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The Climate of America

These last two weeks have been heavy. The climate of our country has been sensitive due to the overwhelming impact of several Black people being slain by Police officers or White aggressors in such a short time.

We watched the nation go into chaos as the last straw was drawn when George Floyd lost his life to Derek Chauvin. People were tired. Blacks were tired and for the first time, some of us have seen support from all over the entire world against police brutality against Blacks. Not only that but many of us seen White clergy and other Whites, who had never admitted that racism existed admit that racism is real.

I watched White commentators on several national television news shows admit to systemic racism in this country. There was something different about this time when we took the hit of losing yet another of our own. Other people began to take the loss with us, and that provided some type of relief, but this isn’t over. There is much to be done.

The Bible isn’t silent on such an issue of what we have been experiencing in America. God’s word says chaos is to be expected under leadership that does not prioritize justice. It also says that when the wrong leaders are in position the people will mourn. Finally, God’s word talks about how we can easily lose heart becoming discouraged when fathers, metaphorical for leaders, aggravate their children, metaphorical for constituents, provoking them to discouragement and disheartenment. These are all things we are currently seeing in our country. Humility among leaders who genuinely care for people will be the answer to this sensitive situation.

Proverbs 29:4 – By justice, a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
Proverbs 29:2 – When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Another version says to lose heart.- Col 3:21

James Baldwin shares a quote that communicates the sentiment of the tired and disheartened:

“The Most dangerous man of any society is the man who has nothing to lose.”

The above quote, speaks to the a result of marginalization and the grief of seeing our people killed again and again and how grief can cause us to experience a myriad of emotions at one time, which can lead to losing rationale and possibly self-destructive behavior. We want to avoid self-destructive behavior that lacks rationale at all costs and re-direct our anger into producing positive change.

The answer to this crisis of police brutality that lacks justice is to have the proper leaders in place who will prioritize justice in our country, which will reduce the chaos and create stability. Some of our great leaders, who are still living are encouraging us in this effort such as President Barack Obama, and T.D. Jakes. They challenge us to become more aware of our local officials that we vote into office to hold them accountable because they affect the policies that determine whether we will get justice as it relates to police brutality or not. Thank God for godly leaders who genuinely care about the people and practice wisdom galvanizing others for change and providing stability. Leaders like Barack and T.D. Jakes are so very important to us right now.

In the video, I also share my thoughts on people’s response to Black Lives Matters. For more practical things you can do in addition to prayer, feel free to peruse the list below:

  • Create a safe space for ourselves and others where we are willing to listen to others and we’re willing to be aware of when we are personally being overwhelmed.
  • Guard our hearts by not focusing too much on the negative images out there. Also, protect our emotional and mental health by avoiding unproductive arguments with those who oppose justice and make this moment about them.
  • Build ourselves up praying, listening to edifying information, and abiding in a healthy community with those who seek justice as justice is a part of the heartbeat of God.
  • By all means, do not tell others racism doesn’t exist. Read a book if you are familiar with systemic racism. Some book suggestions are Michelle Alexander’s, “The New Jim Crow” and “The Color of Law” by Richard Rothstein.
  • Give financial donations to organizations on the frontline
  • March to help create urgency of these issues
  • Subscribe to newsletters of organizations who are on the frontline fighting for justice for opportunities to get involved.

Organizations that we can get involved with:

  • Woke Vote
  • NAACP Legal Defense Fund
  • My Brother’s Keeper
  • Color of Change
  • Black Futures Lab
  • Campaign Zero
  • Center for Policing Equity
  • National Black Justice Coalition
  • Movement for Black Lives
  • New York City Anti-Violence Project

Finally, remember we do not have to turn our hearts against Christ to remain committed to justice. It is not God’s will for Blacks or any people to endure injustice. God is with us and for us and he is for Justice.

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