Freedom + Liberation = Equity

As I reflect on the recent resignation of Dr. Gay, from the presidential role at Harvard University, I yet celebrate the scholarship and leadership given over the most recent 20 years. I am also reminded that in the contemporary American society, "individual persons" within all cultures, ethnicities, genders, and religions are thriving. However, the objectives of freedom + liberation is not the success of "individual persons," but rather the equitable existence and contribution of an entire population, among celebrating and championing the same for others. Equity is the sum of freedom + liberation, the quest for all lives conceived and living, the intentions for career/occupational efforts, the meaning within arts/religious expressions, and God's expanse even beyond matter (Gen.1:1-2, Ps. 24:1-2). Thus, there should never be surprise when individual persons from our minority cultures rise and fall from the dominant society's pedestals, because it was the individual's opportunity that was given and then retracted. Regardless of retraction, leaders, such as Dr. Gay, yet possess a wealth of academic and culturally endowed equity.  

      Interestingly, despite America's vast numbers of heroes/ sheroes having moved the nation forward due to the collective efforts of all ethnicities' contributions of their bests in each's own unique ways, there yet exists a dominant society, yet rendering and "taking back" meaningful opportunities. Reflectively, each populace must learn to appreciate, to cultivate, and to contribute its gifts, institutions, and representatives first to itself and then publicly towards collectively building a better society, for self-claiming its equity in that society. My father, Jimmy Denson, a steel-worker, a WWII veteran, who was 1 of 5 children of share-cropper parents, once said to me - as we carried out our weekend home lawn tasks - "Troy, don't look over and envy the neighbor's beautiful green grass. Let's keep watering and fertilizing our grass, and our yard will grow nice n' green, helping make our street one of the best streets in the neighborhood."

Troy L. Denson, Sr., D.Min.

Phronesis: Godly Wisdom in Practice

Godly Phronesis:                                                                                          

It has been quite a while since I have posted to this blog, nonetheless, allow me to summarize my experience in one word: phronesis. The occurrence that brought phronesis to my mind, to the extent of blogging about it publicly, occurred over the past two weeks. While my family and I traveled in Europe as a part of our vacation, viewing sights such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, as well as the Buckingham Palace, there were times-lapses in our vacation schedule that we (adults) wondered how to fill productively. Nonetheless, our 14 year old son offered an exhaustive list of places that he wanted to visit that were not on our collaborative list. As parents, who are the funders of this vacation, we could have said "no," but Godly phronesis led us to say "sure, yes, why not." 

To our surprise our child's unplanned places, such as Westminster 

Abbey following it's Evensong service (photo above), was quite a majestic view. Despite our child not playing the organ in St. Paul's Cathedral (right photo), we experienced a wonderful organ recital by lead organists of Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Storee took a picture of its regal organ (below). 

In addition, we were able to view the reconstruction work on Notre Dame Cathedral re in Paris (the below right picture). I would be remise if not mentioning the Church of St. Martin's in the Fields (in London), their pulpit that sits in the midst of the pews, whereas the congregation surround's it (picture below right), and the naked picture of a baby (supposedly Jesus) on the outside porch, titled "The Word became flesh and dwelled among us." You will need to visit this place yourself, because I did not include it in this blog for discretionary reasons. The most important thought is that these viewings were all free and thoroughly blessed our entire vacation! We were able to view these additional sights due to God endowing us with a subconscious phronesis to listen in a child-like way to God in a child: phronesis.                  

What is phronesis (or Godly phronesis)? According to Aristotle, there are three ways of learning/ thinking (techne, episteme, and phronesis), and the latter is considered as "practical wisdom." I have ascribed this intuition (phronesis) as "Godly wisdom," which is the type of wisdom that God gave Solomon (I Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14), that Solomon tried to give to his son (Prov. 4:3-13), and that we parents try to give to our children to bless their lives.

