I hadn't planned on apologizing for slavery this morning. But in an environment of grace with a focus on being real, I guess you never know what might happen.
There we sat at our Real Men group. A couple of friends of Village Oaks, including a business executive who drives 30 minutes to join us Friday mornings. A couple of our staff members...including Ty Choice...who used to hang out at Village Oaks for different reasons than he does now. And then me and a bunch of the Real Men.
Mike Downey led the discussion and talked about spiritually moving from slavery to freedom. And it was a wonderful discussion. The Holy Spirit was moving and there was a spirit of hope. One man, who was visiting the group for the first time, broke down and cried like a baby. His heart was so tender and open.
Mike began the conversation using an illustration that discussed actual physical slavery in the United States in the 1800's. As he talked I saw that my African-American brothers were very much engaged with the illustration. And I felt prompted about 30 minutes later to say something like this: "This may sound a little strange. But to hear Mike refer to actual slavery, which happened in our country not too long ago...really impacted me. That is something our race (pointing to my skin) did to your race. And it was so terrible and wrong. And so I want to apologize to each of you and let you know how sorry I am."
Gulp.
I looked around to see heads nodding. The friend to my right extended his hand to shake mine. Two of the friends across the room followed with generous words...and by sharing their belief that God can redeem all things...even slavery. One quoted the Scripture: "What man meant for evil, God used for good." One concluded the conversation by pointing around the room...different races, backgrounds, etc...and said, "Look at us now!"
The love of God and a spirit of reconciliation among brothers. Look at us now. So thankful for all that God is doing.
We send you a hug in Jesus. Thank you for your friendship.
-- Behind Every Door Ministries
