13 Days in Ferguson-a book review

Seeing, hearing and experiencing the tragic event of Michael Brown's shooting and the riots that followed from Ron Johnson's eyes is exciting and sobering. After five days of protestors marching, violence, looting and vandalism following the shooting in Ferguson, Ron, captain of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was called in to restore peace.

This memoir shows the conflicted emotions of a African American policeman caught in the middle; in the middle of an angry community of his own people and the local police. Told with in-the-moment-emotions and play-by-play actions, we see the heart and actions of a man who was overcome with responsibility, yet willing to stand for what he believed was right and what he believed would bring a different kind of resolution than sheer force and dominating authority. Ron believed he was guided by divine wisdom, even though he was filled with doubts and the results for peace did not come quickly.

The writing is fast-paced and told in the present tense. I have gained a better understanding of life for African Americans.  I am awed by a man who hasn't let the pain of his own past create anger and partiality, but rather to increase his ability to see individuals in the midst of mobsters and victims. Ron's courage to make decisions that put him at odds with his officers is truly heroic.

I'm thankful Ron Johnson was on assignment in Ferguson, August 2014. He was led to listen and to identify with the protestors. He challenges all of us to change our point of view.
"See people as people...abandon labels...we have to keep reaching-until our hands are no longer empty...until we can hold on to each other."

This book was given to me from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

One Blood: A book review

One Blood, by John Perkins, is a call to the church. A call to bring black and white Christians together to show the unity Christ intends for his church.

At 87 years old, Perkins wants to pass on to the church principles for Biblical reconciliation that he has dedicated his life to. He believes we are at a unique moment in history.  Out of the current upheaval, confusion and anger in our nation, new conversations are beginning.

God created only one race--the human race. Churches need to intentionally capture the vision of oneness with diversity, just as Pentecost gave one message in different languages, and Revelation pictures multitudes of worshippers from every nation, tribes, peoples and tongues.

The book's chapters lead us through lamenting and confessing our racism, acts of repentance, commitment to change, extending forgiveness, our weapon of prayer, and the powerful love of God we experience personally and then give to one another. Stories of churches that are modeling unity by building healthy multiethnicity and economic diversity, are scattered between chapters.

Perkin's personal story of persistent love inspires me.  Abandoned by his father when young, John knows the pain of broken relationships. He strives to never give up on a friendship in spite of disagreements. Conflict affords an opportunity for discussion and through negotiation a friendship is born. John is rich in true friendships, black and white.

I like John's forthright yet humble sharing. His perspective on suffering is profound. His people in slavery were able to accept pain and suffering as Jesus did. They found God's grace to love and forgive their oppressors. They fought for the nation's freedom alongside white folks in war.  They did not become haters of a nation that failed to live up to its promises. As they gained new freedoms they did not seek to retaliate. They chose hope and wanted to move forward to make a difference. They utilized God's power to show them how to suffer well and to trust Him to make it right.

John prays for young people today who have allowed hatred to turn to violence. He wants to remind them that advances in the past did not come through violence, and that  God fights for those who trust His purposes. God's people are still to love their enemies and to turn the other cheek. We need to overcome fear. "Our power is on our knees before our God."

I am challenged. I want to love more as Jesus did. Are there ways cultural prejudice has shaped my understanding of the Bible? I want to learn how I can work towards reconciliation and better understand minorities in my community.  Reading this book is a start.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.