As we sat waiting for the traffic light's permission to proceed, my son once again asked when I would fix the training wheels on his bicycle. I turned to look at him, saying I would fix them when we got home. Then I added, "But they will be different than what you are used to."

His raised eyebrows and questioning look told me I'd better explain, so I continued, "I am going to take off one of your training wheels, Norman. Later on, I'll take off both of them so you can ride your bike without training wheels."

His response was as classic and as unexpected as all the other corrective statements his five-year-old lips have uttered. "No, Dad. You're not supposed to ride without training wheels. That's dangerous."

When we talk about racial reconciliation in the church, we need to realize it is like a bicycle without training wheels. It is dangerous. Anytime you bring two groups together who have been divided by years of abuse, oppression, anger, and fear, and encourage them to love one another, you have a volatile situation. Similar to my son's acceptance of training wheels as normal, churches have accepted the present state of race relations as normal. Though dangerous, the church needs to pursue racial reconciliation because God's actions stand as a pattern for the actions of His people. Our understanding of reality must be governed by God and not by our culture.

—Separate No More, Understanding and Developing Racial Reconciliation in Your Church, pg 104, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile— the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him…"

In May 1946, William Fogarty got a parking ticket in Norfolk, Virginia. Fogarty bought a $1 money order to pay the ticket, but forgot to send it in. Last month Fogarty was looking through a box of collectibles from his Navy days and found an old wallet containing the money order. Though it was 60 years late, Fogarty wrote a letter to the Norfolk Police Department and included the money order.

Norfolk Police Officer Chris Amos said Fogarty's 60-year-old money order wouldn't be cashed. Instead, the department plans to frame it and put it on display in their museum. Officer Amos said, "It's one of those restoring your faith in mankind things."

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2298550&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

There is no wrong too small to set right, not even a one dollar debt from 60 years ago.

Matthew 5:23-24 (GW) "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer has something against you, [24] leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift.

The scripture talks about the day when the lion and the lamb will lay together, it doesn't mention the snake at the hamster, but that is exactly what is happening in Tokyo. The zookeepers at Tokyo's Mutsugoro Okoku Zoo placed a hamster named "Gohan (the name means "meal") in Aochan's cage. The 1.2 metre rat snake didn't bite. Apparently, it's developed an appetite for frozen mice. "I've never seen anything like it. Gohan sometimes even climbs onto Aochan to take a nap on his back," Yamamoto said.

"We named her Gohan as a joke," Yamamoto chuckled. "But I don't think there's any danger. Aochan seems to enjoy Gohan's company very much."

—"Snake befriends hamster at Tokyo zoo", Jan.19, 2006, The Canadian Press, 2006. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Dave Bootsma.

One day all will be reconciled to one another. The cross removes the wall of hostility between the greatest of enemies and turns them into friends.

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (ASV) "But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and gave unto us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God. [21] Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him."

In his book, "Reaching Generation Next", Lewis A Drummond writes, "It may well be that the most relevant aspect of salvation to our post-modern day centers in the truths implied by the word reconciliation. It has already been pointed out in some detail that we all live in a three-fold relationship—to God, our fellows and ourselves. The rupturing of these vital relationships constitutes the tragedy of sin. Reconciliation means the restoring of these essential and vital relationships, and post-moderns zealously seek out relationships."

2 Cor. 5:18 (NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

History was made during a recent church service at the Ebenezer AME church in Washington D.C. Two warring gang leaders stood in front of the congregation, hugged, bawled, and then signed a truce. The service was also the closing ceremony for the church's Young Men Conference. The momentous occasion was made possible because the church has taken a unique approach to reach their community.

Ebenezer Church 's Young Adult Minister Tony Lee and his brother Bill, the youth minister, have followed a unique ministry plan to make a difference in their community.

The Lee Brothers have filled Bible lessons with slang and launched a fashion ministry through a church owned clothing line. They even sponsor a Christian club called, "Saturday Night Live" and use hip-hop music and dance moves in their outreach.

The brothers say the times call for more radical tactics to reach out to today's youth. Tony says, "It's so easy for churches to get caught up going to the light. There are young people crying out for alternatives." His brother Bill adds, "The church is not the four walls. In order to get young people to church, you've gotta go grab them."

The gang truce resulted from an effort by a local anti-crime alliance known as Alliance of Concerned Men who brokered the truce between the two gangs and then turned to the Lee brothers to provide spiritual guidance in the process. They prayed with the gangs' leaders both of whom Bill had known from the community.

