Willy came recently to a men’s Bible study that I was attending and he left early, angry and distraught. I soon followed to find out what was wrong. Willy, a bit intoxicated, started to share how he just couldn’t take it in there anymore --- this Jesus-talk from white men, “another thing you are trying to push on us Native Americans.” It’s not that the Bible study was being led disrespectfully; the leader is a gentle, soft-spoken 70 year old white man. The problem was, this talk of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and encouragement to get to know Him is often done by white man-church that had persecuted Native Americans and severely disrespected their beautiful culture, certainly in the 19^th century, if not up through today.                    
    Willy and I talked about this. Though my ancestors are white, but immigrants within the last 60 years from Europe, I apologized to Willy on behalf of white man-Americans who severely abused his people then, and who continue to discriminate. As a pastor, I apologized on behalf of the Church. I don’t know if Willy and other embittered Native Americans will ever be able to fully forgive God’s church for the abuse, and for the disrespect, but I told Weldon that I hope he can be reconciled to God, to His Creator, who is, no matter who says it, all about grace, but also about justice. (It’s spoken about often in God’s Word, the Bible, including in Psalms 9:16-18, 11:7, 36:6.) I pray that Willy can distinguish between the God of the universe who doesn’t fail, and His Church of human beings who do fail. A good point is made by Pastor Rick Warren --- “Every church could put out a sign, ‘No perfect people need apply. This is a place only for those who admit they are sinners, need grace, and want to grow.’”
    Sincere believers --- those who have personally received the grace of God, especially as shared through Jesus --- should not act like they sometimes do, but we need to remember, they are still humans who sin and are saved by God’s grace. They are on a life-journey with God the Holy Spirit, but they certainly haven’t reached the destination of perfection yet. 
    Still, no excuses, God has given us so much --- forgiveness, promise of heaven, purpose and peace, daily guidance and counsel --- that we shouldn’t act like we do sometimes.
    Willy, I worship the one Great Spirit, Tunkashila, as well. Please don’t let the poor actions of your fellow man to throw you off from a personal relationship with that Life Giver, God, Tunkashila, who will not fail you.         --- by Fred Wilgenburg, www.peacewithinreach.com