Picking up the weapons of one’s enemy can be dangerous and deadly; we must take care when we encounter a religion which is still justifying the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and cultures. Why would I willingly take part in my own oppression? Why would I accept or employ methods or weapons that I don’t want used on anyone I love?
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/23164052/hollyhailesept-1.jpg585878Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-09-23 16:41:202020-09-23 16:52:46Rise Above My Enemy Upon the Smoke
The following is a re-stating of my testimony to the Southampton Town Board, August 22, 2009. 11 years later almost to the day this same political body has finally agreed to observe a 6 month moratorium on construction, and to enact legal protocols when human remains are unearthed; which hardly resembles NYS Penal Law pertaining to cemetery desecration. Justice by its nature cannot be divine to one group while denied to another.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/23094742/caroline-hall-_ex-NtBjajI-unsplash-scaled.jpg17072560Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-09-23 09:49:492020-10-20 13:18:34Do Not Forget That You Are In A Holy Place
Churches in the deep rural were decades ahead of what churches in larger towns and cities are experiencing now (numerical decline and struggles with building maintenance), and they may be decades ahead of us in how to be church. The discipleship coach model of congregational empowerment is one that we need to consider as a creative possibility and not a sign of defeat.
The police brutality and systemic racism that Floyd suffered, the wildfires in Northern California, and the low air quality in this country are just some of the harsh impacts of the climate crisis that have affected the planet even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This climate crisis illustrates our disconnection from our Self, from Nature, and from the planet Earth.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/14113248/jojobird.jpg315315Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-09-14 11:36:332020-09-14 11:36:33Reconnecting with Self, Nature, and the Planet
We evangelize self-help as salvation. The much quoted/much maligned “pick-yourself-up-by-your-boot-straps” is the end result of a culture that places heavy expectations on what you can do on your own, and specifically as a means to explicitly call against systemic change that may dare to entitle someone to something they may or may not deserve.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/08100257/logan-weaver-UoXvjzgTOyk-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg17062560Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-09-08 10:04:162020-09-08 10:04:16Self-Help Individualism Helps. It Cannot Stop the State From Murdering Black People.
Whether it’s navigating emails, phone calls, texts, push notifications, news channels, or web sites, involuntary over-excitement sums up the challenge I feel the need to lean into today. But where do I start? I have to make conscious, consistent decisions, otherwise the “cares of the world” in the Parable of the Sower will too easily “choke the word” as I am overwhelmed with the scope of voices vying for my attention. Thinking of the above verses from Hebrews, I am struck with the notion of being “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. Who are the witnesses I can listen to and learn from?
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/09/02111938/johnlewis.jpg273383Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-09-02 11:24:422020-09-02 11:24:42A Gracious and Tenacious Spirit Amidst My Cloud of Witnesses
Do we even believe that a new creation—namely we people of GOD—is possible? Do we believe the good news of Emmanuel (God-with-us)? Do we want to be changed? Are we willing to let go of who we think we are for who we are created-to-be? We are a people created to desire justice, peace, and right relationships with all of creation as we all live in the DIVINE who simultaneously lives in us?
In many ways, border crossings performed by refugees/migrants today is an act of resistance against nation-states who consider it their absolute right to decide who may or may not enter their borders. Refugees are resisting not having voice or visibility by breaking the silence and showing up in huge numbers at international borders, even in the midst of the current pandemic. While this kind of resistance may not be enough to improve their situation or change the system, at the very least they hope to raise awareness that something needs to be done. I believe our God struggles with them as they travel through liminal spaces.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/08/20133707/boat.jpg10671600Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-08-20 13:42:232020-08-24 10:08:43Mission as Resistance and Struggle
My privileged rest has the opportunity to take up Jesus’ yoke and be there for those who cannot find a way right now. For those who are fretting. For those who are frustrated. For those who feel powerless. For those who are disenfranchised. I need to listen, learn, and be present where possible to extend Jesus’ grace in solidarity to bear the burdens of my siblings in Christ and neighbors. I know my skills and resources, and I know I am blessed. I can do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with my God.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/08/14090018/ana-cernivec-ZzFUHsc9PCo-unsplash-scaled.jpg17102560Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-08-14 09:03:312020-08-14 09:03:31What Is Your Yoke?
I have never had the regular experience of feeling physically threatened even from people larger than me. I have never felt unsafe in a dating situation, or in any intimate setting, because movies, TV shows, songs, cultural taboos, and multiple laws in multiple levels of government protect me in these settings, not women. I don’t have scripture-clobbering texts justifying taking away my consent in sexual situations out of “submission” to my spouse, seen as a “head” authoritative figure.
And even as I type this, I know I will benefit from the fact that men say this stuff so rarely that it’s seen as somehow exemplary to say the basic thing of: don’t be physically or emotionally violent toward women with your actions or words, just like you shouldn’t with anyone.
https://media.mywtenfold1.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2020/08/12092955/Screenshot-2020-08-12-at-9.28.50-AM.png402712Layton Williams/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/01/NEXT-Logo-FINAL-Horizontal_lato-1030x229.pngLayton Williams2020-08-12 09:30:182020-08-12 09:30:18I Haven’t Called a Woman a “F****** B****”. That Doesn’t Make Me a Decent Man.