Tony Lee says the service was meaningful to everyone involved. He said, "If you looked at that congregation, you had weeping adults. Many adults are looking for that ray of hope. For the young men, it gave them a sense of affirmation that their community would support them." He adds, "Anytime there is a ball rolling in the wrong direction, you've got to have a time when you stop and change direction. It’s the role of the church to pick up steam and push it."

—Washington Post, Brothers Make a Crew into a Congregation, Natalie Hopkinson, November 11, 2004. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

2Cor. 5:18-20 (NASB) "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, [19] namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Twenty-Five years ago, an Austrian man stole a moped; today he is trying to make it right. The thief sent an anonymous letter to police confessing his crime, he wrote, “Back then, I had no idea what the immaterial and material scope of such a crime could be, probably due to my lack of maturity at the time.” The letter also included 1400 Euros (1769 dollars) to compensate the victim.

Authorities say they will try to find the former owner of the moped to give them the cash. A spokesperson added if they could not find the former owner of the moped, the money would go to a local social service organization.

--Austrian Moped thief aims to clear conscience after 25 years;

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE4B25G520081203?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews; December3, 2008, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Matthew 5:23-24 (GW) “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer has something against you, leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift. “

In the motion picture Bride Wars, Liv and Emma are best friends for life. Since they were young, each has dreamed of an ultimate wedding in New York’s Plaza Hotel, with each serving as the other’s Maid of Honor. Though their lives take different directions, the women stay close friends, until life throws them a curve. Liv and Emma both get engaged at the same time, and plan their weddings during the same month. Unfortunately, a scheduling error that cannot be undone places both women’s weddings on the same day. The logical conclusion is either Liv or Emma will have to set their dream wedding aside, so the other can fulfill their lifelong expectations. When neither Liv nor Emma will back down, the friendship turns ugly. The friends become arch-enemies in a game of tit for tat that continues to escalate until the battle between them threatens to destroy their lives. Not only is Liv and Emma’s friendship on the line, but other relationships are impacted as each woman’s true nature and character become visible.

The battle reaches fever pitch on their wedding day when the dreams of a perfect wedding are shattered. Liv and Emma come to blows, and Emma’s relationship ends at the altar. As she stands in the back of Liv’s ceremony in tears, everyone wonders what will happen next. Will the war between brides destroy both weddings and relationships, or can they rebuild and reconcile their friendship because both women see a different side of themselves?

OPTION 1: Play clip from Bride Wars, Chapter 26, I’m Awake 1:18:54 to 1:21:10 and make application.

As the door closes behind Emma’s former fiancée, Fletcher, Emma is left standing at the back of the room, heartbroken and lost. Liv immediately reaches out for her, and says, “Emma.” Emma looks in her direction, though she is searching for words, she manages to say, “I’m fine.”

Liv leaves the wedding party and goes back up the aisle to meet Emma. She begins to explain. “This is all, my fault. That video was never supposed to happen. It was, supposed to happen, but I cancelled it. I thought I did.” She pauses then goes on,

“Because I couldn’t do that to you.” Now face to face with her friend in the center of the room, Liv adds, “You’re my best friend. She sighs and adds, “This fight is so dumb.”

Emma is at the point of tears, but looks at her friend offering her own apology, “I’m so sorry about everything.” Liv, also on the verge of tears replies, “I’m sorry too. I’m so sorry. If I ruined it for you, I don’t want it anymore.”

As the truth she has realized begins to sink in, Emma says, “If Fletcher and I were perfect for each other, then we’d be getting married, and we’re not.” Listening, Liv is at a loss for words. She shakes her head, and fumbles for the right thing to say. Emma looks at her face and asks, “Are you crying?” As her own revelation sinks in, Liv finally manages a few words. “Yeah, it’s like a whole new me and I just…. I just cry all the time.” Emma interrupts, ”No, Liv. No, I didn’t want that. I’m sorry.” Liv stops her, and replies, “No you’re right. I don’t have to have it constantly together all the time. It’s like this huge wake-up call.” She smiles and completes the picture. “I’ve kind of stumbled around a lot, but I’m awake.” Suddenly she gets serious again, and asks, ”Will you stand up there with me?” Emma smiles, “Where else would I be?”

They reconcile with a hug. The wedding planner shouts, “Reset people, reset.” The musicians begin to play as Liv and Emma prepare to start again. In a side room before they go back in, Emma admits that she almost forgot something. She takes a small pin with a blue flower from her hair and hands it to Liv. Liv looks at it, and asks, “Oh,my God, Em. Where did you get that?” Emma smiles as she sees the dream the girls shared as children restored. “Two little girls saved it for us.” She pins it in Liv’s hair and motions at the doo and quietly adds, ”Come on.”

