that the definition of HOPE is not crude. Webster’s dictionary defines HOPE as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. If you study the biblical definition of HOPE the meaning is even more dynamic. There are two parts to the definition:
The essence or very nature of a promise (Acts 26:6); An act/action (Acts 26:7); Requires belief in potential or promise (Romans 4:18); Expectancy (Acts 28:20); Produced by character (Romans 5:4); Deliverance (Romans 8:20)
Reliant/based on God (Acts 24:15), Does not disappoint because of the love of God in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5); Wait for it through the Spirit, by faith (Galatians 5:5)
If HOPE is defined by these two parts then why do we ever develop a love/hate relationship with the word? When I heard about the latest police shooting of an African – American, particularly Philando Castile, I was done with hope. I was bitter. I was finished with the Church and all her good intentions – especially with my white brothers and sisters.
You see, when all the events around race had been tearing our nation apart I saw an overwhelming number of responses from BIPOC friends. But in contrast, the vast majority of white friends on my Facebook feed or in personal conversations were painfully quiet, it was like the absence of even white noise – just still.
I raged to God and asked, "What’s the point of starting a podcast"? What's the point of meaningful, constructive conversations when sincere Christians I know, respect, admire, and love are so oblivious or disengaged? The level of disengagement made me question my conviction, what I saw with my own eyes. I thought well maybe things aren’t that bad, or maybe it isn’t wrong, or maybe it isn’t injustice, because if it was injustice surely my friends would say something. I was beyond weary of Christian clichés to address or more accurately dismiss the issues and their impact. Scriptures that were given to comfort felt more like placation. The theology of: “focus on God, it’s ok, it will get better, don’t be mired down by what’s not good, you should always be up and encouraged in the Lord” was disheartening.
Maybe you’re coming from a different perspective, where the police shootings, BLM protests, the KKK Charlottesville rally and other issues have come as a shock in their existence and intensity. You had no idea things were so bad and now it seems they can only get worse. Your HOPE has been blindsided.
Or maybe you’re the turtle in the shell. Regardless of how these events have impacted you or loved ones you simply can’t engage on any level. There’s no time, energy, or emotion that you have to give, so your HOPE is more of a wish than a belief.
Why Does Faith Matter?
But we are called to HOPE. Not because it is good, or the right thing to do, or even a practical way to live peaceably as a society. We are called to HOPE because we know God. HOPE is contingent on the power and love of God. I know it sounds like another cliché when I say it like that, but here’s why I think HOPE that depends on God makes a difference. Here’s how I answer the question: why does faith matter?
There is nothing significant about addressing the concept of reconciliation, the reality of white supremacy,