Appreciations and Questions
Dreaming in Black and White
First off, the vulnerability of Pastor Brett Fuller in telling his story is inspiring and courageous. I appreciate his heart and patience in helping me understand a lived experience so different than mine. Reading Dreaming in Black and White is a reminder that those who experience suffering and oppression have much to teach us, and their stories need to be told, grieved, and held. The powers that perpetuate the racial injustices pervasive throughout our history need to be challenged for restoration, reconciliation, and change to take place. Fuller states, “…this book is largely written to help the black reader build a bridge to the white, and vice versa.”[1] I find that statement profoundly humbling. Building bridges is delicate and dangerous work. There is much at risk for my dear friends who have suffered much, while I and many others gain awareness.
Two pivotal points from the book stand out. First, Fuller states “…we are using solutions that address the effects of our systemic issues, not the systemic issues themselves.”[2] My heart sank with that statement and has me wondering how we as a nation can be so slow to figure this out. Secondly, change comes through love. The mandate is, “to love as God loves.”[3] This question broke my heart, “Why should any child be made to cry themselves to sleep because they are so despised, and merely for the way God made them?”[4] They simply should not! They should be loved.
I will take to heart these three statements:
I feel your pain. I Feel the horror and injustice of what you’ve been through.[5]
I’m sorry. I wish that it hadn’t happened to you.[6]
How can I help? I will ask first. Asking protects against assumptions about how to make a difference.[7]
My question: In the political arena, can you give an example of love impacting a systemic issue? Where does your pursuit of a National Slave Memorial stand? How can we help?
High Ceilings
In High Ceilings: Women in Leadership, Brett Fuller’s goal is to highlight God’s heart for women.[8] He informs the reader that he aligns his thoughts of women in leadership with the Complementary-Egalitarian perspective. He notes that within the marriage and family context the husband is the designated leader, and that his leadership is used to serve, not to mistreat or subjugate his wife. Outside the marital context, Fuller clarifies that roles and positions of authority are equally available to both women and men.[9] Regarding order within the context of the marital relationship, Fuller notes a…“slight distinction” in responsibility before the fall versus “greater distinction” instituted after the fall.[10] I wonder if this is descriptive rather than prescriptive. I wonder about the unity and mutuality that prevailed in the garden before the fall and how God intends for us to restore it. This is not a criticism, but rather a curiosity in light of how often abuses occur in Christian homes in which leadership is not understood as loving and humble service to one’s spouse and family.
The pivotal point of the book for me was Chapter 3: Mom’s, Ministry, and Church Government. I appreciate Pastor Fuller’s insights and recognize myself in his descriptions. I’ve happily been active in all spheres primarily as a mom, then a mom in ministry and serving the community, and later within church government. I’m grateful there is a place for me and an appreciation for all the stages and roles women play whether ministering in the home, society at large, or in the church.
In his conclusion, Fuller states, “Women are graced by God just like men. They have gifts and callings just like men. They are as spiritually capable as men.”[11] I see clearly the truth of this statement.
My question: Pastor Fuller stated, “Within the context of marriage there are limitations and allowances that are non-negotiable.”[12] Can you elaborate on what that means for both husband and wife? What are some practical ways Christian husbands and wives can live out Ephesians 5:21? Which states, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
God’s Politics
Unfortunately, this book was an inspectional read that I look forward to finishing soon. Though God’s Politics was written nearly twenty years ago, its central message remains vitally important and prophetic given where we stand today with the polarization, strife, and division we face in our country. Jim Wallis’ premise is that God’s politics is never partisan or ideological and challenges both the Right and the Left equally. He calls out the Right for using religion to support an agenda that favors the wealthy and the Left for alienating persons of faith who care deeply for social justice issues. He writes, “God’s politics reminds us of the people our politics always neglects—the poor, the vulnerable, the left behind.” He reminds us that as good stewards we are not to be users, consumers, and exploiters.[13] One particularly important point that he makes is that no one should be left out of the conversation.[14]
Back to my point that Wallis’ central message is prophetic, he states, “Prophetic religion always presses the question of the common good.” Wallis continues, “Together, personal and social responsibility creates the common good.”[15] I find connection to Wright and Bird, when they wrote, “The Church’s mission is to be ambassadors of reconciliation, speaking the truth to power, and seeing the powers reconciled to God.”[16] Our personal faith can and should rightfully support and influence our political hopes for the common good of our nation. A pivotal point of the book is that a boundaried separation of church and state makes this possible.[17]
My question: You ended your book with a list of 50 predictions for the new millennium. I found them inspiring, hopeful, and a few sadly accurate. Which one continues to motivate you the most? Who are the women leaders who have inspired you?
I find a lot of resonance between these three books and look forward to more dialogue with all of you in Washington DC. Safe travels!
[1] Brett Fuller, Dreaming in Black and White (2021), 8.
[2] Fuller, Dreaming, 159.
[3] Ibid., 160.
[4] Ibid., 28.
[5] Ibid., 139.
[6] Ibid., 140.
[7] Ibid., 141.
[8] Brett E. Fuller, High Ceilings: Women in Leadership (2021), 1.
[9] Fuller, High Ceilings, 2-3.
