Category: Social Justice

If (Primary) Justice Was Done

In the first three posts of this commentary series (you can start with the forward here) I highlighted some of the factors that led to the Laments in Midlothian. I plan to conclude this series by looking back over some of the themes of those three posts through a different lens, shaded by the law of love. In this post I start by looking at two Hebrew words for justice, and exploring how things may have been different if primary justice played a bigger role in America's past when it comes to race.

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The Law, Veneration, Condemnation

The Laments in Midlothian circle around the question “will justice be done?”.This question is asked because of the looming shadow of a legal system that has historically dehumanized one segment of the population while venerating another. In part three of the Laments commentary I touch on some of the history of discrimination based on race in the USA and how that has trickled down to the present. From the Dred Scott decision of 1857 to Law Enforcement Officer's Bill(s) of Rights today, the lowly lion has roared Condemnation of one group and Veneration of another into our atmosphere for generations. This has led us to Laments.

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Of Fear, and Feared Men

Part two of the Laments commentary. We touch on how fear and the excuse of fear contributes to violence against citizens and plays into the killings and justifications of the killings of Jemel Roberson and Botham Shem Jean. I attempt to trace the pronounced fear of these black men up to the fear that ungodly principalities could have had of them… I draw out how these men were a threat to depraved systems and how spiritual wickedness may have rejoiced at their killings and at the Laments in Midlothian.

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Spoken Word – Consider… As If (Audio and Lyrics)

This spoken word is all about perspective and grace. We as human beings are highly esteemed by God, and marveled over by angels. We can also become discouraged by circumstances and sell ourselves short, taking on the identity of our situations instead of our adoption. In this spoken word I try to set some perspective by referencing some of the hills and valleys of Frederick Douglass. Then I consider the statistical miracle that you are. This concludes with a call to come to the throne of grace, where we find Christ interceding and waiting to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4 verse 16). I point out that Jesus had days we would not consider worthy of the 'gram. He was betrayed and unfollowed. He was misunderstood and rejected. People wanted to use Him for their own selfish gains. He understands. And He invites us to be in relationship with Him at all times, in our hills and our valleys. It's not about perfection, it's about connection.

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Of Lions and of Fear… and that one time I was in a lions’ den.

In Laments in Midlothian, I tried to cover some of the factors that contribute to the systemic and disproportionate abuse of black American citizens at the hands of law enforcement. The writing was birthed from observing the pain of loved ones of the deceased, and shifted focus to the spiritual wickedness in high places that rejoices in that pain, and provisions for its occasion. The poems of that series introduced some concepts that I will delve into deeper. This is part one of that commentary.

Laments in Midlothian (IV of V)

For Midlothian, A rejoicing. (begin Laments in Midlothian series with part I of V here) - A rejoicing was heard in Midlothian, But its revels were spiritual in kind, The prince of the city opined w/ no pity ---------- -this victory surely is fine. - There was a man of great stature, that once Stood... Continue Reading →

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Laments in Midlothian (II of V)

A Lament For Jemel Roberson (II) What doesn’t she say about him? What doesn’t she have the heart to say, Because the grief is still too near? - There are mentions, here and there, Of his work for the church, There are certainly words about that. - Words about hands, hands that held his child,... Continue Reading →

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