Author: hcarmstrong
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Everyone’s an Anthropologist

Recently I interacted with someone that decided not to attend an upcoming seminar at his job on cultural awareness. I inquired about his decision and his response was, “because of the election” (referring to the 2024 presidential election). Sadly, he equated discussing culture with the division and anger that politics can stoke. But cultural competency…
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Be a Messenger of Hope

In a disturbing series of incidents following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Black Americans across the country received racist text messages threatening enslavement. The messages, which often referenced plantations and white vans, were sent from a variety of phone numbers and appeared to originate from different states. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are…
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Decision 2024: Choose Unity

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” -James 1:19-20 ESV I wrote this shortly after learning that Donald Trump is the presumed winner of the 2024 presidential race, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Today may…
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Connections over Candidates

Today I came across three shocking words on Google. Election Day Anxiety. Sadly this has become an immense concern as many are concerned about anger and fear. Politics doesn’t have to ruin relationships. There is a better way. In today’s increasingly polarized political landscape, maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging. While political discussions can be…
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Don’t Give Up! (Sermon)

November 3, 2024 at New City Fellowship – U. City Sermon from Ephesians 4:1-6 Discussion Questions
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How to Connect with Someone Across the Divide

Many cultural commentators would say that people are becoming more and more divided. While virtually no one would argue against the fact that we all desire community, people are also quite adept at separating from each other. It seems that our need for community is expressed to fault. We don’t just appreciate our own culture…
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3 Ways to Stand Up Against Hate

Recently a group of people held a racist demonstration on a highway overpass in the St. Louis area, my hometown. It was a sad sight. The masked individuals held up Nazi flags and a banner proudly touting white supremacist language. Along with sadness, it was surreal for me to witness this deplorable sight. Unfortunately, I’m…
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Lift Someone Up!

As a kid, I loved watching professional wrestling. My favorite wrestler was Hulk Hogan. He was big, strong, and controlled his situation. At times, if someone was opposing him, he would pick them up and throw them out of his way. This is great entertainment, but doesn’t work in real life. Many teams and organizations…
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What is Psychological Safety?

All parents share a core desire for their children. My wife and I share in this as well. Many things are important to us including academic rigor, cultural development, and diversity are key. But the greatest and nonnegotiable factor for our children is safety. Wherever we send our little ones, we want certainty that they…