[10] Ibid., 7.
[11] Ibid., 41.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Jim Wallis, God’s Politics: A new Vision for Faith and Politics in America (New York, NY: HarperOne, 2005), xix.
[14] Wallis, God’s Politics, xviii.
[15] Ibid., 6.
[16] Ibid., 73.
[17] Ibid., 7.
About the Author
Jenny Dooley
Jenny served as a missionary in Southeast Asia for 28 years. She currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she works as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Spiritual Director in private practice with her husband, Eric. Jenny loves to listen and behold the image of God in others. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family which include 5 amazing adult children, 3 awesome sons-in-law, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and 8 delightful grandchildren.12 responses to “Appreciations and Questions”
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Wallis makes an argument for religion to be brought into the political conversation and for Christian values to provide a grid for people trying to decide which way to vote. I thought Wallis does a great job highlighting poverty and how often the subject is addressed in the Bible. Within an increasingly pluralistic (I would have used the term “post-Christian” but Tom Holland’s book made me think a bit more about the use of that word) cultural context, I would/will be interested to learn how Wallis has navigated the changes over the past two decades.
Hi Travis,
I agree! I was not able to finish reading all of Wallis’ book, but will bring it on the plane to DC with me. I feel like I have a huge void when it comes to American politics. We’re a far cry from where we were in 1986 when I left the USA. I feel as though I see US politics through a more international lens now. I was very confused when I returned a decade ago. I’m looking forward to hearing Jim Wallis speak and grateful for perspective that makes sense to me after so many years of confusion…but I must say I am still quite overwhelmed by it all. Thanks for responding to my post. See you in DC!
Jenny,
Reading your response to Travis makes me realize how different it must be to view US politics when you live in another country. What has the international lens taught you that we could glean from?
Esther,
In terms of a hot topic in the US, friends in Asia often ask us why American’s have so many guns. They don’t understand the lack of gun control and random/mass shootings, or the recent actions of the police. In most countries where I have lived (with the exception of Cambodia and the laws may have changed now) the military and some police are the only people authorized to bear arms. So things like school and mall shootings are extremely alarming to them. They are often surprised by how much freedom we have and question it. I watched mostly international news while living overseas and it was striking how differently world and US news was portrayed. That made me realize how politically biased our US news reports could be long before I returned to the states. While I’m a firm believer in democracy and love my country, I also see how other forms of government work for the common good. Each form has its own flaws and people do complain, but not quite as loudly as US Americans. I hope that answers a bit of your question. It wasn’t always comfortable being a US citizen abroad. We got questioned a lot about the political situation back in the states and often didn’t understand it well enough to give a reasonable response. I’ve got more than a few stories. 🙂
Hi Jenny
A really nice post. My understanding of our reading list, really does come from the insightful reviews of the cohort.
After my time in Ukraine, two books comes to mind.
1) Stay In Your Lane: worry less, love more, and get things done Paperback – April 20, 2023
by Kevin A Thompson, and
2) Rare Leadership: 4 Uncommon Habits For Increasing Trust, Joy, and Engagement in the People You Lead, by Marcus Warner, Jim Wilder
The first book cautions me about focusing my emotional, physical and spiritual capital on the tasks God has set before me.
The second reminds me that God has prepared me for work in Eastern Europe and the joy I experienced being back there should serve a reminder to stay focused.
A return to “tunnel vision” perhaps. But I am wrestling with this thought these days.
Shalom..
Hi Russell,
Thank you for the kind words. I will have to look into your first book recommendations. It sounds very practical. I re-read Rare Leadership over the summer and I’m grateful for that model. So much to glean from our readings. I find myself going back to old posts just to see how things are integrating for me. See you in DC! Oh, are we able to visit the resettlement offices you mentioned?
Jenny. I too was moved by his two statements and one question: I feel your pain. I’m sorry. How can I help?
After reading that book a month or so back, it birthed a teaching series that I just wrapped up last week called “Let My Words Be Few” – with Ecc. 5:2 as the launch verse:
“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”
The series was:
1. I Was Wrong. I May Have Missed Something.
2. The Most Practical Words: Write It Down.
3. The Most Powerful Words: I Love You
4. The Most Disarming Words: I Am Sorry. Please Forgive Me.
5. The Most Liberating Words: I Need Help.
Wow, John!
What a beautiful response to our reading. There was that dual emotional response of sadness and anger as I read Fuller’s book. It moves me/us to lament and action. I love your quick and timely response in your sphere of leadership and influence. Two questions: 1. How did your hearers respond to your series? 2. Do you have a link so that I can listen and learn?
You’ve inspired me! See you in DC!
It has been one of our most talked about teaching series in a while. So many responses – to Jesus, in salvation, prayer for healing, vulnerability, etc.
You can find them here: https://www.youtube.com/@WSFChurch
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Thank you so much! I will listen!
My question: In the political arena, can you give an example of love impacting a systemic issue?
Jenny, excellent question! Oh, my, I love this question. I’m going to ask this question much more in the future. Thank you! See ya soon!
Hi Todd,
Thanks for responding to my post. I’m excited to hear Brett Fuller’s answer and how others respond to yours!
See you Tuesday.