Healing Racial Divisions in the Christian Church in America

Healing Racial Divisions in the Church in America

According to the Apostle Paul, there are to be no racial divisions in the Church (“neither Jew nor Greek”).  Galatians 3:28.  Unfortunately, that is not the case, as the Church is the most segregated institution in the country (and by “Church” I do not refer to any particular denomination, parish, or congregation, but to the aggregate body of Christian believers and churches in the United States).  And this sadly means that God cannot use the church as an instrument to bring healing and racial reconciliation to the world, which is particularly tragic in light of recent events and protests.  But this is occurring only because we as believers are not following Jesus on these issues.

For more on this theme, see http://www.meditations-on-life.com/healing-racial-divisions-church-america/

Shaneen Allen and Why Mandatory Minimums Are a Bad Idea in Both the War on Guns & the War on Drugs

Shaneen Allen, victim of Gun Control and Mandatory Minimums

Here is an article from Meditations-On-Life.com about the unfortunate miscarriage of justice that has been done to Shaneen Allen, a hardworking single mom, with no prior criminal record, who bought a gun for self-protection and obtained a carry permit from Pennsylvania, but who made the mistake of crossing the New Jersey state line with her gun in her car.  Now she is facing felony prosecution and a mandatory minimum of three years in prison.

But whatever you happen to think about the Second Amendment and gun rights, Shaneen Allen is an example of why mandatory minimums are a bad idea.  Whether it’s the War on Drugs or the War on Guns, we need to question our tendency to imprison people for victimless crimes.

http://www.meditations-on-life.com/american-politics/shaneen-allen-gun-control-mandatory-minimums/

Times are tough for Clark Kent (aka Superman) after Daily Planet Layoffs

Clark Kent (aka Superman) out of a job after Daily Planet bankruptcy.

Here’s the story about the recent bankruptcy of the Daily Planet, resulting in layoffs of all employees, including Clark Kent, aka Superman.

http://www.meditations-on-life.com/superman-clark-kent-tough-times-daily-planet/

Protesting Police Brutality? You Should Be Protesting for Eric Garner, NOT Michael Brown!

Eric Garner was killed by NYPD officers using a deadly and unauthorized chokehold.

Here is an article from Meditations-On-Life.com arguing that the protests about police brutality should be for Eric Garner, not Michael Brown.  Eric Garner was the unarmed black man who was apprehended by police for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes, but even though there were multiple officers and multiple less-lethal means available to apprehend Garner, the police chose to use a potentially deadly and unauthorized chokehold, which the police continued to apply even after Eric Garner made it known that he could not breath.

http://www.meditations-on-life.com/american-politics/eric-garner-nypd-police-brutality/

Michael Brown Shooting and the Real Facts about Race in America’s Criminal Justice System

Michael Brown Shot by Ferguson Police

Here is an article about the Michael Brown shooting. Although Brown has become the face of a movement for criminal justice reform, thereby inspiring conversations about race, Brown is actually detracting from the overdue discussion about race and the way policing is done in America. The movement should be about the issues, rather than Michael Brown individually.

http://www.meditations-on-life.com/american-politics/michael-brown-ferguson-police/

Lessons Kids Teach Parents

Lessons Kids Teach to Parents

Here is a lighthearted article from Meditations-On-Life.com that conveys some of the lessons that a parent has learned from his children about things like the meaning of the phrase “hold on” or the curious effect that weekends have upon children’s sleep cycles.
 http://www.meditations-on-life.com/what-kids-teach-parents/

Moses Before the Burning Bush

Moses Before the Burning Bush

Usually, when we think of Moses, we think of his life after God had made him a leader over his people Israel. We think of Moses confronting Pharaoh or parting the Red Sea. But have you ever wondered what Moses’ experience of life was like moments before he encountered God in the burning bush?

Here’s a link to an article on Meditations-On-Life.com that considers that question:

www.meditations-on-life.com/moses-before-the-burning-bush/