For Our Good and that of the Whole Church

The was a commentary written about Charles Barry, the African American man who rescued Amanda Berry, the woman held captive for ten years, in the most recent issue of Sojourners magazine.  This outspoken man appeared on one of the national news shows and was asked to relate this experience to being a Black American.  While Ramsey admitted that racism is sadly part of our culture, his response for this young woman came out of a compassion nurtured by his Christianity.  Care and kindness towards others flows from our ability to recognize our sacred origins, and the holiness of all of men and women.

Mr. Barry's pronouncement that his Christian values caused him to respond as he did was probably uncomfortable for many.  In our post modern society today we need to continue our prophetic words and lifestyle.  Sometimes, like the cross, we will make people uncomfortable - but that is okay.