Today we hear from author Patricia Bradby Moore as we discuss her journey of writing her memoir ‘Blackinese.’

We explore what it is like to live with layered identities, racial tensions, and the power of confidence.

Patricia shares insights on navigating multicultural experiences, the importance of storytelling, and how her book aims to foster conversations about race, identity, and community.

Grab a copy of Blackinese from her website here.

One birthday my Mom and I took the bus to my favorite mall. While sitting on the bus, I heard a man toward the back of the bus arguing with other passengers. He was shouting his opinion about the state of the world, the plight of Black people, and who was responsible. Although he started out shouting, somehow his voice would get louder and louder.

At some point, another man spoke to him in a calm voice and tried to redirect his energy. He reminded him that there were children and mothers on the bus. I remember the original man responding, “Let one of these females tell me that brother! That’s not your place to tell me to be quiet! Let one of these females do that!” Thankfully, my Mom and I reached our stop soon after and I remember being afraid that I would see or hear that man on the bus we would take to get home.

In high school, one of the guys in my grade made a big to-do when he broke up with his girlfriend. They both played sports and often the school would have the boys and girls teams play teams from the same school and ride back on the same bus. As it was told, he loudly proclaimed on the bus—so that everyone could hear—that he was not going to date her anymore and followed it with a litany of insults.

In college, a dear friend took me to the mall to get a new pair of glasses. While I was waiting, I got peckish and decided to get a pretzel and a lemonade. Since I was not there by myself, and my friend gave me a ride, I decided to get a pretzel and a lemonade for her too. I brought it to her and she burst into tears saying, “I’m sorry but this is the nicest thing a guy has ever done for me.”

For some time now I have come to believe that we all have a responsibility to unlearn the hatred we have been socialized into. As a man, I have a responsibility to continually unlearn my misogyny and to disabuse my sons of any notion that women are less than. Misogyny like all forms of hatred is insidious. We look for it in the maximalist expressions but it is nurtured in whispers. It is the steady diet of objectification through media, the “jokes”, and the way in which it compels men to believe they have the right to demand whatever they want.

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Over the last three weeks there have been horrifying displays of femicide. A former Lieutenant Governor killing his wife and himself in a murder suicide. A man in Shreveport killing 8 of his own children and critically injuring two women. A man in Richmond killing his daughter and her brother while seriously injuring their mother. I have tried to wrap my mind around the type of rage and malevolence one would need to cause this level of harm. All I can say is that evil is chaos. Chaos will never make sense.

I often think of the creation story where God hovers over the chaos and turns the “formless and empty” into creation through his words. What words can we speak to tame the chaos of this hour? How can we go further upstream and speak life into the boys so that the seeds of misogyny fail to mature? Healthy examples of manhood must be modeled to inspire a way beyond the toxic masculinity that currently dominates. Boys are being lied to by influencers who are certain that one cannot truly be a man without a demonstrative hatred of women. We need to counter their messaging by promoting a sense of dignity that is grounded in love for one’s self and neighbor. The toxicity feeds upon a sincere hatred of self and a certain “not-enoughness” that spills into surrounding relationships. If that man on the bus all those years ago truly loved himself enough he would not have needed to yell and terrorize all of us on the bus with him. If my classmate loved himself he would not need to humiliate a young girl in order to feel cool. Love covers a multitude of sins and meets the needs that hatred exploits.

Jesus said, in the Sermon on the Mount, “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.” Too many of us are more invested in minding our business than interrupting hatred. We are in a crisis where the way of the strongman has found its way into our communities and homes.

Peacemaking is not passive. There is a healthy masculinity that cannot be realized if we are docile. We need to dedicate ourselves to modeling healthy masculinity for younger people and our peers. It is quite literally a matter of life and death.

We discuss the complexities of human trafficking, the importance of long-term aftercare, and how faith-based and community efforts can make a difference.

Our conversation emphasizes trauma-informed practices, survivor-centered approaches, and the vital role of community in eradicating exploitation.

Learn more about Safe House Project here.

Resources

Safe House Project

OnWatch Training Series

Simply Report App

Trauma-Informed Admission and Intake White Paper

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Aftercare in Human Trafficking

04:16 The Role of Partnerships in Aftercare

05:33 Identifying Gaps in Traditional Shelter Models

08:02 Restorative vs. Safe Environments

10:22 Faith-Based Approaches to Aftercare

17:57 Individualized Support for Survivors

22:10 Trauma-Informed Intake Processes

26:09 Myths and Blind Spots in Professional Training

27:29 Media Narratives and Public Perception of Trafficking

29:43 Understanding the Reality of Trafficking

32:34 The Lifelong Impact of Trauma

35:23 Faith and the Call to Action

40:56 Safe House Certification: A Gold Standard

45:25 Legal Barriers for Survivors

49:25 Upholding Dignity and Choice

Favourite Quotes from this convo

“Hope without resources is cruel.”

“Lifelong trauma requires lifelong support.”

“God is closest to us in our suffering.”

