May 31, 2020
As I watched the video of George Floyd slowly dying while being held to the ground by a police officer’s knee on his neck, I was both sickened and appalled. The next day, what started out as protests against this travesty, turned into looting and rioting. Angry people were everywhere, yelling, screaming, stealing, and destroying. As we watch the news and plug into social media, we find other angry people. Some folks are angry because others are wearing masks to protect themselves and others from Covid-19, while some other folks are mad at those who are not wearing masks, accusing them of being selfish and unloving. Democrats are mad at Republicans and vice versa while other people are mad because they can’t get a haircut. As I watch and listen to all of this unfold, sometimes I don’t know how to think or how to feel. Do you know what I think we should do (whether you do or not, I am going to tell you because it’s my post)? First, we all need to just stop and breathe. Let’s stop running wide open on the strength of our emotions. Then, we need to always take a stand for what is right and just especially when others around us are being treated in an unjust way, no matter their skin color, religion or social standing. Right is right while wrong is wrong, period. With that stated, those of us who are Christ followers need to remember that an angry, confused world is watching what we do. They are watching how we react. While we are called to stand for mercy and justice, we are also called to be salt and light to a lost, diseased and dying world. We need to stop and remember that these people, who act in ways that are sometimes horrific, are not our enemies. They have been blinded by the evil one. The only difference between us and them is Jesus. While we all need to take a stand against and speak out against hatred, racism and all other forms of oppression, please, for God’s sake and for all that we stand for and believe in, let’s stand up and speak out in a way that honors God. Let’s present our message in a loving, God-honoring way. Even though our message may be the right message, the last thing this world needs is more angry voices. The problem is, with so many loud voices, with so much noise, no one is able to hear. Let’s remember this verse, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23.
Be blessed and be a blessing…Brother Andy

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