Maybe you’re like us. You run into a constant flow of viewpoints on race relations. It’s in the media. You run into discussions at work, school and social gatherings.
We’ll say right up front – race relations is definitely not our area of expertise. We recognize that puts us at risk to say the wrong thing in the wrong way at the wrong time. And yet, we have no doubt that this is a topic more than worthy of talking about, even if there’s a fumble or two. There’s too much at stake to not take the risk.
Today we’re taking a cue from our guest and stepping into uncharted territory. It’s all with the hope that God’s healing, restoration and grace will fill in any cracks we leave given the messy topic of racial harmony. We want to take serious God’s direction for us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly (see Micah 6:8).
Derrick Grow’s story isn’t a cookie cutter topic. When someone tells you about God’s work in their life, many times you’ll hear about a job promotion, the blessing of a new home or circumstances that miraculously worked out. Those can be beautiful places for us to express gratitude. But what if God also shows up in very uncomfortable places? What if his presence leads us somewhere where we’re likely to make mistakes and even be misunderstood? What if that’s how we see God all the more clearly as he reveals himself through forgiveness and reconciliation? Those are some of the elements of Derrick’s story.
He’s seen many examples of barriers being broken down simply by asking someone to share their story. Listening communicates empathy and value.
That speaks so much to why we’re doing Long Story Short Podcast.
You’ll hear Derrick admit he’s not an expert on race relations either. But he’s leading with God’s love rather than fear. How can you go wrong with that?
If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of racial harmony:
• Ask someone very different from you about their story. Then listen.
• Love people enough to risk messiness and mistakes. Pray, engage.
• Be open to learning. Read material by reputable authors.
Derrick’s recommendations:
• “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Peter Scazzero
• “Many Colors” by Soong-Chan Rah
• “Let Justice Roll Down” by John Perkins
• Matt Chandler’s podcast>
The Grows
Derrick Grow and his wife, Julie, serve as National Directors of the Campus Field Ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). Along with their sons, they’ve lived in Minneapolis for 14 years.
Derrick gives leadership to 502 staff and more than 6000 students in the region including nearly 180 staff overseas. Julie helps give leadership to wives and moms across the region. They consider it an overwhelming privilege and opportunity to partner with individuals and families in reaching and equipping future leaders of the world for God’s glory.
Media Credits
Bumper Music: Sons of Avi
Accoustic Guitar: UncleSigmund on Freesound.org
8 Nov 2015
15: Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly.
Maybe you’re like us. You run into a constant flow of viewpoints on race relations. It’s in the media. You run into discussions at work, school and social gatherings.
We’ll say right up front – race relations is definitely not our area of expertise. We recognize that puts us at risk to say the wrong thing in the wrong way at the wrong time. And yet, we have no doubt that this is a topic more than worthy of talking about, even if there’s a fumble or two. There’s too much at stake to not take the risk.
Today we’re taking a cue from our guest and stepping into uncharted territory. It’s all with the hope that God’s healing, restoration and grace will fill in any cracks we leave given the messy topic of racial harmony. We want to take serious God’s direction for us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly (see Micah 6:8).
He’s seen many examples of barriers being broken down simply by asking someone to share their story. Listening communicates empathy and value.
That speaks so much to why we’re doing Long Story Short Podcast.
You’ll hear Derrick admit he’s not an expert on race relations either. But he’s leading with God’s love rather than fear. How can you go wrong with that?
If you’re interested in a deeper understanding of racial harmony:
• Ask someone very different from you about their story. Then listen.
• Love people enough to risk messiness and mistakes. Pray, engage.
• Be open to learning. Read material by reputable authors.
Derrick’s recommendations:
• “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Peter Scazzero
• “Many Colors” by Soong-Chan Rah
• “Let Justice Roll Down” by John Perkins
• Matt Chandler’s podcast>
The Grows
Derrick Grow and his wife, Julie, serve as National Directors of the Campus Field Ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU). Along with their sons, they’ve lived in Minneapolis for 14 years.
Derrick gives leadership to 502 staff and more than 6000 students in the region including nearly 180 staff overseas. Julie helps give leadership to wives and moms across the region. They consider it an overwhelming privilege and opportunity to partner with individuals and families in reaching and equipping future leaders of the world for God’s glory.
Media Credits
Bumper Music: Sons of Avi
Accoustic Guitar: UncleSigmund on Freesound.org