Faith & Social Justice with Karen McNary

Hello Beloved,

I hope you are well. For many of us, it’s been a heavy past few weeks as we’ve seen the consequences of racism and injustice in America reach a boiling point. Across the world, we’ve seen protests against inequality and discrimination sparked by the recent killings of Ahmad Arbury, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. These are no isolated incidents. People are hurting and mourning because of the long history of racism in America that made these killings possible.

This week I planned to post a new Bible Study video and start promoting for the Beloved Women’s conference, but I could not in good conscience move forward without addressing the current spiritual and cultural events drastically affecting our nation and world.

Click here to listen on your preferred audio platform.

I’ve invited my friend Karen McNary on the podcast today to discuss faith and social justice. Karen is a Bible teacher and the Director of Human Resources for Proverbs 31 ministries. We discuss:

• Why now is a time of grieving for the Black community and those that stand in solidarity with us.
• What God has to say about the connection between faith and social justice in His Word.
• How our white brothers and sisters can practically use their voice to make positive change.
• How our black brothers and sisters can continue to fight for what’s right and maintain their peace at the same time.
• Why we shouldn’t allow the historical misuse of the Gospel to derail or discourage our faith in God.
• And in light of everything that’s going on, what hope we have for the future.

I know this is a lot and it’s heavy. I also know we have a very diverse audience here at Beloved, and I know this is a difficult conversation to have. For some, it will be affirming and comforting to know you are not alone in your experiences. For others, this will feel uncomfortable and even controversial. For some, it will be both.

I imagine some of you are even tired of this conversation. I encourage you not to become weary in doing good. So I’m inviting all my Beloved sisters and brothers to this conversation to learn, lean in, empathize and find healing and hope as we look to a way forward . . . . together. My intention is not to be divisive but to share truth based on history, observation, personal experience, and finally, God’s Word.

At Beloved, we are committed to ensuring that every person is equally treated as an image-bearer of God and beloved child of God. In doing so all Beloved Women YouTube advertising revenue for June will be donated to Be The Bridge, a non-profit organization led by Latasha Morrison that believes God has called us all into the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18) and that we are to be reconciled to God and one another. Be the Bridge works to inspire, equip, and empower people and organizations to become aware and respond to the racial brokenness and systemic injustice in our world.

Below you’ll find a list of resources to start learning more around this issue. The fight for social justice is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. I hope today’s conversation helps you to take your first or next step towards doing your part.

Love,
Christina Patterson

Resources on Faith & Social Justice

• The Color of Compromise by Jamar Tisby
• Be the Bridge
• Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison
• Brownicity
• Soul Care in African American Practice by Dr. Barbara L. Peacock
• Healing Racial Trauma - Sheila Wise Rowe