This is the first conversation between Lynn and Shephen Mbewe about racism and Black Lives Matter. It is a deeply moving story of prejudice, rejection and violence at the hands of white people in white Rhodesia—all forgiven and the pain wiped away in one moment of humility and servant-hearted leadership.
Shephen addresses the issues with painful stories, but no bitterness; as such, he is able to help me (Lynn) with my thinking, feeling and responding to the Black Lives Matter movement.
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**This is a personal facebook page and reflects my thoughts and convictions. It does not represent any official position held by Youth With A Mission.**
**This is a personal website and reflects my thoughts and convictions. It does not represent any official position held by Youth With A Mission.**
Hello Lynn, I see that my comment came through after the picture froze up. It is a very important issue which is being discussed a lot, both on FB and other websites. It also seems to be mixing police misdemeanours and failings in the US with social / cultural institutions in the UK and encouraging acts of vandalism and conflict with our own police forces. Anyway I got in touch with Shephen via FB afterwards and gave him my contact details for hopefully further conversations. I worked with Afro Caribbeans/ Rastafarians in Wolverhampton whilst with a housing association, then later in a local authority home for adolescents, many of whom were also Afro Caribbean. There were tensions, not just kids to staff but even amongst the staff. As I think I heard you say, there are many levels to this. There is for example the one to one relationship level where youâre trying to build understanding with a work colleague, then there are the complications that arise when you meet the family and friends – and are confronted with new and more challenges/ perceptions from other folk you donât have that initial budding relationship with.
That was sometimes manifested when out walking along a pavement and coming towards you was a bunch of Rastas loud and excitable, taking up the whole pavement! Me being me I wouldnât get off the pavement, and as we approached each other I would recognise several of my tenants amongst them. Our eyes would meet and down would go their heads because they were faced with a dilemma. They knew me and apparently liked me, but were out with a group who didnât and were somewhat unfriendly.. I came to reflect that man is tribal, and we are most comfortable in the company of our own community. Which of course cuts both ways.. When we start reaching out to another community and being influenced by that contact, it changes the dynamic, changes relationships. If you ever saw that film âEducating Ritaâ with Michael Caine and Julie Walters you see that dynamic at work.. Just some thoughts. I have a Christian black American brother and an ex Muslim brother whom I fellowship with regularly. Building a Christian relationship and also a personal friendship requires Agape love and genuine honesty; asking and answering questions, explaining and facing hard truths – especially with my ex Muslim friend and his family. It ainât easy Lynn, but my own heart wants to see the Body of Christ really reaching out to those from other cultures and getting to know them as real people so that we all may be enriched. BLM may serve as a catalyst, but encouraging conflict in society wonât help. John
Sent from my iPad
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