I didn't know how to address everything happening, but I knew I did not want to stay silent. So first I prayed. Hard. And I read my Bible. And then I realized, I needed to write. It is what I love. It is how I best express myself.
While I am an "American" I feel almost like an outsider as I am watching this all unfold. Living in Germany I tend to feel like I live in a bubble. Needless to say, my bubble has been abruptly popped.
I first want to say I am saddened, confused, and appaled by the unjust, brutal murder of the innocent George Floyd. And that is an understatement. This is not only about racism, but also about a truly innocent man who was murdered by an evil, corrupt man. I understand that I, as a white woman, will never understand. But I am not ignorant, I know that these injustices are very prevalent in our black community, but I am nonetheless shocked. It hurts me to know that any human has to endure such discrimination, but especially in America where every citizen is supposed to be FREE. It is the whole reason I live in another country, because my husband is serving, fighting for the freedom of EVERY American Citizen. I keep thinking, this must be such painful deja vu for anyone who was alive for the Civil Rights movement in the sixties. This issue was supposed to be resolved and banished from our country!!
And my heart only breaks further seeing the riots. Seeing these fires, ruined buildings, more people being hurt and killed. The destruction of people's livelihood. The HATE being spread by so many. Now do not misunderstand, I know this is all an act of rage. Very justified rage. I see the meaning and intent behind it. But we are quite literally fighting fire with fire and it is only creating more fire! I pray so hard for a solution that does not involve the violence that first ignited this rage. It has been done before!
Ephisians 4:26 says, "Be angry, and yet do not sin.."
As a christian woman especially, it just does not make sense to me how so much hate can be spread over the color of someone's skin. The first thing I think of is the song I sang so often in VBS as a child that says, "red and yellow, black and white. they are precious in HIS sight". Our mighty God created us all in his loving image. Why is the superiority of one person, or group of people, because of their skin color even a thing!?
1 Samuel 16:7 says, "...for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."
Romans 14:13 says, "Therefore let us not pass judgement on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hinderance in the way of a brother"
Something I have noticed that is really bothering me is the hate being spread on social media. I have not experienced this, but I have seen so much of this happening to those that I follow. I personally love being a part of this social media age. For me, it is such a fun, positive space. Now I know social media is a strong tool, in fact, it is the most relevant tool in our world today. But just because some people are not posting about it, does not mean they are complacent. EVERYONE GRIEVES DIFFERENTLY. You do not know what else these people could be doing to address the situation in their own ways. They could be donating, volunteering, teaching, learning, PRAYING.
Matthew 6: 5-6 says, "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corner, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you"
This is a time that will no doubt be marked in history. Generations after us will learn about everything happening at this very moment. This is an opportunity for positive change. Do it right. Do it respectfully. Set an example.
I will end with a passage I have read several times in the last five days...
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or riviling for riviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For 'Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.' Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" - 1 Peter 3: 8-17
I welcome open, kind conversation about any of these topics
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