Something has to be done.
We cannot not stand up to this. We cannot respond in hate or fear. But we have to respond.
If you are white, your voice is needed in this fight. And if you follow Jesus, your voice isn’t an option.
A couple of Tweets I keep thinking about:
“If white women were dying like this at the rate black men are dying, I would be terrified EVERY DAY.” (Annie F. Downs)
This. This is the mindset we need to get into if we are of the powerful majority. Never mind that if shootings were happening regularly to white women no one would stand for it. Instead, focus on what that would be like for you.
And by Jeremy Courtney of Preemptive Love:
In this broken world, how do we even begin to pick up the pieces?
“We cross the street, city, state, country, and world until we find the people who scare us and spend time together.”
Really. If you haven’t seen this video on how to move forward in racial reconciliation, watch it. Then keep in mind his four points that can lead to change:
1. Proximity – be near to those suffering. And listen.
2. Change the narratives – let truth and love, not hate and fear, guide our thoughts.
3. Stay hopeful (getting harder, I know. But we have to have a vision for a better future in mind.)
4. Do uncomfortable things – share what you know. What you’ve heard.
Remember we must keep justice as chief among our priorities.
3rd tweet is by Jennie Allen:
“Everyone is aching for peace. But peace without justice is oppression.”
Peace without justice is oppression. More oppression.
We cannot talk about reconciliation without justice. This must be acknowledged as wrong. Sin. Not okay. If it wouldn’t be okay for your family member, it is not okay for any citizen. I don’t know what this looks like on a state or national or political level. But we can figure this out on a personal and faith community level. And figure out how to represent Him on the larger scene.
We honor authority.
And we peacefully submit to a Higher One.
Racism is not okay. Profiling is not okay. I know it will not go away overnight. But it must be addressed. Keep your heart soft and your prayers constant. If Jesus is your Savior, you have the Perfect Example to follow of laying down your life for your brothers and sisters. In love, not hate.
Pray, Believers. He is on His throne. Let’s respond faithfully where we need to.
“‘These are the things you are to do:
Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the LORD.”
Zechariah 8:16-17
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13