diversity and proximity are not enough when it comes to this…..
it's been a minute but I'm 'back' with a message!
Earlier this year, I lost hundreds of subscribers on my email list because of the TRUTHS I was sharing about immigration and DEI. At least I assume it's that because of the amount of people who farewelled by way of the 'unsubscribe' button within that time frame. And one of the things that came to mind when that happened was 'tell me you don't have an immigrant friend without telling you have an immigrant' friend."
And what I realized is that I was really just making an excuse for folks like that because we shouldn't have to have a friend to care about injustice and see things from a Biblical lens. It's this idea that that 'it shouldn't have to happen to you to care' but the thing is - no matter how much we try to live that out, we do need proximity and access because humanity is self-centered and we see only our immediate circumstances or lived experience. It's our limitation, flesh, and view.
So how do we change that?
One of the ways is taking inventory of our life and reflecting on the lack of diversity that is present in it. Yes, I mean racial diversity but I mean more than that too. Unfortunately the word diversity has been so associated to race that people forget there's other forms of diversity - like gender, theological, lived experience, educational, disability, neurodivergence, economic status, language, and immigration/citizenship status diversity.
Diversity is about being in proximity to heaven and what heaven looks like.
Diversity is about becoming humble and being reminded that the world doesn't revolve around our own gender, race, region, faith, or people.
Diversity is about dignifying the uniqueness found in every person God intentionally created without wanting to change the person.
Diversity is about becoming more like Christ as we embrace all people, extend compassion no matter who someone is or what they've done, and loving all people as they are for they are.
Diversity is the opposite of a bad word, it's a bold one. It's one that invites repentance, reflection, and if we let - restoration.
But here's where we end at diversity when we say or think things like “I'm not racist, I have a Black friend” or “I'm not sexist, I love women”.
Proximity can only go so far.
There has to be an inventory we do in our heart and mind too. What colonizing, dehumanizing, and oppressive perspectives do we have because of where we were raised or who raised us? Who are we learning from and listening to when it comes to podcasts, pulpits, and platforms? Do we go out of our way to learn from the marginalized? Do we live life with the marginalized or just serve them once a year at our church's serve day?
Diversity and proximity can only be effective and matter if our heart reflects Christ and our mind is renewed by Him.
An example of this is Doug Wilson who went viral last week for saying “Women are the kind of people other people come out of". As if that's all we are and the only purpose we hold. He has women in his church, is married to a woman, has daughters, and yet he says that kind of thing about women. He may have access to diversity of gender in his life and proximity to women but it doesn't change the sin of sexism fueling his theology and way of life.
I absolutely love motherhood. It's my favorite hood for sure. And yet still I know that if I didn't become a mother in this lifetime, it would not change my worth or position in the kingdom of God. It wouldn't change what the cross meant for my life and liberation.
Jesus knew this to be true and went out of His way to welcome women to the table in a society that didn't even allow women to learn the Torah. A diverse society where women and men co-existed and people in power had proximity to women yet patriarchy reigned.
So yes, diversity is important but it also could mean nothing and make no impact if demonic spirits that perpetuate sexism and pride cloud the very fact that Jesus went to the cross for women too.
Although some people claim Paul to be a misogynist, I think it's a big deal that he chose to spend a whole chapter in the book of Romans mentioning women and their contribution to the ministry of Jesus.
Romans 16 (NIV)
“1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. 17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”
I particularly love the end of the chapter where Paul is saying watch out for those who are causing division and teaching a contrary teaching. He's directly addressing people like Doug Wilson.
What he's saying is contrary to what Jesus says, therefore we must rebuke it.
And one of the ways we rebuke it is by elevating women, learning from women, being led by women, and listening to women. Another way we do it is by radically walking in obedience to what God has gifted us to do as women and not allow any mindset, money, or moronic perspectives block us rom being the women God has formed us to be. Amen?
Here's 3 actionable steps to help do that or walk in that.
Your fellow sanctuary,
Grateful for your words!
love this!