It Starts With Me
I had a different post scheduled for this morning, but in light of the events going on in our nation, I decided to postpone that one for another week.
I cannot bring myself to watch the tape of the murder, but I have watched stories that have been told of George and his life. I have watched interviews with his grieving family. I have cried and lamented over the tone-deafness coming from some of my white friends. I have wept over my own silence during so many other murders of innocent black brothers and sisters caught on tape. I have wondered at how many other innocent lives have been snuffed out without the presence of video, photo, or first-hand witness evidence.
I have prayed. Oh man have I prayed.
After listening to interviews with Black Lives Matter leaders, black church leaders, and families who have lost their loved ones to the systemic injustices so prevalent in our nation, here is what I am hearing as a white middle-class woman is my responsibility right now.
It starts with me.
Pray.
Choose to read, listen to, and study books on Black history, theology, experience, and perspective.
As my mind is opened to past and present injustices, receive it, and speak about it.
As I uncover the truth, allow the pain to transform me.
Not everyone is going to be willing to see and hear.
My heart is heavy and words cannot express how deeply saddened I am by the senseless murder of George Floyd. May his family be granted the justice they deserve.
May we willing to see that change will not happen unless we are willing to listen, learn, and wrestle with our own complicity in the systemic injustices within our society.
As we do this, we will quickly learn that silence is no longer an option.
I will end with this prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, grow mercy in me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, be mercy through me.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.