Uncategorized – Page 2 – holy discomfort: Love letters from a reluctant Christian

The story we were told

In southeastern Virginia, history was never far away. At least, history as told by Whiteness. When I was growing up in southeastern Virginia, history was never far away. At least, history as told by Whiteness. The schools in both Norfolk and Richmond took us on regular field trips to Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. I especiallyContinue reading “The story we were told”

The Edge of All the Light You Have

I wish I could find a photo of the poster. Or a reprint. My father hung it on the wall of his church study in the 1970s. The left half was goldenrod yellow, the right half was pitch black. A jagged line down the center of the poster divided them. It read: Faith means walkingContinue reading “The Edge of All the Light You Have”

“…something about me….”

William and I are newlyweds in our early 70s. In 1969, we were in school together for one year. It was the last year for Freedom of Choice in Wake County, North Carolina, before full desegregation. I have returned to Wake Forest to write about my family’s experience of racist violence in this place. AnContinue reading ““…something about me….””

Curiosity: A Postmortem

Curiosity died. It happened while I was sleeping. I guess. I don’t rightly know. All I know is that I woke up this morning thinking, I never want to leave this bed. I am interested in nothing, I thought to myself. I’m not curious about anything. My lack of curiosity alarmed me. It’s death toContinue reading “Curiosity: A Postmortem”

What Changes, What Remains the Same

1970 “Didn’t you know what Rev. Shipp believed when you hired him?” the reporter asked. “Didn’t he preach about it?” “Yes,” she replied without giving her name, “but we thought that was just preaching. We didn’t think he was gonna do anything about it.” 2021 Ridgecrest Baptist Church sits beside NC State Highway 98,Continue reading “What Changes, What Remains the Same”

A Greased Pig

Whiteness. The thing that envelopes us like the air we breathe. The thing we White folks never get around to examining. The thing that resists examination. In New York City in the 1990s, a new acquaintance, Black, whom I had just met at Riverside Church said to me, “You know, it’s curious—but none of theContinue reading “A Greased Pig”

Invitation to Begin

I haven’t posted for a while–which you already know if you follow this blog. I’ve been busy moving to North Carolina, falling in love, getting married, and writing what I intend one day to be my book. I have a story to tell. A story that hovers, sometimes in memories just beyond my reach. TheContinue reading “Invitation to Begin”

Witness

A man rises up to stand behind the pulpit. The dark mahogany behind him frames his white face. He pauses to arrange his notes on the podium and looks up at the congregation. Voices call out to him. “Tell the story. Tell it, preacher!” If ever a truly “white” man existed, it was my father. Continue reading “Witness”

A Day Late

…and a dollar short. Isn’t that how the saying goes? I usually post on a Thursday. I like Thursdays. I was born on a Thursday. You remember the nursery rhyme? Thursday’s child has far to go…. The line has special meaning for me. I sure enough know I have far to go— But I’m notContinue reading “A Day Late”

Peter steps out

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened…. Matthew 14: 28-30 It isn’t that I lack the courage In factContinue reading “Peter steps out”