"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers and intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone---for kings, and for all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior." 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Make no mistake about it, yesterday was a profoundly significant day. I don't mean to disturb or upset anyone who is strongly opposed to our new president's policies and plans. My comments are not an endorsement of him or words against him. It’s very difficult to put into words. I’ve spoken to you guys about this in some way or another, so allow me time and space to try to express my thoughts again on this subject.
As a father of three African American sons, I was deeply moved as a new image of the African American male was presented to the world. A young man from Atlanta was interviewed immediately after the ceremony and the first thing he said was that he was glad that America and the world was given a positive view of black men, and that maybe people will no longer see us as criminals.
I'm not ignorant of the fact that agendas are about to be implemented that are directly against the Word of God.
In this brief moment, I just want those who have no idea what it's been like to live in a country where the only image that people have of you is that you are a dead beat dad, a womanizer, a thug, a gangster, a lazy parasite, a criminal, or that the only thing we’re good for is sports or entertainment, to understand partly what this moment means.
I personally believe that God is using this moment in history to pave the way for my sons to one day preach the gospel from a position of authority. When their black faces are seen, there won't be an automatic, unconscious perception of negativity or inferiority.
My sons will minister in a world very different from what my wife and I have toiled within. No, life won't be easier for them. In fact, our new president is constantly trying to brace our nation for things to get worse before they get better.
However, we were so moved because, we believe that with this shift in accepting leadership from a man of color, God will use it to thrust forth His divine purpose for America, particularly within the church.
When we see the president and the first lady walking hand in hand, maybe people will believe that my wife and I really are close and that we're not pretending just to get people to connect with this ministry. Maybe, now, some young adults will begin to trust leadership coming from African American pastors who have been living solid lives for many years in this and hundreds of communities all over this nation.
We see tremendous opportunity coming to us and many other pastors through this season of change. Not all of the change in America is good or Godly, but we believe God has orchestrated this day for something HE is doing beyond what our eyes can see right now.
While people are rightfully celebrating the fact that a family of color has moved into the White House and taken leadership roles in this country, we believe that God is using it to prepare the world for thousands of people of color to take their rightful places.
I do not make these comments to slight or cast aside our white brothers and sisters. When I say "rightful place", I don't mean that black pastors will now seize authority over white pastors. I mean that we will all take our rightful positions under God's authority and we will no longer see one leader as being less significant or capable than another simply because of their ethnicity. We will truly be ONE in Christ Jesus.
That’s what yesterday signaled for me. It was about more than the inauguration of a black president. It was the signal that God is moving behind the scenes to change the landscape of America , including the church in America.
