It is time to change
What weighs on my heart this week is the racism revealed in yet another death of a black man at the hands of, or under the knee of, a police officer. My heart breaks for George Floyd’s family and for all those who live in fear of police simply because of the color of their skin. I have heard the first-hand stories of so many black mothers and fathers who live in the constant fear that a broken taillight in a car, or for no reason at all their son or daughter may be stopped by police, knowing that such an encounter could have a fatal end.
My white privilege spares me that fear for myself and my children, but care for my brothers and sisters of color still weighs me down. I care deeply that no future generation of people of color will have to live in fear in this land that promises freedom.
As we near the end of the Easter season, the question comes to my mind, “What does being saved by Christ’s death and resurrection mean to a black person in America in the year 2020? How has our faith lived up to the words of St Paul in Galatians “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal 3:27-28 NRSV). To whom does Christ’s post-resurrection greetings of “Peace be with you,” apply? Does living in fear of an unjust and untimely death allow for someone to feel redeemed? I’ve studied the scriptures enough to know that the freedom that comes with “being saved” is for the here and now, not just for the future.
Not all of us in our nations are Christian, but those who profess that faith have a lot of repenting to do. We have allowed this to go on too long. Referencing the time of their oppression after the walk to Montgomery, Dr. King asked many times: “How long?” “Too long” they responded, repeatedly in 1965. Fifty-five years later maybe it is time we all take a knee
together and raise our voices in prayer. Then find a way to work against the racism that lives within us, within our nations and throughout this world.
One concrete way to do that would be to join the Poor People’s Campaign that will be a virtual March on Washington, June 20, 2020. Your participation and perhaps a small donation will help those who want to speak out for themselves
to fight the ongoing racism and poverty in our nation. The stories they are sharing are ones we all need to hear. As a bonus, the virtual march on the capitol will be a peace seeking protest where the scriptures will be opened and
read, not held up for a camera, this protest will not be broken up by the President’s military or the flash-bangs and tear gas they employ.
Maybe the truth we hear will break open our hearts.
Let us come together in justice to find peace.