Unity March & Rally - Justice 4 Jamar

About a month ago, Jamar Clark, was shot by police just a few blocks from my home. The unjust shooting sparked a movement of people fighting for justice in my neighborhood and in Minneapolis. For 18 days, protesters camped out at the 4th Precinct. They were united in their front - through cold, rain, snow, and even white supremacist shooting attacks - they rallied, prayed, sang, ate, encouraged, cheered and stood firm in their requests. They were cleared from the area in the middle of the night by police as large fenced barricades were erected to keep them away. That however, did not stop the powerful force of a community of people coming together to stand for justice and rights for people who have been oppressed in many ways. The group is only growing stronger - led by a strong #blacklivesmatterminneapolis group and many young black clergy and other young leaders stepping forward.  This is the time. As a white person, it is my privilege and choice to engage actively and vocally in the fight.  My friends of color - live the fight daily and hourly.  This weekend we joined together to shout for justice in the case of Jamar Clark and to pull together to fight for those who have suffered-and continue to suffer - under the hand of inequality and injustice. 

Washing Dogs and Climbing Trees

A few years ago, as I was beginning my journey as a photographer, I stumbled across the work of Olive Avenue Photography  and fell immediately in love with the beauty of the images that were so full of life, light, love and heart. She offered a mentoring session and I ended up spending some time learning from her. Jess has an amazing gift and spirit and when she wrote and asked me to take her family photographs, it was an incredible honor. Not only is she an amazing photographer, but she is an amazing wife and mother. Her love for her family is fierce and was truly evident in the time I spent with them.  I know I will continue to learn and be blessed by her work and her friendship. 

State Fair

Home

New

Together

Umbrella

portra 400

Celebrate

A celebration of the decades. The clothing. The music. The food. The decorations. All of these things came together to celebrate an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Every detail was well planned and perfect - but what stood out most to me was the love and community of family.  When she was presented with a book of the "gifts of services" each family member had performed in her honor, I could see the lasting impact of love and faithfulness throughout generations. 

Back out in the Neighborhood

Sankofa

Sankofa is a West African word which means "looking backward to move forward".  The Sankofa journey "seeks to assist disciples of Christ on their move toward a righteous response to the social ills related to racism."  Over the course of a long weekend we traveled south stopping at historic sites of the civil rights movement and sites of oppression and inequality for people of color, providing opportunities to learn from the past in hopes of beginning to be a healing voice as we move forward on the road towards reconciliation. 

The experience was made richer through sharing the journey with a partner of a different race. I could not have experienced so deeply without my dear sister, Ivory. Her openness and honesty along the way helped me to gain understanding. Her positive attitude, non-judgmental spirit, insightful questioning and ongoing grace were instrumental in making this journey life-changing.   

From the moment we jumped aboard the bus, we were hard at work thinking and growing - challenging many of our prior misconceptions and inaccurate understandings. Each experience pushed me to personally evaluate and think critically about my own story and learn from humbly listening to the stories of my new friends. We traveled the road experiencing deeply as we made important stops along the way. 

At the beginning of the trip we were forewarned that the journey may bring us to a place of chaos and uncertainty,  and although some of that chaos still lingers, God is revealing to me places in my life where I can begin to use my voice a little more strongly to speak up against the injustice of racism - in my home, in my neighborhood, in my work with teachers and children, in my church and even in my art. I also desire to walk alongside and bring encouragement to my black friends, who may be angry, discouraged, sad or tired at the lack of progress our society has made in overcoming many racist practices. I pray that I will continue to follow God's leading with humility, knowing that seeking justice begins with seeking God.

Home

Reclaim MLK MN

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."    Martin Luther King Jr.

Baptism

first word……last word

I had the privilege of spending a weekend at  Adventurous Christians in the Boundary Waters - almost as far north as you can go in MN. I brought my dad and my daughter and together we did "experience the power of God".  Living the weekend simply, we spent time together, slept by a warm fire, hiked in the woods, cleaned-up in the sauna, enjoyed meeting new faithful friends, used the outhouse, listened to the word of God read and lived-out, played with the canines, got rescued when canoeing in headwinds, and were cared for and encouraged by camp staff. This place has become special to us already…. we are believers in the power of Adventurous Christians to challenge and encourage people in their leadership skills and in their relationships with God.  Many thanks to Mike, Nicole, Owlis, Mabel and Amy for the amazing gift you gave us. We will be back.

The Fair

The Story of One

First birthdays are so special! So much changes for a new little one in the first twelve months.  From newborn to first new steps. This couple were my neighbors two houses to the South for a bit and then they were neighbors to the North. I remember how my daughter cried when they moved. Now they have an adorable little one year old.  This is the story of a one year old's celebration.

Camp

Swim

Dollhouse

My grandfather loved woodworking. He was always building and crafting something interesting. Often it was little things to decorate the wall.... but once it was this dollhouse.  It isn't fancy - in fact the inside is empty and undecorated - but I believe this allows a young little girl to use her imagination to dream about what it could be.  It might even be something different every time!

Singin' in the Bathroom