In recent days we have seen tragedy and an ever present expansion of even more devastation throughout our country. We live in unsettled times! It is very clear, whoever you are, whether civilian or police officers, that the death of George Floyd was clearly a tragedy and a murder. 8 minutes in 46 seconds was the agonizing death of a man, described as a gentle giant. We all unite in wanting to see justice. Hate and despair are so boldly reflected in all we are seeing today!
Our response should always be in consideration to others before yourself. The golden rule has never been more relevant than in our response to these current times!
Many are making this a black and white issue but today my heart is stirred beyond compare. I believe that this goes beyond race. While it does include an incredible need for race relations and national repentance, this issue is not limited to just one race over another. This blog entry may be controversial but my intent today is to help spread love not hate. We need to find a place of harmony and offer hope to many who feel so much pain!
Some may say that I have absolutely no business, as a white man, to even speak to this issue. It is very clear that I don’t fully understand everything there is in this occasion. These are complex topics that many have spent their entire lives trying to give understanding, provide wisdom, reconciliation, and hope in these dark days. One thing I do know is that the greatest majority of people are on the same side, calling for justice! What we witnessed in the death of George Floyd is an injustice! This underscores the significant tragedy and breakdown of society! Over the years we have seen incredibly difficult videos of civilians unfairly targeted and abused. Too many have died!
I believe that we cannot simply allow ourselves to reduce this matter down to simple explanations or call this just a black and white issue. I believe that it is incredibly complex. My purpose today is to just simply encourage us to love and not hate. I think that we can agree on the values that instill hope; that we can restore trust and goodwill to all.
Every church in America should be outraged both on the injustice that is on display in so many tragic experiences. We also recognize that one injustice does not equal another injustice to go unchecked. Every church should speak to this issue and to call their people to a higher road of love and grace! I call on Pastors and church leaders to speak against injustice wherever it is apparent and to express love and grace. Similar we have seen that it is possible to show harmony as in the case of the news reports of police officers walking peacefully alongside protesters. It tells us that love and trust is possible!
Nowhere in scripture do we find a justification for the negative and hate-filled actions of a few police officers who are not representing their oath to serve and protect. Yet, nowhere do we find justification for the hostile rioting and carnage that followed. Many say that it is a way to get the public attention but I believe it is the wrong message that is being communicated. Winsome and peaceful protests should not turn into riots and carnage! Our response should be that of unity that offers peace and love in an attempt to bring righteous indignation with hope-filled love and peace.
Not everyone will respond with a Christian attitude. We know that there are deep wounds that are not easily healed and when tragic events occur where there is abuse and death we see people reacting with fear and often hate is the emotion of anger we can expect. Yet, we are to consider and respond with love!
Ephesians 4:29 reads; “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
I am confident that light will push back darkness! I’m also certain that any that call this a black and white issue have not thought deeply enough. This is a human race issue not just one race or another. Although we see it on display every day!
History, if history has taught us anything, it is racism both in the past and in the present we have faced injustice before! I am equally confident that we can overcome through goodness and mercy. Just a little more than 150 years ago we read about the injustice of the Native Americans, who through public policy were displaced and their citizenship revoked, thought they were, after all, the first nation!
Go deeper and we can see that the Chinese immigrants or any others who came to this country to seek hope and prosperity only to receive hate and indifference. Perhaps we could move beyond just a black and white issue to see the greater depth and range of conversation that we should have as we first must listen! My own childhood echoes with the pain and anguish of such hatred. Having grown up just south of Detroit, I can understand in-part because I have witnessed in-part racial tension. I recall the conversations years after the death of Martin Luther King known as the race riots. I know of the my earliest feelings of fear as news echoed the evening news reports of Detroit on fire every Halloween. I recall the tension that was evidenced by mistrust and bitterness. I saw racism firsthand.
I remember my teen years. I went to a very diverse high school. One of the choirs that I joined was predominantly a group of black teens and I was the only white, blonde haired member of this all-male choir. I have to tell you that I gained a brotherhood relationship with my peers and witnessed my life transforming experience that developed a new tone in depth to my understanding. I was accepted though not easily because I had to prove myself. Yet, overtime I was accepted and could contribute to the culture and community of this group. The largest difference of from me and my friends was not the color of our skin but the fact that I have no rhythm!
In these very serious days we are challenged to look and respond during this time of crisis in a positive and encouraging way. We should stand alongside members of races that are different in order to find unity in their cause!
I believe it’s so helpful for us to listen and learn before we do anything else. There is great healing as we listen.
I love what Tony Dungy wrote recently on this issue:
Love covers a multitude of sins; beginning with mine.
