It Starts With Me

How have you adapted to our changing world this first half of 2020? Personally, I am having a hard time with the most recent world events like the pandemic, police brutality, protests and riots. It is frightening. It is heartbreaking. It is disturbing. Quite frankly, not only have I been triggered by some of these events, but it has taken me time to process. As I search for a better understanding, I am trying to find the balance between staying informed and burying my head in the sand, ignoring all of it. In my quest for understanding, I know that in order to adapt to change, I must be willing to accept the things I cannot change and change the things I can.

Since change will start with me, I need to look at how I process things. I don’t profess to have all the answers, but what I do know is that deep in the core of my being, I have a need for truth, order, and reliability. When I sense lies are being told, chaos around me, reading or seeing unreliable sources of information, or I am just overwhelmed by all the drama, I have a tendency to shut down. When I shut down, in order to make sense of it all, I fill in the blanks with what I perceive is the issue. When shutting down and filling in the blanks with my own answers doesn’t work, I will finally go to God’s Word and ask, “What does God have to say about all of this?” It is amazing how God gives me insight either through His Word, through a sermon, or just in a conversation with my family or friends. I am grateful for the gap between shutting down and going to God’s Word is shorter these days.

Since change will start with me, after prayer and searching God’s heart, I am choosing to share my thoughts with you on a few sensitive topics. I use the word sensitive, because I feel these topics require and deserve careful handling.

In my opinion, the oppression, attacks, and abuse that happened and continues to happen to African Americans is repulsive and quite frankly, demonic in nature. These black men and women are our brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and colleagues. They do not deserve any of this because of the color of their skin. No one deserves to be oppressed, abused, or attacked…period.

In my opinion, there are corrupt police officers all across the United States and need to be held accountable for their actions. However, there are also great men and women who took an oath to protect and serve our communities and they actually do their job with excellence. These men and women are our brothers and sisters in Christ, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and colleagues. They do not deserve to be oppressed, abused, or attacked either.

There are a couple of scriptures that came to mind as I was preparing this blog. The first one is found in Acts 10:34, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.” God wants everyone to hear the gospel and believe. His love and grace are available for all people. When we are in Christ, and we are sharing the love of Christ with others, there are no barriers. Another scripture is found in Psalm 26:1, “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.” To vindicate someone is to clear them of blame or suspicion. We are living in a time where it is imperative to believe the Lord for your vindication, start placing your trust in God, His Word and know that He will always act in accordance with it.

I realize I still have a lot to learn and it will be uncomfortable for a season. I may not ask the right questions or make the right statements, but I am willing to start somewhere. I am willing to have a conversation. I am willing to sit with you in your pain. I am willing to learn from you.

I see you. I see that you are hurting. I see that you are angry. I see that you have had enough. I see that you are tired. I see that you are fearful. I see that you want change. I see that you are worthy. I see that you have much to offer our community, our state, our country. You have so much to offer. You are valuable. You are made in the image of God and He loves you!

The change needed in this world must start with me. I need to change. I need to do my part. If I don’t understand something, I need to ask the questions. If I disagree with something, I need to speak up. If I have an opinion, I have every right to share my opinion.

There are hurting people all around me. I need to offer my ear to those that are hurting and listen to their concerns. If I see someone being abused or hurt, I need to say something. If I see someone exercise their authority wrongfully over an individual, I need to say something.

It is time for the oppressed men and women to have a voice and be able to share their voice. When the oppressed begin to walk out of the oppression and share their voice, it will probably be messy. And this is where grace comes in. Give me grace as I learn from you, and I will give you grace as you share your voice. Grace will win every time.

Since change will start with me, I will seek to learn, I will ask questions, and I will listen. Will you join me? Here are three things to consider when adapting to change:

1. How have processed major events in the past?  Make necessary changes if needed.
2. Pray and seek God’s heart.  What does His Word say?
3. Who is around you that is hurting?  Start asking questions and listen.