I am fortunate because I have friends from diverse cultural backgrounds. However, I am remiss for my failures to consistently seek understanding of the life experiences — the trials and the celebrations — of those who are different from me. I don’t see such things as race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation as a barrier to prevent me from loving them. But perhaps the problem is that I just don’t see. I just don’t fully understand. That is a symptom of my privilege. On numerous occasions I have had to ask for patience and forgiveness as I’ve stumbled from a lack of sensitivity. Sensitivity is only a starting point. Each one of us must take action. That action should begin with a deepening of our relationships. And we must address our fear.
We have had too many tragedies triggered because of our “differences.” Whether it be skin color, religion, gender, or political persuasion, we need to understand that all of this is God’s creation. All the differences are part of God’s creativeness and are meant to bring us joy. Instead of joy, we are bringing fear to God’s party.
Terrible things have been happening. Some have been addressed. Some answers have come very slowly. Some answers seem impossible to find.
Violence is not one of those answers. Sadly, violence is part of the cycle that demands law and order. And law and order can go astray quickly in the face of fear. Those steps backward do not justify the end of law and order. That fear does not justify unequal treatment.
Today is a sad day in Dallas, Texas. Our hearts and our prayers are with that city, with the families who have empty chairs at their tables this morning, with the citizens who are enduring a time when fear seems to be the safest place because of the vigilance it brings.
But remember that yesterday was a sad day somewhere else — in Louisiana, in Minnesota, in Istanbul . . .
If we are to fully accept our roles as God’s children, we have to stop taking sides. We must seek relationship with those who see things differently and even those who adamantly disagree with us. If we don’t, we are left only with fear. No understanding. No blessed intimacy with others who can teach us so much about what God truly wants.
Please end the fear. Talk to people. All people. Pray for people. All people. Perhaps while we are praying, God will provide a holy space where we can make better decisions, choose better words, take a different course of action.
To those among my friends who this post offends or disturbs. I will not ask that you unfriend me or obliterate my blogsite from your internet, although that is your choice. It has become all too easy in this world to press that “unfriend” button. I would ask that you be respectful of me, however. I will be glad to talk with you about anything. Social media can be a wonderful place to bring understanding. However, it often lacks the context of that blessed moment when two people come together. Remember, Jesus specifically identified that space as a place he’ll join us. Thanks in advance for listening to me, even if you disagree.
Not offended, Joey. Encouraged that there are people like you saying things like this. It seems that reason & understanding are seen as signs of weakness these days. May this kind of “weakness” win out. Keep speaking, Joey. Keep speaking.
Thank you, Ken. It’s odd, but people often make conscious decisions not to understand because of their fear. They are afraid that understanding would make them change in a way that they would lose something. Wouldn’t a world without fear be awesome? Glad to be facing this world with friends like you.
I’m chiming in a little late and with two men I have always held in great esteem. Thanking my God to have precious friends, life long and new, in my life’s walk. Always in awe of your word smithing Joey! Again thank you for illuminating with the written word.
It’s never too late to chime in, Nikki. Although, in this case if “chime” is a codeword for singing, you and Ken are on your own. I’m happy to tap a tambourine in the background with you two. Thanks for your kind words.