There are a growing number of Caucasian members, and even a few Asian Americans, but for the most part it's a congregation marked by African American faces, culture and style. As a white, I chose to become a member, among other reasons, to place myself in a position of discomfort and pursue racial reconciliation, seemingly magnanimous and noble reasons. But I must confess. Now that I've been a member for a few months, now that I've made a commitment to this body of believers and gone beyond simply and anonymously visiting this church on occasion, I'm already tired. And I feel weak in character for fatiguing so quickly.
Many people endure life as a minority every day, without reprieve.
As a church member, I now experience the cost that comes along with commitment. I am tired. I'm tired and I feel complaints and frustration welling up within me. To begin with, some of the sermons could make the same point in half the time. There are African American youth whom I feel are speaking an entirely different language than me.