Teachable Moment: Grace and Reconciliation

The tragic death of Trayvon Martin has clearly brought forth passionate discourse among all Americans specifically regarding 'stand your ground' laws enacted in 31 states.

What's more reprehensible is the murder of James Craig Anderson. The death of these two young men brought the spectre of racism to the forefront of American consciousness.

What's strikingly resonating is the idea that no matter what is done there's no respect i.e. acceptance nor appreciation of each other as a person and bigotry continues.  It's not just regarding the achievements of African-Americans, but also among Caucasians who may feel constant need to atone for the sins of others. Ultimately, this state of affairs is a cycle that only exacerbates the problem through continued resentment and bitterness.

After the speeches, rallies, and marches this teachable moment should remind everyone of the familar words:

"But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred...We cannot walk alone. As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead."   --- Martin Luther King, Jr "I Have A Dream" Speech

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Overcoming bitterness requires forgiveness. There's much misunderstanding regarding forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not imply untoward actions are condone or less reprehensible.
Forgiveness does not preclude justice.

Forgiveness provides freedom. It's "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before" (Philippians 3:13, KJV) When speaking of forgetting it's not about mere recollection of memory but rather 'letting go' of the pain and resentment associated with the memory. Indeed, unwillingness or failure to forgive is anchoring oneself to the past and preventing oneself from moving forward.

Forgiveness may be dificult for many people, there may be no doubt as to the truth of this. Forgiveness often occurs through a process of time.
Forgiveness is recognition of the truth "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)

Forgiveness is a measure of God's grace (unmerited favor)

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Grace and Mercy

Further Review


A Family Forgives

A Community Forgives

Thoughts on Trayvon Martin & James Craig Anderson


USATODAY: Understanding Forgiveness

Bible: Forgiveness


Related Blog: Part 2: Movin' from the 'Hood

Related Blog: Part 5 --- The Lord is My Shepherd (Jehovah-Ropheka



Video: Cup of Bitterness

Video: Moving Forward

President Obama's Statement

Part 2: Choice (Tar-Baby)

Related Blog --- Part 1: Choice (Pink-eye)


It's interesting that Planned Parenthood is an organization that touts a woman's right to choose yet the recent assault against Susan G. Komen Foundation may have a rippling effect on many organizations' capacity to choose its own destiny. It's a bad precedent. There's a major issue that should concern all organizations that engages in collaborative networks and partnerships: Organizational Autonomy.


Planned Parenthood has effectively, through intimidation and fear of public reprisals, has restricted the freedom of the Komen Foundation. Every nonprofit philanthropic organization should have the freedom to pursue, make changes in its policies specifically regarding partnership with other organizations that shows mutual respect and trust.

Planned Parenthood has violated that trust. The organization has achieved a pyrrhic victory insomuch it sent a message that if any organization (or individual) that associates itself with it in good faith, may not be able to exercise freedom of choice to disassociate without public reprisals.

Planned Parenthood has position itself as the proverbial tar-baby.

I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. "

--Voltaire"

Further Reading

Implosion of a brand - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Book: Governing by Network -- The New Shape of the Public Sector by Stephen Goldsmith and William D. Eggers

Part 1: Choice (Pink-Eye)

The assault of criticism against the Susan G. Komen for the  Cure foundation for its original reasonable decision that impacted future funding of Planned Parenthood is being credited for the reversal of Komen's decision. There are some individuals who may view Komen has having the proverbial black-eye after such negative public relations. Komen does not have a black-eye, but rather a more serious condition, pink-eye.
 
The public outrage against Komen for its duly exercise in policy formulation should call attention to the fact Planned Parenthood may have only achieved a pyrrhic victory. Indeed, the entire situation unduly politicizes philanthropy. The entire fiasco may have great impact on any philanthropic organization who duly makes any reasonable changes in its organization's mission, strategies, or policy. Komen will recover but Planned Parenthood  may not be able to distance itself from the responsibility of being the source of the contagion, pink-eye.



"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. "
--Voltaire


Further Reading

Implosion of a brand - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation

Book: Governing by Network -- The New Shape of the Public Sector by Stephen Goldsmith and William D. Eggers.