Black Lives Matter. Back the Blue.
I support both of these statements. Period. End of Sentence.
They do not have to be contradictory. A friend of mine posted something that really made me think. She said (in short) that remaining neutral in the current conversation about race relations is the same as saying you see no need for change. I immediately responded, saying- “I am not neutral. Hatred is wrong.”
The recent death of George Floyd was the straw that broke the country’s back. For this child of the sixties, it is incomprehensible that we are still fighting the same battle. We should have learned long ago that God created all races with the same goal in mind. That all should share in His love equally.
I have tried to live my life with an attitude of treating everyone with love, regardless of differences. I hope that we have raised our children the same way. But, by remaining quiet, I have added to the problem. I must now make my position clear. So many terrible incidents have been ignored and denied in the years before video evidence was available. We all must recognize that hatred exists, and that the experiences of our black brothers and sisters can no longer be minimized.
I am also the proud daughter of a career police officer. I was raised to respect and appreciate all men and women who put on that uniform to place their lives on the line for mine each day. The conduct of the officers in the Floyd incident was clearly reprehensible, and contrary to the purpose of protecting and serving all citizens. It should be treated as a criminal act, and never tolerated.
I will continue to be grateful and proud of the officers who serve the way they were trained, with strength and authority, and respect for all they come in contact with. The daily sacrifice of these servants and their families should also be recognized.
So why the pile of rocks? This comes from the Old Testament book of Joshua. When God’s people crossed the Jordan river into their promised land, they left behind years of slavery, followed by years of wandering in the wilderness. Their new leader directed them to bring rocks from the middle of the dry riverbed to build a monument to God’s grace. This Ebenezer, Joshua said, would remain as a conversation starter for years to come. Joshua 4:21-24. The children of the future would know that “The hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” NKJV
What is my role during these turbulent days? Absent the current pandemic, I would love to stand in unity with those carrying signs at our courthouse, link arms with them, pray with them for peace and unity. But after months of working from home and staying away from gatherings of any kind, it would be foolish to risk my health, and possibly spread this dangerous virus to someone else. So, I will use the talents and the tools God has blessed me with to get my message out.
Let my words be my Ebenezer. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
photo credit: Josh Liba <a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/26121794@N07/9614538803″>Temporary Tower</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/”>(license)</a>
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