One memory that stands out from my time serving underneath Curtis May, who runs the Office of Reconciliation and Mediation associated with Grace Communion International, was when he had his two jobs of heading up that ministry and also working as a district superintendent of his denomination converge. One such day involved a group of mainly middle aged men, largely white but including some Hispanic, Asian American, and African American men, watch a movie together. Curtis liked regularly to have us watch a film on black history. He explained that, out of the ongoing misuse of Scripture to exclude people of color and the media\u2019s ongoing blasting of us with images that create harsh stereotypes, it is important to show people that there are positive examples and messages. He would talk about how internalized racism could wreak havoc on people, as they began to believe the lie they were less than others because of the color of their skin. As Martin Luther King once said, \u201cA man can\u2019t ride your back unless it is bent\u201d. A part of Christian ministry, Curtis would tell the gathered ministers there, is helping people learn to not bend their backs.<\/span><\/span>
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