Rise Above My Enemy Upon the Smoke
/in Contemporary Culture, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsPicking up the weapons of one’s enemy can be dangerous and deadly; we must take care when we encounter a religion which is still justifying the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and cultures. Why would I willingly take part in my own oppression? Why would I accept or employ methods or weapons that I don’t want used on anyone I love?
Do Not Forget That You Are In A Holy Place
/in Contemporary Culture, Mission Engagement, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsThe following is a re-stating of my testimony to the Southampton Town Board, August 22, 2009. 11 years later almost to the day this same political body has finally agreed to observe a 6 month moratorium on construction, and to enact legal protocols when human remains are unearthed; which hardly resembles NYS Penal Law pertaining to cemetery desecration. Justice by its nature cannot be divine to one group while denied to another.
Deep Rural
/in Contemporary Culture, Leadership, Mission Engagement, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsChurches in the deep rural were decades ahead of what churches in larger towns and cities are experiencing now (numerical decline and struggles with building maintenance), and they may be decades ahead of us in how to be church. The discipleship coach model of congregational empowerment is one that we need to consider as a creative possibility and not a sign of defeat.
Reconnecting with Self, Nature, and the Planet
/in Christian Education, Contemporary Culture, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsThe police brutality and systemic racism that Floyd suffered, the wildfires in Northern California, and the low air quality in this country are just some of the harsh impacts of the climate crisis that have affected the planet even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This climate crisis illustrates our disconnection from our Self, from Nature, and from the planet Earth.
Self-Help Individualism Helps. It Cannot Stop the State From Murdering Black People.
/in Contemporary Culture, NEXT News, Theological Reflections /by Layton WilliamsWe evangelize self-help as salvation. The much quoted/much maligned “pick-yourself-up-by-your-boot-straps” is the end result of a culture that places heavy expectations on what you can do on your own, and specifically as a means to explicitly call against systemic change that may dare to entitle someone to something they may or may not deserve.
A Gracious and Tenacious Spirit Amidst My Cloud of Witnesses
/in Contemporary Culture, NEXT News, Theological Reflections /by Layton WilliamsWhether it’s navigating emails, phone calls, texts, push notifications, news channels, or web sites, involuntary over-excitement sums up the challenge I feel the need to lean into today. But where do I start? I have to make conscious, consistent decisions, otherwise the “cares of the world” in the Parable of the Sower will too easily “choke the word” as I am overwhelmed with the scope of voices vying for my attention. Thinking of the above verses from Hebrews, I am struck with the notion of being “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”. Who are the witnesses I can listen to and learn from?
The SHIFT: Exercises in Futility
/in Contemporary Culture, NEXT News, Racial Justice, Theological Reflections /by Layton WilliamsDo we even believe that a new creation—namely we people of GOD—is possible? Do we believe the good news of Emmanuel (God-with-us)? Do we want to be changed? Are we willing to let go of who we think we are for who we are created-to-be? We are a people created to desire justice, peace, and right relationships with all of creation as we all live in the DIVINE who simultaneously lives in us?
Mission as Resistance and Struggle
/in Contemporary Culture, Leadership, Mission Engagement, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsIn many ways, border crossings performed by refugees/migrants today is an act of resistance against nation-states who consider it their absolute right to decide who may or may not enter their borders. Refugees are resisting not having voice or visibility by breaking the silence and showing up in huge numbers at international borders, even in the midst of the current pandemic. While this kind of resistance may not be enough to improve their situation or change the system, at the very least they hope to raise awareness that something needs to be done. I believe our God struggles with them as they travel through liminal spaces.
What Is Your Yoke?
/in Contemporary Culture, Leadership, NEXT News, Theological Reflections /by Layton WilliamsMy privileged rest has the opportunity to take up Jesus’ yoke and be there for those who cannot find a way right now. For those who are fretting. For those who are frustrated. For those who feel powerless. For those who are disenfranchised. I need to listen, learn, and be present where possible to extend Jesus’ grace in solidarity to bear the burdens of my siblings in Christ and neighbors. I know my skills and resources, and I know I am blessed. I can do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with my God.
I Haven’t Called a Woman a “F****** B****”. That Doesn’t Make Me a Decent Man.
/in Contemporary Culture, Leadership, NEXT News /by Layton WilliamsI have never had the regular experience of feeling physically threatened even from people larger than me. I have never felt unsafe in a dating situation, or in any intimate setting, because movies, TV shows, songs, cultural taboos, and multiple laws in multiple levels of government protect me in these settings, not women. I don’t have scripture-clobbering texts justifying taking away my consent in sexual situations out of “submission” to my spouse, seen as a “head” authoritative figure.
And even as I type this, I know I will benefit from the fact that men say this stuff so rarely that it’s seen as somehow exemplary to say the basic thing of: don’t be physically or emotionally violent toward women with your actions or words, just like you shouldn’t with anyone.