#Advent & #Ferguson & #Hope

This week I will post resources, articles, and my own thoughts relating to the events in Ferguson, MO (Staten Island, Cleveland, & others) and what it might mean for all of us in the USA and in Monroe.

Advent is a good time to take up the deep work of engaging racism and other issues that divide us. Advent is a time for waiting with hope. Christ was born in the midst of a divided and violent society.

So what gives me hope?  I found some.  Look here...

Pontiac, MI

http://www.upworthy.com/a-cop-stops-a-black-man-for-walking-with-his-hands-in-his-pockets-reasonableness-happens-next

Hillcrest Heights, MD

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/02/hope-ame-church-ferguson_n_6254304.html

Portland, OR

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/12/03/the-story-behind-the-viral-hug-photo-after-ferguson/

Ferguson, MO

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/28/us/officer-defused-eruptions-as-crowds-grew-volatile.html

Where else?  I found these helpful too...

From Alicia Keys

http://time.com/3619534/alicia-keys-we-gotta-pray-nyc-ferguson-protests/

On our unconscious bias

http://www.fastcompany.com/3037359/strong-female-lead/how-unconscious-bias-affects-everything-you-do