EDITORIAL: THE "BROTHER" IS "WRIGHT"

Hey y'all, I found this on the Redneck Press. Thought you might find it interesting.

Pastor's Corner
April 28, 2008
Alvord, TX
By Brother Henry Hereford

Brother Henry Hereford is a 1980 graduate of Texas A & M University, majoring in World Religions. He completed his doctoral degree work (Th.D) at Texas Christian University in Abilene, TX. He is the father of twin daughters, (Daisy, and Mae), and the husband of one wife (Glory). Henry is a regular contributor to the RP.

The "Brother" is "Wright"!

Over the last several weeks I have received hundreds of e-mails asking me to weigh in on the political controversy in the media over Barack Obama's pastor, Brother Jeremiah Wright. I have patiently waited to form an opinion on the situation for several reasons.

First of all, I try to steer clear of politics. As a "citizen of Heaven," I want to use my limited energy to persuade others of the loving forgiveness of our sins available through the sacrifice of Jesus. But I am a human being, and I do form political opinions based on my faith in Christ, and my hopes for the continued greatness of the United States. I am often conflicted with this "juggling act" that I (and millions of other U.S. Christians) must deal with.


Secondly, as a member of the Family of God, I am averse to criticizing one of my "brothers" in Christ publicly. Jeremiah Wright confesses Jesus as his Savior. That makes him my "brother." Any human, acknowledging that my beloved Jesus is their only chance for reconciliation with God, is my "brother." Whether I agree with their politics, lifestyle, methods, or motive for their actions, they are my "brethren."

If I have an issue with a "brother" in Christ, I am instructed by the scriptures to go to him personally and share that concern in private. I am instructed in The Word to do my very best to convince him of his folly. If I can not convince him of his error, then I am to go "public" with my concerns to the Church.

That is why I have held my tongue on this whole issue. I can not speak directly with Brother Wright. I can not tell him what I think. I can not share my "brotherly concerns" with him. So I have waited until I could find some common ground with Brother Wright to comment. At his speech before the National Press Club today, I found something that I could comment on without disparaging my "brother."

This article from ABC quotes Brother Wright: "On November 5 and on January 21, I will still be a pastor. In our community we got a thing called 'Playing the dozens,'" he said, referring to the African-American tradition of trading clever insults in a competition. "If you think I'm gonna let you talk about my momma and her religious tradition, and my Daddy and his religious tradition,…you got another think coming." Watch a portion of Wright's speech HERE.

Shoot! I finally found some common ground with my Brother Jeremiah! Heck, I grew up just danged envious of how those black kids could "play the dozens!" I mean, two black kids would get in a scuffle, and the dozens was on! One would start talking about how ugly the other boy's mother was.

It was like, "Your Momma is so ugly dat she went to the hainted house and come out with a job." Then the other boy would say something like "Your Momma is so ugly dat she robbed a bank widout wearin a max!"

Then they would get into how fat the other boy's Momma was..."Yo Momma so fat dat she fell in love and broke it!" Then the other boy would yell back, "oh yea?..Yo Momma so fat dat when she was born she give the doctor stretch marks." That one usually shut down the "dozens," because it was pretty cerebral.

I am relieved that I can now respond to all the interested readers of this little "Pastor's Corner." I have a point of agreement with Brother Wright. Of all that I have gleaned from watching his videos, and his media tour in the last few days, this is the one statement I have heard that I can agree with.

You go Brother Wright! One out of a thousand ain't bad between "Brothers!" I am praying for you "Brother."