IT TOOK HORRIFIC IMAGES of concentration camps to recognize the atrocity of the Nazis. The same with abortion, Rhwanda, Syria, Iran... and yes, against people of color. George Floyd.
RIGHTLY, in none of these instances was our FIRST consideration one of mitigating circumstances. A backstory. An explanation. The crimes were heinous. They rightly ought to inspire just outrage. And a call to justice.
SO PLEASE CONSIDER. With George Floyd, what if, instead of an entire nation being united in just outrage, the prominent focus was on what historical circumstances might have influenced the officer? Perhaps his background was horrible. Perhaps he was beaten as a child. Perhaps he was maligned with things in life.
NO! Rightly, our first and fundamental consideration is the evil he did. What influenced his actions, however important, pales. Accordingly, how much air and ink has been spent on this? Or clamoring to "understand"? None.
SO, WHY THE DOUBLE STANDARD? Why in the instances of mobs of thugs circling up and beating the hell out of a business owner, or looting, vandalizing and killing police officers-- WHY IN THESE INSTANCES is our unified regard anything other than absolute disgust for those doing it? And a unified, undiminished call for justice?
AND RIGHT NOW, WHY is this consideration so offensive to so many?
Because we've been drinking the kool-aid of a politically weaponized narrative of racism, victimization, and division. Which is, ironically, racist. And diminishes the serious gravity of racism. Manipulating and casting stereotypes and prejudices as tools for power. A page out of Saul Alinksy's "Rules for Radicals" that pays homage to Lucifer. Contrary to the greatest movements greatest leaders, who proclaimed the capacity to triumph over evil by our God-endowed capacity for self-determination. To rise above being victims to being victorious.
THE ONLY ONES to blame for blood being spilled in the streets are those doing it. Not holding them immediately accountable, indeed, in any way diminishing their culpability and call to justice, is a systematic evil and violence of epic proportions.
THIS DOES NOT negate our need to understand. To make the critical distinction between INFLUENCE and CAUSALITY. Without which we will continue to be unwittingly fanning the flame as our cities burn.
AND ALL THIS TO PROCLAIM my deepest heart:
THE ONLY HEALING comes by way of recognition of our radical poverty in radical need of a Savior. Who entered our existence. Who became the victim. Who took on our sin. Who paid the price. Who desires to awaken us. To rise above it. To be victorious.
From these ashes may there be waves of repentance. By each of us for things actually said and done. May these be followed by heroic forgiveness. That we walk in new light. May there be streams of living mercy and love. Now.
