Earlier this year, I made myself watch the video of Ahmaud Arbery even though I really didn't want to. And it was just awful. My stomach churched and my tears fell. Since then, I have have been grieved by what has transpired - many extremely derogatory and racist comments about Black people, groups choosing "sides", everyone angry, and violence, so much emotional and physical violence. My heart was equally broken when I saw the video of the police officers being ambushed recently. I echo the sentiments of Jeremy Cohen who said, 'Every act of violence begins when someone's life is valued less."
How I see it may not be how you see it, and that's ok. I'm ok with different opinions. But I'm trying my best to align my heart with God's heart - not with a political party, or an ethnic group, a pastor, or an organization, or a church. Tony Evans was spot on when he said, "Idolatry is when loyalty to the creation is greater than your loyalty to the Creator." I just want to be like Jesus. It doesn't make sense for me to form an opinion and take a side based on what has happened or how majors, cities, neighbors, or even the President has handled it. Regardless of how or why the storm was created, Jesus still calls us to love, even if I don't agree on the semantics of how we got here. There's a people group who feel unworthy. But the truth of the scriptures and the heart of the gospel screams the opposite. There is no one more worthy than those He has created.
Only Jesus can soften hardened hearts guys. He has certainly done that to mine, time and time again and if he can work with me, he can work in and through the worst offender out there.
"Don't let yourself be consumed with things that will one day pass away. Only One is worthy." Psalm 135:13
