Chris starts the conversation in this week's episode by sharing about some of the conversations about race and the state of our world that he's been having with people since he was first on Life Reframed. Chris also reveals that it's healthy conversations like he's been having that give him energy and motivation to keep conversing, and have even taught him more about himself.
RD voices some things that have been on his heart and mind lately, particularly about the spiritual warfare that is happening right now in our country. RD also conveys that the conversations he and Chris have been having with people about race are so important and need to continue for a long time to come. Rick joins the discussion and expresses how thankful he is for his diverse group of friends (both racially and in age), and that the Lord has been showing him what a gift that is. He brings up Paul and Timothy's relationship as a way to show how the hand-off between generations should go.
Lauren jumps in by revealing some of the conversations she's been having with people lately about her bi-racial adopted daughter. She also discloses that she's pushing herself to be better at getting out of her normal "bubble" and allowing her daughter to have more experiences and learn more about her heritage.
Lauren then poses the question of how do we keep these conversations and this door open for the foreseeable future so that we can be encouraging change for years to come. RD answers that he's looking beyond his lifetime and trying to do things now that will have ripple effects for a long time to come. He also insists that it's the Holy Spirit who will push this movement on and give us the endurance to keep enacting change; it's not about us, it's all about Him. Chris agrees with RD, and adds that we have to figure out the why of what we're doing so that we can hold onto that during hard times. Rick also adds that it's important to be informed during these times and find resources that educate you so you can have informed conversations with people.
Rick spends some time encouraging listeners who may want to help but don't know how to come alongside the people in their life and just ask the question of "how can I help?" Chris also applauds people who have sought out diversity in their friendships, not for the sake of having a "token" friend, but because God's Kingdom is full of diversity.
RD closes the podcast by expressing that it can be daunting to think about how to change the whole world; instead, we have to think about befriending or making change for one person, because that is how the battle will be won. He voices that we have to be willing to switch the spotlight from us to someone else, and be willing to fade into the background and use the strength we have to boost others up and let God be the one Who shines through us.
For more information on this podcast, visit podcast.fellowshipknox.org
RD McClenagan, a native of Alabama, is the Pastor of Young Adult Ministry at Fellowship Church. You can find his podcast Off Stage here.
Chris Walker works with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is originally from Memphis. You can find Chris on Twitter here.