Fishbowl: Responding to Ignorance

Today at our joint elder meeting, I received a letter from an anonymous author about the upcoming Fishbowl.  The letter was in response to Courtney Spradlin's August 7th, interview of me concerning the upcoming event (here). 

I read the letter aloud to my fellow elders and needless to say there was silence.  I folded up the letter and then continued to lead the meeting. 

The letter which you can view at the left, arrived with no return address and no signature.  The letter written on August  12, 2013 opened with these exact words, 
                                                                                         
                                                                                          "There isn't any reson for people to use the "N" word when referring to you 
                                                                                            folks-when thee are a lot of more fun words to describe you such as..." 

The letter proceeded to layout in alphabetical order a list of disparaging racial slurs directed at my ethnic group. The remaining part of my day could be characterized with one word, "sadness." I am sad for the man or woman who chose to take the time and energy to write and mail this information.  I am sad that this man or woman has a mind and heart that is captured in the prison of ignorance and worships at the altar of their own ethnic idolatry.  I am sad that I may never meet this individual and have an honest discussion about the letter.

Every situation is an opportunity to learn.  

• I have learned that men and women regardless of their ethnicity are capable of crafting such foolishness which is indicative hate and slavery.  This letter reveals a person who is chained in a deep darkness that can only be broken by the light and love of Christ.    
  
• I have learned that love is a far better choice than hate.  It is only the grace of God that is compelling me to love this person and all other persons that believe what is written in the letter.  I want to love this person and all persons like him or her because I desire freedom for this individual.  I want people such as the author of the letter to live in the freedom of grace and the love that never fails. 
• I have learned God is sufficient.  

Finally, I went back and forth about putting something in writing about this letter.  I realized that people need to know this upcoming Fishbowl has struck both a positive and negative nerve with people. I remain committed to carrying out the Gospel and applying love to every situation afforded to me.  I remain committed to our city and the peace of it.  

Grace to you,      

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