Tag: ethnicity
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Beyond Borders: Our Shared Humanity

Immigrants and refugees are often seen as less than human, but they deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else. They are often fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution in search of a better life. Before that, they are human beings, inherently worthy of dignity. By welcoming them with open arms, we can create a…
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Racism: Spiritual and Systemic

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” -1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT Racism, a pervasive and destructive force, can be understood as…
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Gratitude: 3 Ways Thankfulness Improves Relationships

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” -Psalm 136:1 Gratitude, the simple act of acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives, can have a profound impact on our relationships. When we cultivate a sense of gratitude, we open ourselves up to deeper connections, stronger bonds, and more…
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Tulsa Reckons with Its Horrific Past. What’s Next?

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a devastating event in which a white mob attacked the abundantly prosperous Black community of Greenwood. The two-day atrocity resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands. The city continues its efforts to identify the remains of other victims through genetic and DNA analysis. Additionally,…
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3 Ways Diversity Improves Organizational Culture

Maya Angelou once said, “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Ethnic and racial diversity in the workplace is more than just a buzzword; it’s a powerful driver of productivity. Here are three key ways diversity can boost your team’s performance: This Malcolm Forbes quotes sums it up well, “Diversity is the art…
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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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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…