September 14, 2020

​30 Days of Anti-Racism

I hope you spend these 30 days in thought and prayer around issues of race and the work it takes each day to commit to anti-racism.  And I hope that God will put in your path blessings and surprises.  I imagine you are gathering the tools needed to live boldly and act courageously.  The 30 Days of Anti-Racism invites us today to "plan to participate in an anti-racism demonstration."  I wonder how that will look for you.

I have been struggling between peaceful protest and destructive violence.  There is a great power and energy when people come together to advocate change.  No one likes to see people or property hurt or damaged.  Could the violence erupt from years of abuse and pent-up anger and frustration?  I imagine it's not out of the realm of possibility that people who have been hurt might turn to violence.  Or, could there be a small number of people inciting violence?  We know that fear and destruction are often lead stories on the nightly news.  Could these few people who choose to riot overwhelm the real story of vast numbers of people seeking justice in peaceful ways?  I suppose that is a possibility.  It's also not beyond the imagination that there are some who are setting fires so that the blame is placed on others, thus turning hearts and minds away from the true purpose of the movement to end racism.  All this to say, being invited to participate in an anti-racism demonstration is powerful and complicated.

This is where we could work together.  The youth are considering ways they could stand at the corner of 32nd and Michael with signs that advocate for peace and justice.  Consider joining them.  See the determination on their faces.  Listen to the passion in their voices.  When we stand together, it makes it easier to say what needs to be said.  When we stand together we can all be more courageous to do the things Christ asks us to do.

What would you write on your sign if you were to demonstrate against racism?  What did MLK and others learn from Jesus when committing to non-violent protest, and was that easy or difficult?

Peace,
Dean