Saturday, August 16, 2014

I Know A Boy








He just shook his head and laughed again.


I picked at the knot without unraveling a single loose thread.


And if he wasn't safe, then neither was I.











Friends, it is time for a Holy riot.






I want him to be free - really free.

Why We've Got to Go There by Deidra Riggs
Reframing by Becca Stanley at The Stanley Clan



  1. Shannan, this is so right. Thank you, for hitting publish. I'm still working through my own words. Tonight, I'm deeply grateful for yours.

  2. this is an incredible post and i'm so glad you chose to use your voice.

  3. oh sweet shannan! i am on my knees praying for us all. little boys on couches, bless! i have tears. sweet innocence gone. what has happened to humanity? what can we do to help these kids be kids, feel safe in this world, be happy and care free? to grow up and live their lives to the fullest and give their kiddos the same opportunity. where does is start?

  4. It is time for a holy right.

    This. Yes. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, we don't have to have all the answers nice and neat to make a difference.

  5. YES.

    I see so many similarities to my students when I see these events playing out. The vulnerability of their souls and the ease of prejudice is heartbreaking. Thank you for walking the walk.

  6. I'm so thankful you hit publish. Reading this aloud to my SS class because it's no coincidence that we just started Multiply.

  7. Inspirational. Thank you for speaking this truth. May we have ears to hear and eyes to see.

  8. Amen... just that. It feels like not enough... but it's a start, and I feel a holy riot arising!

  9. Shannan, this is so beautiful and it has helped me understand things, see things, in a new way. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this post. May we all strive for deeper understanding and deeper love for one another.

  10. This image of an 8 year old boy, alone on a couch with a gun, being the "man of the house", is one I will not quickly forget. Thanks you for these timely words,


  11. Oh man...your posts often hit me right in the heart. This one is no different. Thank you for putting not only your words, but your heart out for all of us. I giggle evertime you refer to yourself as shy or introverted...because you put so much, SO MUCH, out there. Thank you again for sharing!

    1. I know, it seems confusing.
      I think it's important to share honestly and openly about lots of things...and I love a good get-together with friends. But you can't imagine the way I crave alone time and complete silence. (Those topics don't make for exciting blog posts. Ha!)
      Thanks for the comment!

  12. Like everyone else, I just want to thank you for using your voice. And thank you do sharing the post, "Black Bodies, White Souls." What a powerful call to action! I so often read and wonder what I can really do. Now I have a list!

    Praying for you this morning as I rock my little one. That you would continue to listen to the Spirit and use your voice. That you would not be led by this call to action alone, but by the One who calls you! xoxo

  13. Oh my. A holy riot. Wouldn't that be something?

  14. I have an eight-year-old son. I held my breath through this whole post. I still can't breathe.

  15. You have a wonderful gift in seeing what most of us don't understand and worse don't even see.

  16. i have a 9 year old boy and just could not even imagine him having to hold a gun to feel safe , my goodness he still holds a teddy bear for comfort . my 4 children and I will be praying together . I don't live in the same enviroment and have only seen this in the news and talks on the radio and so don't understand all of what is happening but I hold it all in my heart .

  17. I was raised on the North side of a big city. My dad a Missionary Pastor. I recall the Rodney King beating and the riots that rocked the world. Police officers knocking at our door reminding us we were the only white family in this neighborhood. My dad being the pastor we were protected but they asked us to stay in the basement to be safe. Needless to say for our protection we were moved out and dad moved us back to the small town with family. This small town doesnt have the black and white issues. Other bigger problems and my solution is prayer. My children have walked the streets of San Fran and. Moore Ok and Joplin Mo because humanity is real.