Letting a conflict escalate will destroy relationships and can eventually devastate lives. Instead of continuing a fight, Jesus taught us to be reconciled with our brothers and sisters before it is too late.

Matthew 5:23-26 (CEV) “So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God. 25 Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. 26 I promise you that you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.”

The Collegiate Church, a collection of four congregations in New York, apologized for the part they played in the displacement of the Lenape Indian tribe 400 years ago. In a reconciliation ceremony, representatives of both groups exchanged wampum and music.

Individuals of the Lenape tribe gathered at the ceremony site from all over the country where their ancestors ended up after being dispersed from New York.

In addition to the apology the church intends to sponsor educational activities and exhibits to teach children history.

--Farmington Daily Times, Farmington, New Mexico, November 28, 2009, p. A1. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

2 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT) “His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!”

In Flickering Pixels, Shane Hipps writes, “Reconciliation comes in the context of clear communication, meaningful listening, shared understandings, civility, openness, and a lot of patience.”

Matthew 18:15-17 (CEV) “ If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower. (16) But if that one refuses to listen, take along one or two others. The Scriptures teach that every complaint must be proven true by two or more witnesses. (17) If the follower refuses to listen to them, report the matter to the church. Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector.”

King was best known as a victim of police brutality. The L.A. Riots were sparked by a video of Police apprehending King after an 8 mile car chase. During the Riots, rioters took the lives of fifty + people, injured 2000 more, looted businesses, and started 200 fires.

The rioters were in a frenzy of destruction despite King’s pleas of “Can we all get along?”
Could it have all been prevented if the police showed more mercy? What difference might a little mercy have made in this story? Would the riots have happened then?

-WashingtonPost.com, June 17, “Rodney King dies; victim of L.A. police beating was 47,” http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/rodney-king-dies-victim-of-police-la-beating-was-47/2012/06/17/gJQAVSh2jV_story.html Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Adam Henry

Even though King’s voice is now silenced, I hope we will never forget this question, “Can we all get along?”

Matthew 18:21–22 (HCSB) “Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ 22 ‘I tell you, not as many as seven,’ Jesus said to him, ‘but 70 times seven.’”

The film “Do the Right Thing” shows varying degrees of racism and hypocrisy in relationships. The film has several ethnicities within a small area along a time line of one day. Instead of showing the racism of one group; it shows the racism of several: the white against the black; the black against the Korean; the Mexican against the Korean; and the Korean against the black.

In the film, Sal Fragione, who was owner of a pizza parlor for 25 years, had pictures of famous Italian—Americans on the wall. The neighborhood has changed considerably and is now composed primarily of African—Americans and Hispanics. The request to add Black leaders to the wall erupted into violence and the death of one young man. Mookie’s frustration led him to grab a trash can and throw it through the window of Sal's restaurant. The angry crowd rushed into the restaurant, set the restaurant on fire and destroyed everything.

The film ends with Mookie and Sal sitting in the remains of the restaurant. After a few minutes of arguing, they begin to laugh and the two cautiously reconcile.

The film was a critical and commercial success and received numerous accolades and awards. Former President Obama said, “‘Do the Right Thing’ still holds up a mirror to our society, and it makes us laugh and think, and challenges all of us to see ourselves in one another.” —Jim L. Wilson & Sally Carter

Romans 5:10 (HCSB)“For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!”

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is known for commenting and lightening the mood around serious topics. Most of the time their humor is well received and lighthearted, however, in the fall of 2018, a cast member made fun of Congressman elect Dan Crenshaw. Congressman Crenshaw is a war hero and was a member of the elite Navy Seals and served three tours of duty in Afghanistan. One his final mission he was critically injured and lost an eye. To hide the scars Crenshaw now wears an eye patch and it was this eye patch the cast member was making fun of. The public cried for blood and the cast member’s job. However, instead of firing the comedian, SNL brought the congressman onto the show with the comedian. Dan Crenshaw’s show of forgiveness and grace is a lesson to everyone. He not only showed a forgiving heart but he also made fun of himself saving the comedian’s job. —Jim L. Wilson and Lindsay Robertson

https://www.christianheadlines.com/columnists/denison-forum/what-saturday-night-live-taught-america-about-forgiveness.html

Ephesians 4:31–32 (CSB)“Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”