What Can I do?

We are in such a crazy time. but we are here "for such a time as this." I keep thinking about hearing a message on how in God's amazing timing, the New Testament and the Good News of Jesus happened at the perfect time. The technology of the day including the Roman roads were pathways that enable that message to begin to spread throughout the world. In the same, I think the technology of today including social media enables us to see from a national level that racism still exists. Bad things have happened to people over the ages, but when you don't hear about many. You may not see that they are systematic, you can be saddened by the situation but not feel drawn to action because it was one bad man or a bad police officer not a systemic issue. I'll be honest, I thought that way for a long time. The recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd and reading, listening to messages like this from Christine Caine/ Dr. Phillips have change my mind. 

I believe God allowed these tragedies to occur to catalyst us to change. It's not okay to sit silently while people are being marginalized. So what can I do? what can you do?

First and foremost, pray. From our sermon this morning "When the God of the universe offers to help you, why would you want to fight on your own?" Don't try to fight this on your own. It's a battle you can't win or you own. But.. you can pray for God to act. You can pray for God to bless you and enlarge your territory. Pray that you can speak and act in loving ways and that the ripple effect of your words and actions will show God's love to the world. You can pray for others to do the same. 

What else? You can educate your children and those around you. You can intentionally make friends with people of other ethnic/ racial groups. Not just talk to at church, school, work, ...   but come over let's BBQ in the backyard friends. Pandemic aside- when was the last time you invited a person or family of a different race/ ethnicity to dinner? If it's been a while, change that. Be intentional. 

Use social media to spread a positive message. Yes, it's horrible that some people used this time to loot and destroy property, but don't let that be the new message. What can we do to right the wrongs of the past? To train a future generation to  "judge people by the content of their character not the color of their skin. "

Listen to Dr. Phillips message and use trauma embraced approach- create safe spaces for people who have been marginalized to voice their pain. Dr. Phillips encouraged thinking about someone in pain like a person coming out of sex trafficking or a soldier with PTSD. You wouldn't be surprised at that person acting out in pain or not trusting people who remind them of their oppressors. Don't be surprised if people who have been oppressed because of their race don't initially trust you. Show yourself trustworty. 

 Be the Bridge  The mission of this group is to inspire and equip ambassadors of racial reconciliation. It is our desire to build a community of people who share a common goal of creating healthy dialogue about race.

As Dr. Phillips said, I am believe we are on the verge of real change. Let's pray and make a difference!