Rainbows

The Goodness of God in the Land of the Living

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.

Psalm 27:14

There is an ancient story about when the Earth changed. It was something that had never been experienced before—a phenomenon that would take place as a way to wash away the past. It has been described throughout human history as "The Great Flood." Often taught and sung as part of children's stories, encouraging us to remember. Remember that life on Earth had become so cold, cruel, and corrupt that Elohim decided to wipe out all of human existence.

Can you imagine? I can. Just take a look around the world today. It is not hard to picture what this ancient world must have been like. Where lawlessness abounds, and the hearts of so many have waxed cold. I see it daily. On the news and in the neighborhood. In places of power and poverty. In the most advanced and prosperous nations and the most isolated and oppressed places. I often speak of beauty amid brokenness as a way to share how, throughout life, they grow together. But what do you do when you find yourself surrounded by brokenness?

There have been a few seasons of my life when all I could see was the failure of the human experience. The world seems to be in chaos, spinning towards its inevitable violent end. According to the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law, there are currently 110 armed conflicts worldwide. Ranging from the war in Ukraine to the War in Gaza to the civil war in Sudan and beyond. A significant number of atrocities are being committed every day in the name of god, religion, race, creed, ethnicity, territorial disputes, and a whole host of other beliefs. People are displaced, women and children are abused, and humans suffer great indignity. The awareness of the world's problems is perplexing.

My personal life can be overwhelming at times. It has been six weeks since I last posted, and during that time, one challenge after another has arisen. Things break, people get sick, and those you love and serve relapse into destructive behaviors.

The biblical story of the Great Flood centers around Noah—a man who found favor and grace in the sight of Yahweh. Yahweh is the covenant name that Elohim gave to His people. God was disgusted with His creation and was ready to eradicate all of life, but because of Noah's faithfulness, He decided to save the world through one man's obedience. I've always been fascinated by this story.

I'm in a season where God is leading me into the unknown—ark building. As I look around and see the challenges facing our cities, instead of hopelessness, questions arise. Mainly the question, "What can be done?" The answer to this question, at least for me, has led me to launch Forged: Birmingham Leadership Foundation. I'm starting Forged BHM to address the issues plaguing the City of Birmingham with like-minded leaders.

Ark Building

Yesterday morning, I went to the 61st Birmingham Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. I've attended this event multiple times and was invited this time by a friend. As people prayed and invoked the name of Jesus to heal the land, I found myself in a similar state of mind that often accompanies events like this at this stage of my life. I was grateful for the number of people who attended, but I was also weary. Honestly, I don't always know why I feel like I do at these events. Maybe it's because of the sheer number of prayer events I've attended throughout my life, or perhaps it's the undertones of Christian nationalism, or that I have grown hard-hearted toward corporate gatherings. Whatever it is, I've learned not to dismiss it, as I need a better attitude.

What I love about these events is that they allow you to run into people you haven't seen in a while and hear an encouraging word from a really good speaker. I believe in the power of prayer, and there are times when earnest prayer goes forth for our nation and city. What I hate is that we still live in a city that is intentionally segregated and still suffers under the weight of our history. We broke an almost 100-year murder rate last year, and we rank second nationally for the number of single-parent homes amongst our African American population. That doesn't mean we haven't made progress, because that wouldn't be true, but it does mean that we don't have enough common spaces where people's lives overlap. We have good gatherings but still lack life-changing relationships.

What is fascinating about the story of Noah is that we learn from Peter (2 Peter 2:5) that Noah was a preacher of righteousness, and while he built, he also proclaimed. The ark was originally meant for more than Noah, his family, and the animals. It was meant to be a place of refuge and safety for all who would listen to and accept Noah's message. Just as Noah believed God and built the ark, people were to believe Noah and turn from their wickedness.

Forged BHM is a type of ark. Coming alongside so many other organizations, institutions, individuals, and churches. Sharing the message of the gospel for the city. Laboring alongside leaders to see Birmingham not as the Magic City but, as my friend Paul would say, as the Majestic City. A city that reflects the heart of Jesus. A place of shalom.

Rainbows

The other day, I was heading to the YMCA for a workout and a shower. It had been a long day because our water heater had broken, and we were waiting for it to be replaced by our plumber. As I pulled up, I saw a guy leaning out of his car, taking a picture of the sky (it felt like an Avengers movie, the way people stopped and looked up in awe). I joined them in staring at this beautiful rainbow. I quickly took a picture and sent it to my wife, saying, "I really needed this today." It was a reminder to me of the goodness of God.

Rainbows have come to represent a multitude of things, but the rainbow is a gift from God to humanity and His people. To humankind, there is a God who covenants with His creation and promises to be patient with us and with His people, that He will not leave us without hope and salvation. That's why I started with David's words in Psalm 27 and will end with the end of that psalm.

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!