Yesterday we celebrated our youngest son’s birthday. I’ve been trying to find clarity and peace in the chaos that has engulfed 2020 so far. It was a rather surreal day. The birthday boy had a great day. At three he is oblivious to all of this.
I often watch my kids play and wonder who they’ll grow up to be. I pray over them for their future, their salvation (when they’re old enough), and their future spouses. Watching the heartbreaking news unfold across our country recently has led me to some painful realizations.
As I watched our boy happily play in the yard and thought about all the things I worry about for my kids… I’ve never worried about their safety in the hands of law enforcement. I can’t imagine how terrifying it must be for people of color and in particular Blacks.
And seeing the news these past few months unfold with Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and now David McAtee, it’s not hard to see why. Even when law enforcement is not responsible for their deaths the judicial system is not quick to pursue justice such as with Ahmaud Arbery.
WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD TO BE NAIVE
I won’t lie, the term white privilege used to feel insulting. It seemed like it discredited any hardships or hard work and determination on my part. The older I’ve gotten the more I’ve realized that’s not what it means at all. It simply means the color of my skin hasn’t contributed.
I do not know what to say or do to make things better but pray. And I encourage all Christians to pray for our nation. Pray for our minorities in distress, pray for wisdom, guidance, and proper course of action from our leaders.
One of the daily devotions this week on our church Facebook page said that we pray Christians are not a part of the problem. I pray this prayer too. Our nation is hurting, its people are hurting – God’s children are hurting and I do not want to add to that hurt.
While some try to find middle ground and claim all lives matter as if that solves any problems ( and truly all life is sacred), you can’t honestly say that unless you also believe Black lives matter. I choose to pray, listen, and seek God’s guidance on this.
IN SHORT, I’LL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR PEACE IN THE CHAOS
I will pray for the safety of those who peacefully protest, a change of heart for those who look to take advantage of this situation, and systemic change so that every citizen is truly treated with equal rights under the law.
I just know I couldn’t come on here and post a typical budget breakdown like nothing was happening in this nation. I have nothing profound to add to the conversation, but I am listening.
2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
I’m clinging to this promise. I’m praying for it. I hope you are as well. Our nation needs healing.
I loved this post Cassie! So thoughtful. I know as an Asian I never understood what it’s like to be targeted by the cops for my skin color, but I have experienced microagressions in the past.
I agree that we Christians must pray, but we must also do our part such as educating ourselves through books, articles, podcasts about racism, speaking up when someone says something racist, supporting black businesses (and for you, there’s a lot of black-owned nontoxic household businesses!)
Hannah