 

Personally, while I am so thankful for the formal education that I have been given from professors and learned-pastors, I am eternally grateful for Godly phronesis that was endowed and has grown within me, via the Holy Spirit functioning through people that I love. This "practical way of learning-perception provides an applied-intuition" that prompts us in when to speak, when not to speak, and how to speak, as well as who to speak to, when to lead, when to follow, and when to shun/depart. Without Godly phronesis, unintended catastrophe/harm can occur in times that blessings should be shared. As Christian Leaders, Parents, and Partners, there are times that we must guide/lead, but there are also times that we are partners with our followers and children, whereas we can listen and learn from them. Let us learn the difference and be blessed, as well as become a greater blessing.

#learningleaders, #servantleadership #collaborativeleadership

Dr T L Denson, Sr.

Five Powerful Words: "I Am Proud of You"

Rev. Troy L. Denson, Aug. 26, 2021

I have painfully learned that without affirming words and approval actions, which exude the sentiment, "I am proud of you," despite one's gifts or talents, successes, and even potentials, there will be challenges presenting a positive self-esteem publicly, overcoming a negative self-image in relationships, and struggling to achieve that which was planned for one's life. According to Mark's Gospel, at the very beginning of Jesus's ministry, God heralded these affirming words, "You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11, 9:7). Arguably, Jesus maintained a successful ministry despite the religious leaders' mockery, continued his mission regardless of the betrayal of a disciple, and in spite of a wrongful crucifixion he resurrected to life and empowered the disciples... all because of the Father's continual approval throughout The Lord's ministry (Mark 9:7). In short, God's word, "Son, I am proud of you," was a powerful force in this earthly-illegitimate child's life. Personally, due to my own grim experiences at the start of my life and childhood, I learned to continuously give affirming, approving, and building words to my sons and others that I deem are seeking their way, "I am proud of you." Purposing their successes, this affirmation proceeds all of my words of advice, and despite their missteps, I exude their approval within all of my actions, "I am proud of you." Truth is... anyone can praise folks after their achievements, because the world loves associating with winners. However, how many men and women struggle career-wise, personally, and in relationships, all because of an absence or deficiency of personal approval from a respected individual?: "I am proud of you." Thus, today I challenge those reading this short message to take the time, effort, and selfless love for affirming, approving, and building others who are struggling in achieving their goals in their lives, so that like Jesus, they will receive spiritual inspiration and emotional resurrection in becoming a blessing for themselves and the world.

Amen

Let Us Wash Our Neighbors' Feet

Reflection by Rev. Troy L. Denson

St. John 13: 3-5

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

As we prepare for reflecting on the night which Jesus gave his life, some are writing sermons, others are fish frying, and then others are looking ahead to Resurrection Sunday... however, one of the most significant acts of Christ appears to have been either lost, overlooked, or disregarded.... the praxis of "feet washing." Very few are engaged in "feet washing," both, literally and spiritually. In the Western world, this servant practice has been ascribed to churches in the Apostolic denominations, and many have viewed this practice as ancient, primitive, or orthodox. However, if we critique our present-day understanding of feet-washing, we realize that it was not a religious act but rather a practical service given at the command of a Master or Home-owner for the servants to wash the feet of guests and/or visitors. Within the scripture itself, Peter did not desire entertaining the practice because he knew that the feet-washing for the guests was customarily a duty of the servants, the invisible, or the nobodies. However, after Jesus offered this service as the gateway to taking part in the Kingdom of God ministry, Peter resolved his resistance. Afresh, Jesus offers feet-washing from a spiritual perspective, as an act of humility, love, and service from the dominant/leadership washing the feet of followers, the least, or the servant. As we reflect on Jesus' outlook, we leaders (civic, religious, or social), should wonder, how can we go further than charitable donations as ways for "washing the feet" for the least, left-outs, the lost, the immigrants, the marginalized, the sufferers, the unemployed, and even those despised without a cause. As we prepare for Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross, our impending question on this Maundy Thought for Church Leaders, Clergy, Pastors, and Ministers ought become, How can we revitalize the "feet-washing" ministry in ways relevant to the 21st Century society, so that we can exude a better witness of Christ?

