Tag: George Floyd

Greetings Visitors and New Beginnings Family.

The tragic and senseless murder of George Floyd by a policeman whose purpose it is to serve and protect evokes in me deep emotions of anger, disgust, hopelessness, and heartache. Anger in that there is no reason George Floyd should be dead today. Disgust at the systemic racism that permeates nearly every aspect of our society and the violence that grips our nation. Hopelessness in that there is seemingly no political will to do what is needed to stem the tide of racism and violence. Heartache for the families of the victim and the perpetrator. First, for the family of George Floyd that is bereaving the loss of their loved one, and then, for the family of the perpetrator who must endure reproach for the actions of a brutal man who will likely go to prison.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, how do I unpack these feelings and what does the Lord require of me? The Bible in Micah 6:8 commands me to do justly and to love mercy. To walk humbly with my God gives me the wisdom I need to understand and live out God’s principles of justice and mercy.

What happened to George Floyd is senseless and cries out for justice. For me to “do justly” requires me to agree with God. But it also demands that I courageously act on what I know to be true. Perhaps it will require me to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:29-31) and confess the sins of my ancestors for their sins against people of color. Maybe it is to vote for those political leaders I feel will work to establish justice. Additionally, I must do all I can to educate myself and truly listen to those who are oppressed. To love mercy requires a willingness to set aside my rights for the sake of others. It also means that I am not to seek vengeance but instead to forgive others as Jesus has forgiven me.

The hopelessness I feel comes from seeing no end to the racism and violence and results from my failure to keep my eyes on Jesus. I know Jesus will one day establish His kingdom on earth, but I must work tirelessly for justice in the meantime. I also need to understand that real change may not come about in my lifetime. That is the hard part.

The disgust I feel comes from the racism and smug look of superiority on the face of that cop. The Bible teaches us that all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God (Romans 3:23). This means that God doesn’t see any of us any more superior than the other. The Bible also teaches us that God loves us and wants us all to be saved (John 3:16). This means that the salvation found in Jesus Christ is available to whosoever believes. The way to root out racism from the human heart is not to legislate it out but to transform it by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:1-3). I believe that we at New Beginnings Alliance Church are uniquely equipped to bring this message to our community and effect real change one heart at a time.

The righteous anger I feel leads me to call things as I see them. I pray that I don’t forget the abhorrent images of that cop kneeling on George’s neck and I hope that image continues to motivate me to good works. Finally, I am to mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). First for George Floyd and his family, the City of Minneapolis, every police officer that practices justice in the performance of their duties, Madison, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States. There are so many problems and one solution. Are God’s people up to it?

Your fellow pilgrim in looking for a country of our own (Hebrews 11:13-16),

Gary