In response to the antagonism coming from religious and political leaders, the naysayers, resisters, and deniers, Jesus said “wisdom is vindicated by her children.” (Luke 7:35).
I am thinking of many I care for who are doing the hard work of love and justice in my city. So, I have a word:
People will antagonize. They will slander and attempt to do harm. They will bait you publicly and privately. As for you beloved, let your presence remain faithful and your actions be marked by love. Let that be your witness.
May you resist having something to prove, because Christ has proven everything on our behalf. Maintain the integrity of your confession when you said, “Jesus is Lord,” and always remember your baptism. Then, your heart and mind—your deepest state of consciousness—will be liberated and you can commit yourself to the work of keeping the wisdom you speak and live in alignment with God’s, and wait for it to be vindicated by what it produces.
Many will cry out from the cheap seats, beloved. As for you, stay in the arena.
Do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with God, and trust the Lord with the consequences.
And let’s do it together.
About Fred
Fred came to serve greater Williamsburg and WCC as lead pastor in October of 2010 and is grateful to be a part of the family. He is a husband, father, certified trauma professional, S.T.A.R. (strategies for trauma awareness & resilience) practitioner, community organizer, TEDx alum, founder of 3e Restoration, Inc. and co-owner of Philoxenia Culture LLC. He received his B.S. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and his Master’s of Religious Education in Missional Leadership from Rochester University. Currently he is a candidate for a Doctorate of Ministry in Contextual Theology in at Northern Seminary in Chicago. Fred also serves as an adjunct lecturer for William & Mary and has served as an adjunct professor for Rochester University and Regent University where he taught courses in philosophy, ethics, leadership, pastoral care, intro to Christianity, and ethnography. Fred has authored on book (Racialized Cultural Systems, Social Displacement and Christian Hospitality) and several curriculum offerings, including The FloorPlan: Living Toward Restoration & Resilience.
Fred enjoys hanging out with his family anytime, anywhere. He is deeply grateful for how God graciously works through the Church in all her various forms, despite our brokenness. He is passionate about seeing the last, least, and lonely of every neighborhood, city and nation experience God’s in-breaking kingdom, and come to know Jesus as King. Oh, and his favorite season is Advent and Christmas.
Fred serves on the advisory boards of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, Bacon Street Youth & Family Services, and FreeKind. He is also a founding member of the board of directors for Virginia Racial Healing Institute, a member of Greater Williamsburg Trauma-Informed Community Network's Racial Trauma Committee and Training Committee.
Long Way Here 