“In the end, justice, equality and love remain but the greatest of these is love.” The familiar words of 1 Corinthians 13 have grown far too familiar. The words/concepts of faith and hope are used so often that I would argue that the words mean very little in the modern context. In an age desperate for social change, equality and justice feel far more fitting. While love is still the greatest, equality and justice are right there too.... Read more
“For we will know the truth and the truth will set us free…” In John 8:32, Jesus reveals that truth can’t be hidden or bound. The effect of truth is freedom. In this Lenten remix, I take Jesus’ original use of singular pronouns and replace them with singular pronoun. Throughout our world, we must remember that our common struggles against injustice must have a common goal…truth. There will be no freedom without truth. Our future lies in truth.... Read more
Jesus shouted out, “I got everything you need. Teach love. Do something to seal the deal. Teach them to act like I do. I’ll be with you forever.” For such a simple message, the Great Commission/Matt. 28:18-20 is so long. In the midst of the raising from the dead and all, I think something got misquoted. Regardless, I’ve tried to take the Great Commission down to a simpler form for this Lenten exercise. I think this is the... Read more
*This is 1 of 40 remixes and reflections of texts for Lent. “For God so loved the world that they gave their only them that whosoever believes in them shall not perish in the binaries but have fluidity everlasting.” For many years, I struggled with using plural pronouns as singular pronouns. Though I had no philosophical or spiritual objection, I just struggled with the grammar of it all. I don’t anymore. Some time ago, I got curious/convicted about using... Read more
Sunsets are no respecters of our categories. The sun just sets and blazes her colors across the sky. Throughout my time in Zimbabwe, I’ve found beauty or perhaps beauty has found me. This evening is no different. As the sun slips past the clouds, I’m amazed at the people who stop. In the midst of the busy of the city, beauty still stops people right in their tracks. Looking deep into the heavens, they understand that they reflect the... Read more
The darkness brought fear Peril filled my dreams Would they come for us? Who can say? The dogs barked My eyes shot open Murmurs from my hosts Was it our time? Who can say? We were followed Are they here? Who can say? The happenings cycle What was that noise? What do they sound like? Who can say? The madness Will it end? Who can say? Read more
The smells. The smoke. The bells. The masses. The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Gweru, Zimbabwe is constructed to hold as many people as possible. Tonight, I watched thousands pour onto the small wooden benches. Then, the service began. The words weren’t different. Based on the structure of the service, I could’ve been in any Roman Catholic Church in the world. I wasn’t. People began to beat drums mightily. The masses started to glide down the aisle.... Read more
On March 9, 2015, prominent Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was abducted by what people believe to be government officials and has not been seen since. “Where is Itai?” The question is at the core of bubbling resistance. On the 11th month since his disappearance, I decided to send a letter to the editors of the major opposition newspapers about Itai: Editor – Just last week, I entered Zimbabwe for the first time. As a liberation theologian... Read more
Dirt has been a constant companion. Like air, you’re constantly breathing it in and exhaling it out. When the bus arrived, I passed through the red fog to the climb up into my seat. Before I could even think, the driver looked at me and said, “Why do you remain silent about what’s going on here in Zimbabwe? We’re living in hell. How many more people will have to disappear or starve to death before your people will care?... Read more
*Delivered at Monomotapa Baptist Church in Gweru, Zimbabwe on 2/7/2016 Throughout Zimbabwe, I’ve heard something repeatedly…that social and political realities have nothing to do with spiritual realities. In the United States, people say similar things when they don’t want you to talk about things. People want to keep God way up in the clouds. For if God is up there, then those in power don’t have to worry about struggling with the God down here. When you leave God out... Read more
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