One of the highlights of my journey to Palestine/Israel centered on the home-stays. We lodged at hotels or hostels for much of our time in Palestine, but there were two nights where we were guests in the homes of Palestinian families. Our first stay was in the Palestinian Christian town of Beit Sahour –...
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Those of you who know me or have been reading my blog for a little while know that I have a heart for “Simple Living” – an alternative Way of life that juts against the grain of popular, consumeristic culture. This affinity for alternative living has engendered in me a deep appreciation for the...
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Casual study of some of the major state-sponsored atrocities of history will reveal that oftentimes there was religious representation somewhere in the mix that attempted to provide theological sanction for the vicious brutality being enacted on others. Somebody who claimed to speak in the name of God, provided “permission” or spiritual cover that would...
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In C. Eric Lincoln and Lawrence Mamiya’s classic work on the Black Church, they rightly describe the character and nature of the “Black sacred cosmos.” Much more than just casual weekend activity or flippant denominational recognition; Christianity for practicing African Americans is so interwoven into personal and social identity that it’s hard just to...
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I was actually on the ground in Palestine/Israel when the Israeli Military attacked the Freedom Flotilla which was making its way to the Gaza Strip to deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to the 1.5 million Palestinians sufferings under the Israeli Blockade. In the days following the attack, thousands of Palestinians, Israelis, and Internationals...
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Thanks be to God, I have safely returned to my family and community from my two week trip to Palestine/Israel. As most of you know, I was away with a delegation from a group called Interfaith Peace Builders. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone considering such a trip to go with an organization like this....
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Memorial Day took on a totally new meaning today for me. For the past many years, it has been a day to gather with family at my Aunt Mary’s House for a cookout that has been a staple for 30+ years. We get together to catch up on family news, sing songs that feed...
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Senator Mikulski, Senator Cardin, Congressman Cummings I am in Palestine/Israel right now with a delegation from Interfaith Peace Builders to learn more about the conflict here. We have been here for a week and have been meeting with people on all sides of this issue. We have visited the Gaza Strip and Palestinian refugee...
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What if a military force came to your neighborhood built walls all around your block and refused to allow you to go and come as you please. How would you feel about that? What if they decided to attack your walled-in neighborhood from the sky and sent troops in to kill people too. How...
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Today, the morning started with a call home…as it does most mornings. While I’m so thankful for this wonderful experience being in Palestine/Israel; I must confess that I miss home. I miss my wife, sons, and extended family members the most. There’s nothing in particular that I miss as it is the rhythm of...
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