An Open Letter to Pastor Sheryl Brady…. Thank-You!
Unless you have been living under a rock, then you know that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are now President-Elect and Vice President-Elect. You also know that the women on the left, Paula White-Cain, went viral over a prayer and a prophetic declaration that the White House’s current occupant would remain in power. I will not participate in the public dragging that she is on the receiving end of… as much as I have to say, I’m just not.
What I will do is take a moment to thank the women on the right. For those of you who don’t know her, she is Pastor Sheryl Brady. Let me be blunt; she is a white woman that pastors a predominantly black church launched out of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ ministry. I don’t say that to minimize her success in ministry, before moving to DFW to lead the Potter’s House of North Dallas, which she built from a small ministry out of a school auditorium to a thriving church in the north Dallas area, Pastor Brady had a flourishing church in Durham, North Carolina called The River Church. (Full Disclosure: I have known of Pastor Brady’s ministry for about 15 years).
Similarly, Paula pastors what once was a predominantly black church started by a Black man. Ironically, Paula White was brought to the public stage by Bishop T.D. Jakes as well. I’m not going to dive into a discussion about how two women who were brought to the public stage by a Black man can diverge on such different paths….that would involve me dragging White, and again, I won’t do that.
After the incidents of racial injustice that occurred this year, particularly the slaying of George Floyd, Pastor Brady got on Instagram and acknowledged that she didn’t have all the solutions. Still, her heart was broken to see such injustice in America, and she would use her platform to speak up against it. In all honesty, I was a bit skeptical. I have seen too many times when White preachers have been embraced by the Black Church out of pure love and belief in their anointing and let down when these same white leaders don’t show that same compassion for the black community in times where it matters most.
Let me be clear; I’m not calling or insinuating that Paula White is a racist. Instead, I want to acknowledge Pastor Brady for taking a stand for what is right. Over the last year, Pastor Brady has demonstrated how to not only be a good Shepard to her flock but a good Shepard of her platform. Listen, I have personally seen Pastor Brady evolve from being the quintessential old school preacher to a 21st-century pastor engaged in the people’s spiritual and social well-being that follow her.
She has never expressed her political views or used her platform to push one party or another, but she has used it to encourage civic engagement, and this should be commended. In a time where race relations, politics, and church leadership can be quite polarizing, she has been a leader bold enough to proclaim the gospel, speak against social injustice, and encourage engagement in our political processes. I know this was in no way easy, and she has probably experienced some backlash for this work.
Some other white pastors in black spaces could learn from her example. I don’t know if Pastor Brady will ever read or see this, but Thank you, Pastor Brady, for being a voice of hope in these times. I still believe in the American experiment and our ability to connect regardless of race or politics. Centuries ago, we realized slavery was an ill deeply rooted in this nation's origin story, and still today, we do the work to correct it. Black folks can’t do that work alone; neither can white people. Together as one nation, we must actively engage the systems that have institutionalized racism, challenge leaders when they are wrong, and always pray for them. I’ve decided to walk away from this bitter political season, and instead of more vitriol, I will show love, thanks, and gratefulness for the people who understand what being an American is all about. Again, thank you, Pastor Brady…. I can say I feel your love and genuine concern for people. Pastoring in this time and having a broad platform isn’t easy and, at times, is thankless work. Please continue to use your voice to promote political engagement, love, faith, and hope in a time where so many are struggling and fighting for better.
Dr. John R. Harrell II, affectionately known as “Dr. J,” is an innovative thinker with proven skills working with people from diverse academic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. John is the grandson of Mississippi farmers and the son of a retired Army soldier. He is a proud first-gen graduate and has seen first-hand the positive economic impact that education can have on families. Dr. Harrell has taken on the personal commitment of being a fierce educational advocate for the underserved and underprepared. The views expressed in this post are his solely and do not represent the views of Dr. Harrell’s employers or organizations that he is affiliated with.
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