As a white woman from Chicago, after many years spent living in rural white communities, I finally moved to an integrated community.
I also was overwhelmed by the grace, tolerance, and understanding of the Black people in their church services, and also in other settings. It is always good to hear about somebody else having the same experience. Thank you for writing this.

I figure we all have a role to play and I want my role to be on the good side.

I want my fellow DUers to know that even in the reddest of rural areas...there are some of us who want to build bridges.

We will overcome.

Inspiring and so well said.

Hey, my wife texted me a story about the US Navy. Tomorrow, they will be announcing the the next new aircraft carrier we build will be named the Doris Miller.

I'll let you read about who Dorie Miller was here: https://www.npr.org/2020/01/19/797756016/u-s-navy-to-name-aircraft-carrier-after-wwii-hero-doris-miller

Fitting that the announcement will happen tommorow, on Martin Luther King day.

Check it out if you can. It was beautiful.

The quotes from Dorie's family are excellent on the link I provided - basically it's about time. And it is about time.

Can't name it after Dubya because it only would only get underway when the drug tests are coming down the pier.

Can't name it after Trump because it would never get underway with bone spurs on the propellers.

I'm not religious. I identify as atheist because I think the chance of a deity worthy of the name turning up is beyond remote.

However, on Sunday morning, I'd always go home with kickass Gospel blasting on my car radio. It always made me feel better, no matter how exhausted and demoralized I was.

So on that level, I can relate to this post.Yes, there is a different energy. Megachurches have tried to copy it but have neglected the core message and have just gone for the drums. They're still bitter, just louder.

If you think that little church and its people have something to teach you, go back. It seems like you'll be welcome.

One full of love and acceptance.

Thirty years ago I reluctantly accompanied my husband to a local Methodist church. Our sweet neighbor had invited him to just come try the choir.

I wasn't raised in church, both my folks had been but left for their own reasons. And I was so prejudiced against those "narrow-minded, judgmental Christians," that I insisted on having a friend who loved us ordained in a mail order church to perform the wedding.

Since I thought (and still think) highly of his songwriting and singing, I went with him. I was ready to fend of any attempt to convert me or change me in any way. But none of that happened. They were warm and accepting. Still are. And I'm still going. When you find those who know that they basically have one job assignment from God, to love, then you've found a good spot.

...more about this exploration.

What a wonderful story, backtoblue! THANK YOU for sharing such a beautiful experience.

So reaffirming, and so desperately needed at a time when this country seems more bitterly divided than I can ever remember.

It was in the 1960's and I was in my early 20's. I am now 75. I too, sat in the back of the church and I was very anxious if not down right scared. After the service I was treated with so much love. It was an experience that made me forever a better person.

Thanks so much for sharing your story. it gave me tears.

(as an agnostic) I think if you really had faith, if you TRULY believed, you would REJOICE the way black folk do in church - you would not be all quiet and somber and fear God or use religion as a threat

yes indeed

write.

And standing right outside of a black church listening to the choir. I'm an atheist and yet the music moves me like nothing else.

Is why isn't it enough to just be a good person? You experienced the loving kindness of good people. All of us, every single one of us wants to be happy and to not suffer. I hope you go back to that church, but don't be late and dress more respectfully.

As though anything else actually mattered

Thank you.

the world would be in a better place. To me, with you sharing this story, it already is a better place. Thanks.

Doing that today?

Where is Trump?

much pain and suffering and hosting bigly pity parties with his Deplorables in attendance.

and try to connect, just like you.

I'll acknowledge that some connections are harder than others. And some of their hearts are hard and unchangeable.

Much love to you and your sisters!

Wonderful!

Apparently you went looking for hope and found out you were not only the hope, you ARE the blessing too. And now you've blessed us.

Your African American sister in love and struggle.

tear up, I'm happy for you.

It's true that there are superficial churches and churches full of hellfire out there, but most of us are seeking peace, love, and connection with each other and the devine.

I'm openly agnostic, but I've held the highest lay position in the congregation. Frankly, I'd attend even if I were a confirmed atheist.

as part of mixed-race gospel groups, and those times are my favorite memories as a singer.

I would love to sometimes attend a black church, but I’ve always felt that church is the one place black people can go as a refuge from always having to deal with lily white people like me.

When we have a black person come to our small Church we make sure they feel welcome.

My friends who just happen to be black would welcome me with open arms.

I know I would be welcomed. I’ve been welcomed when I’ve sung at black churches. I am sensitive about not being intrusive.

And intrusion. She visited,was welcomed with open arms.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

And yes i would be very interested in an update. thanks.

Progression...only soul and mind.

my soul aches for more kindness in this world... I am not entirely without it but we need much more...

Thank you for sharing this, it truly touched me. Be blessed. Much Love!

which is something most all of us need in one form or another. Most of our old-fashioned elements of community have been destroyed by capitalism. Back in the 70s, I felt the warmth of community in the volunteer fire service after I moved from the country to a large urban area. Sadly, that old community fire department is now gone and so is the brotherhood.

During the late 70s, I spent quite a time on a service job in a Southern coastal state in the area called "low country" where extreme segregation and poverty abounds. During my Sunday for-fun road trips to see the sights, I would see black people dressed in their Sunday finest walking along the highways to their nearest African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) and services would go on for hours. Those churches ARE their community and the only escape from horrible racism.

Those churches were very small and it seemed there was one every mile. I'm now jealous that they have such a beautiful union of people that we sorely need in some form across the nation and I hope they're able to maintain what they have.

Please continue to report your visits. You are warming some hearts that really need it......

For the second time this morning I am moved to tears. Thanks, it feels cleansing.