The young Black man came through my line.... and I wondered... how often does this person get to feel safe?
Author: David Mercer
After thirty-five years as I minister, I walked away from that life to begin again. As I continue my life journey, I help others find their way, too.
Want to walk together for a while?
This Is Not New
This is not new. And it shouldn't be a surprise. The only thing that should shock anyone is that rioting still seems to be a necessary last resort because things have changed so little.
A Conspiracy of Silence
I’m horrified that we locked my sweet, loveable, funny aunt into a prison of silence, where she dreaded the day she would die and go to the hell we had created.
Essential Work (101st Post)
I’m scared like everyone else right now. I have one of those essential jobs where I come out of isolation to sell groceries to people, some of whom could be contagious. The anxiety hangs on me like an extra weight that I carry wherever I go. Sometimes it gets me down but it’s my job … Continue reading Essential Work (101st Post)
Will God Answer for His Actions?
Over my time as a minister, people whispered these questions to me, often ashamed to put them into words. I’m articulating them in hopes of engaging their thinking.
Drowning in the Baptismal Waters
It has taken me a long time to see that our religion could be a tool to prey on the vulnerable. The baptismal waters come closer to drowning them rather than cleansing them.
They Can’t Forget Me If They Never Knew Me
I'm not going to be attending my 35th college reunion.
Making Change at the Deli
Even after all this time, I still have to remind myself that I never had mystical powers of healing, although people tried a little harder to pull themselves together and straighten up when they knew I was a minister.
What I Said Then; What I Say Now
I told the young teens, “Your parents baptized you when you were little and raised you to hear the teachings of the church. But confirmation is your chance to take ownership of your thoughts and beliefs. Nobody can make you. Not your parents. Not me. Even God won’t. "
Friendly Opposition
We’ve made each other pretty mad at times but we remained friends.
