Juneteenth reminds us that freedom declared is not the same thing as freedom embodied. The news of emancipation reached enslaved people in Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Liberation had been proclaimed, but justice still had to make its way into communities, systems, relationships, and lives. In many ways, that tension shaped the ministry and witness of John M. Perkins.

I first encountered Dr. Perkins through the Christian Community Development movement, and over the years I came to know him personally. Whenever I took leaders down to Jackson to visit the Perkins Center, he would often say something like, “You’re the people I’ve been praying for. God is going to do something remarkable through you.” It was never flattery. It felt like conviction — a deep belief that the Gospel still had power to heal what racism, poverty, and division had broken.

Dr. Perkins refused to separate evangelism from justice, reconciliation from discipleship, or personal faith from public witness. He insisted on a whole Gospel because human beings bear the image of God wholly. Long before many churches were willing to have these conversations, he embodied a vision of Christian faith rooted in beloved community, shared life, economic dignity, and costly love.

As we move toward Juneteenth, I am reminded that freedom is not merely an idea to affirm, but a reality to practice with one another. I find myself grateful for saints like Rev. Dr. John M. Perkins, whose witness continues to call us toward the hard, hopeful, and holy work of embodying the whole Gospel together.

Brave Practice
This month, take time to reflect on where liberation is still waiting to become embodied in your community, church, or relationships. Where have we reduced reconciliation to language without practicing the costly work of shared life, listening, repair, or solidarity?

Consider reaching out to someone whose witness has helped shape your understanding of the Gospel more fully — especially someone who helped you see the connection between faith, justice, and beloved community. Thank them specifically for the ways their life has challenged or formed you.

Then, ask God for one concrete way you can practice freedom with others this week — not merely as an ideal to affirm, but as a reality to embody together.