"4 Little Girls" - Racism, Terrorism and Hope

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the church bombing that murdered four innocent girls, the city of Birmingham and the Sidewalk Festival invited churches across the Greater Birmingham area to host screenings of Spike Lee's documentary "4 Little Girls".  Of which, our church participated.

First, I give thanks to all who attended the "4 Little Girls" screening with Living Faith Community and throughout the city. I am grateful for the opportunity and encouraged by the response. Here are my thoughts:

We need to realize that racism, injustice, inequality; terrorism, etc. are all means of distorting one's humanity. Our challenge; especially for those of us who believe we are made in the image of God, is continuing naming these evils and fighting toward their defeat.

Even more simply; as we did on Wednesday, each day we are to continue risking having conversations with people who aren't of our same – ethnicity, social economic status, religion, sexual orientation, political party, etc. – thereby defusing these barriers which have become divisive and destructive.

The TRUTH is; our American history has forever etched DIFFERENCE in our collective memory – "whether we choose to" or "choose not to" have these conversations, the reality is RACE has an unconscious and/or conscious influence in our daily lives. Spoken or unspoken our history has made RACE the elephant in every room and our every encounter.

We must remember; it requires courage and vulnerability to address our (all people – black, brown, red, yellow, white) own biases, bigotries, ignorance, privilege, etc. Our silence breeds contention and amnesia. The more we ignore the elephant, the bigger it becomes; the more divided we remain; the deeper the roots of hatred grip and entangle our hearts and minds in distortion and inhumanity!

I am thankful for the people that gathered with us to view this film. I am appreciative of their choosing to engage in meaningful conversation; honestly sharing their experiences of racism – naming the evil, the terror AND looking forward with hopeful eyes toward God's love foiling the unconscionable practice of racism. 

Isolation inculcates the status quo!

While shared experiences promotes transformative action.

As we heard perspectives from African-Americans, Latinos/as, and Caucasians; I believe sutures began forming around our broken hearts, broken dreams and broken hopes. Some shared being denied their humanity and some shared intimately knowing people who actively sought to desecrate the humanity of others.  Sharing produces community; and shedding light on secrets, diffuses the power of darkness.

One evening of honesty;

of remembering man's inhumanity to (wo)man;

became a balm toward healing;

authentic conversation can heal sin-sick souls.

I invite, challenge and encourage each of us to look forward with hope; hope that God's children continue from mountaintops and valleys; churches, mosques, schools and synagogues; cities, countryside’s and suburbs – and everywhere we go – to decry racism and trumpet to everyone Love God and your neighbor:

With all your heart; with all your soul;

with all your strength, and with all your mind!

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton

Lead Pastor

Living Faith Community

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus, 

committed to becoming and making disciples".