Rev. Troy L. Denson 

The Need for Theological-Ministerial Wood-Cutters

By Rev. Troy L. M. Denson

Oct. 8, 2020

These days we need authentic theological, ministerial, laity "wood-cutters." At first they are not popular and often disliked, but their works change the trajectory of the direction of religious laws and human laws, and the lives of people living in the margins for the better. Throughout bible and contemporary histories, God has called people to do arduous works in praying, studying, writing and pontificating words that inspired works for changing and sustaining the reform of laws, which moved people to improved lives amidst the human-race; and I call those collective works "cutting down the wood." People such as Abraham, Jochebed, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, David, Zephaniah, the NT-Ethiopian, John Mark, Rev. Leille and Rev. Bryan, Richard Allen, WEB Dubois, George W. Carver, James Cone, Martin Luther King, 

Barbara Jordan, Barak O'Bama (among many many other women and men), all "cut-down wood." It is easy to enjoy going to the shed and retrieving wood that is already cut-down. Anyone can quote words, tune-up, and march as our ancestors and "burn the wood already cut-down" for warming people's hopes. However, the world has come to a point that quoting our ancestors to support a biblical message or former ideological thought is not good enough for inspiring and sustaining a message, mission, and praxis in changing cultural nuances and reforming laws. We need "wood cutters" that will do the arduous works for moving people beyond burning the "wood of liberation" into the "tall trees of reform" for "cutting down the wood of 'living into' the entire human race", so that we all can partake of God's covenant given to Abraham, embodied by Jesus, given to the disciples, trajected through Africa, and brought to the U.S. I am reminded of Joshua, after having burned the wood of Moses for 40 years and arrived across the Jordan river "beyond liberation," where they would "live into" a reformed/ covenantal lifestyle, he told the protesting children of Joseph, "... If thou be a great people, then get thee up to the wood country, and cut down for thyself..." (Joshua 17:15). Yahweh told the same to Haggai due to the protesting people, "Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and be glorified..." (Haggai 1:8). Then after the Branch had become human (Jesus) and he had breathed his Spirit into the disciples, he told them to likewise become "wood-cutters," in their local vicinity, regionally, and abroad (Acts 1:8), for improving the spiritual and physical lives of those who had been disenfranchised by Roman gentrification. Today, the message and mission of liberation accomplished its course, it changed laws enabling black men and women to vote, work, and live freely. However now, at the dawn of the 21st Century whereas we must take on new responsibilities for "living equitably," we need new "wood-cutters" to take us beyond liberation... for partaking in "reforming laws and living into a Christ-like covenantal lifestyle", which will enable all of us to live equally, alongside, and even among fellow people as a part of the human-race. #WoodCutters

It Is Amazing to Realize that An Earnest Prayer has been Answered

It has been a while since I last left a thought. So much has happened, but yet praying for other manifestations. First and foremost, eight years ago we started a school of ministry and then I was stretched in so many other ways teaching in other colleges and seminaries, til I had to transition leadership to someone else. Well, finally God called me back to duty and after long hours and arduous works with other people who were/are equally as inspired and committed as I was/am, May 1, 2020, National Collaborative Institute of Leadership became "official". At the time of becoming "official", there were no leader-learners (students), however, upon the "launch date", September 8, 2020, there were 10. And so tonight as I was working on other works, it dawned to my thoughts that there is a class going on in the Institute. When I logged in, I noticed the instructor logged in and students, and when the floor was yielded to me upon entrance... I was humbled. Humbled for leaders with high honors and achievements and serve extensively in the community, but yet say to me "Rev. Denson, this service is not about money". Having Instructors who share the same sentiment as mines to serve the Lord by "making disciples" is a humbling moment in seeking to do the will of the One (Jesus) who sent me. On a different note, I have a new respect for our 11-years of age son's classroom teachers. Having to attend to his moving from class to class (virtually), ensuring his hot lunch, ensuring his exercise, ensuring his homework is a new level of understanding and responsibility. To all of my son's teachers, I say "Thank You, keep up the good work." Last but not least, I am humbled on Sunday morning when we login to "Worshipping God with the Densons" there are people there on Facebook and then there are those on Zoom who are online waiting for us to login and get started. I am truly humbled and grateful. So this week is the fall graduation week at Boston University... and needless to say... I am yet writing. All I can say is.... "Pray for me". 