In today’s sermon we explore the mysteries of God’s timing, the ubiquitous nature of suffering, and the importance of faith and God’s faithfulness. I pray that this sermon encourages you to keep going in spite of the challenges.

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In today’s sermon we explore the divine nature of Jesus as demonstrated by omniscience in John 4. This is a call to love and demonstrate hospitality. I pray that you are encouraged to trust in God’s plan and activate your compassion in a divided world.

Watch the full service here.

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Sales emphasizes the significance of creating heroes from within one’s own experiences and the journey of a creator, while also reflecting on redemption through storytelling and the impact of hip hop on narrative. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the essence of true peace and the aspirations for future storytelling.

Get your copy of “Disturbing the Peace” here: https://5137732626126.gumroad.com/l/hvvup

In this sermon, we explore themes of chaos, war, and hope, while emphasizing the importance of faith and community in times of uncertainty. You are invited to reflect on the impact of decisions made today on future generations and encouraged to trust in God's active presence in your life.

This is a call for col…

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This sermon explores the significance of Lent as a time for self-examination and spiritual growth, the challenges posed by modern distractions like social media, the nature of sin as separation from God, and the redemptive role of Jesus in offering grace and love. I pray that after hearing this you are better able to embrace the importance of community and interconnectedness in faith, and are encouraged to embrace God’s love and grace in your life.

Watch the full service here.

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And there you have it folks. Ten episodes of Theology of Hip-Hop are live!

I feel overcome with gratitude that this idea has been realized and shared with the world. Working on this has been a lot of fun and hearing how it has impacted people is truly humbling.

This latest episode on Kendrick is no exception.

The good people at Presbyterian Outlook share…

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So excited to share this episode with you!

I love this description our friends at the Presbyterian Outlook provided:

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In today’s sermon we explore the themes of courage, faith, and the importance of speaking up against injustice.

We hear the story of Nicodemus and how it relates to our own journeys of faith, emphasizing the need for a limitless imagination in our understanding of God.

I pray that you are encouraged to live out your faith and foster a community that supports and uplifts one another.

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Rapsody doesn’t just rap — she testifies.

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In this episode of BaddestChaplain, we explore the transformative concept of energy democracy and hear from Nick Davis, CEO of Grid Market.

Nick discusses the historical context of energy production, emphasizing the shift from centralized power systems to decentralized, consumer-driven energy solutions. He highlights the urgent need for individuals to take control of their energy consumption and production, especially in light of rising utility costs and the vulnerabilities of traditional energy grids. The conversation delves into the role of AI in optimizing energy systems and the potential for a future where energy is abundant, clean, and affordable for all.

Nick shares insights from his experiences, including the impact of Hurricane Sandy on energy infrastructure and the founding of Grid Market. He emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches to energy resilience and the need for innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change and outdated energy systems. The discussion also touches on the ethical implications of AI in energy management and the necessity of maintaining human connections in an increasingly automated world.

Our conversation presents a compelling vision for a future where energy is democratized and accessible, urging listeners to consider their role in this evolving landscape.

Learn more about Grid Market here.

I was originally scheduled to guest preach this Sunday but with the inclement weather, the service was cancelled. This is the sermon I preached last week reflecting on the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the tendency of institutions to sanitize revolutionary messages.

I discuss the importance of prayer as aligning with God’s will rather than seeking personal desires. Through the story of Jonah, let’s explore the theme of reluctance and the challenge of loving one’s enemies.

Ultimately, I emphasize the transformative power of love and our responsibility to speak truth to power, urging listeners to embrace a comprehensive love that transcends personal grievances.

I wonder if that voice I hear
Telling me to wake up
Telling me to call my loved ones
Encouraging me, nearly to tears,
To savour the moment
Is me at the end 
Reliving all of these moments
Demanding that I be present 
Because it is impossible to know
Just how good I've got it 

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In today’s episode of Baddest Chaplain, we speaks with educator and homeschooling advocate Alycia Wright about her transformative journey from a traditional classroom to creating a personalized learning environment at home.

Alycia’s educational journey began in a traditional classroom setting, where she spent years teaching public school. However, the birth of her fourth child prompted a reevaluation of her children’s education. She shared, “With the birth of our fourth daughter, we realized really quickly that that wasn’t going to be feasible... My husband told me we were making negative dollars.” This financial strain, coupled with a troubling interaction at their local elementary school, led Alycia to decide that homeschooling was the best option for her family.

Alycia’s experience resonates with many parents who grapple with the limitations of traditional schooling. She noted, “We opted for a private Montessori school because we felt that was more in alignment with the types of educational experiences we wanted for our children.” However, the realities of family dynamics and finances often compel parents to explore alternative routes.

Transitioning from a public school teacher to a homeschooling parent required Alycia to unlearn many traditional teaching methods. “We are taught to teach large numbers of children. We are not taught to teach individual children,” she explained. This realization was crucial in creating a learning environment that felt more like home than a classroom. Alycia emphasized the importance of flexibility: “You learn very quickly that that’s not how life works.”

This conversation sheds light on the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy.

Learn more about Cultural Roots and support Alycia’s work here.