We have been reminded again in recent days of what a mixed
up world in which we live. Sadly, we seem to value life less and less. We see
arguments over which lives matter, which lives matter more, and which lives
matter at this juncture. Further, we see arguments over which words we use and
how we use them. In order to hash these things out we turn to social media
where we can drop verbal bombs with little consideration of the feelings of
others or the impact of our words. It is always easier to hide behind a key
board than it is to look someone in the face.
I would not try to dissect what is going on in our world for
a million dollars. I don’t understand it. I can’t understand it. I am an
educated, middle class white man who has never experienced what others from
various minority groups have. Every encounter I have ever had with police has
been pleasant; except for one officer with a particularly bad attitude in
Wharton, TX (funny story for another time, but I almost went to jail).
Yesterday I met with a group of local pastors and faith
leaders. It was a representative group of our community. Different races,
denominations, and even different faiths. I expect that this group will
continue to grow as we meet in the future, thus furthering the diversity of the
group. We met to talk…that’s all. We are not even sure what the group will be,
we only wanted to start a conversation. I’m not sure it will help or fix
anything, but we are trying.
As I stated, I have more questions than I do answers. I have
no solutions to offer and no plan for reconciliation. However, I did read this
in my morning Bible reading, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first
commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt.
22:37-40). I’m not sure we can improve upon what our Lord has commanded. If we
can love our God and love our neighbor, at least it is a start.