Are Riots Justifiable for Gaining Legislative Attention about Ethnic Injustices?

Rev. Troy L. M. Denson (May, 2020)

All will admit that riots are destructive, whose results are costly, and are unlawful; however, throughout history, riots are considered as peoples' expressions of flagrant and public injustices gone unchecked by the national and/or regional legislative governance(s).

The fires in Minneapolis, Minnesota typify many frustrations and disappointments in the U.S., in which the victims, mostly African Americans, have been considered by the law as the criminals, and many are arrested for these expressions despite the injustices that continue mounting up throughout the country's history. In the photo, George Floyd was arrested due to being policed concerning a $10 bill alleged as counterfeit by a store clerk. Without resisting arrest, Floyd was forcefully apprehended and died after 10 minutes of the police officer's left knee and weight resting on Floyd's neck. 

In a novels written by Walter Dean Myers (2009), titled "Riot", and another book written by Iverson Bernstein (1991), titled "Their Significance for American Society and Politics in the Age of the Civil War" ...both describe a riot started due to Black peoples' unrest but yet they become double-victims of the riot. Dean and Iverson describes, "... a long hot July in 1863, the worst race riots the United States has ever seen erupt in New York City. Earlier that year, desperate for more Union soldiers, President Abraham Lincoln instituted a draft–a draft that would allow the wealthy to escape serving in the army by paying a $300 waiver, more than a year’s income for the recent immigrant Irish. And on July 11, as the first drawing takes place in Lower Manhattan, the city of New York explodes in rage and fire. Stores are looted; buildings, including the Colored Foundling Home, are burned down; and black Americans are attacked, beaten, and murdered. The police cannot hold out against the rioters, and finally, battle-hardened soldiers are ordered back from the fields of Gettysburg to put down the insurrection, which they do–brutally." In Dean's writing, this is the context of a story told by a 15 year old girl (Claire) who is the daughter of a white man and black woman. She wars within herself trying to make sense of society as well as her own identity (2009). And this is also the confusion bestowed on many African American children borne in the U.S.'s 21st Century, whether they hold a love for their country, as it exudes injustices on their own Black people.

Personally, in my 50 year lifetime, I have lived through the reports of 6 riots due to African American's unrest with law enforcement's injustices, and I have experienced one riot personally. In Baltimore, Maryland, in 2015, riots erupted due to the unjust exoneration of officers after the death of a young black man, Freddie Gray, while being transported to the police station, riding handcuffed and unprotected in the back of the police van. Consequently, a mall and many businesses were ravished. While I understood the duress of my fellow African Americans, as well understood the presence of National Guards, I joined a group of 100+ clergy in a peace march on the west side of Baltimore, which assisted in comforting and/or quelling the rioting. However, if one reflects only on the most recent 20 years of governance, wars, policing, employment, housing, prosperity, healthcare, and public dignity in the U.S., although there exists an equal share of cultural contributions, there also exists a glaring tilt of favoritism given to the cultures whom are not minorities. 

Simply, in the most recent 20 years, there has been enough public unfairness to justify unrest, disturbance, continual activism, and "acts" within the nation's minority generations whom are less than 30 years of age. A rhetorical question might be, "With a nation who exudes so much gross unfairness, how can we preach a gospel of God's favor to our children?" Rather than "God Bless America", we must say "God Help America". What is your opinion about recent rioting in the last 20 years in the U.S.?