Headlines Scream!

The Beatitudes Overcome Racism - Part 2 of 9 (scroll down if you wish to read the series in order)

George Floyd killed by White Police Officer,
Anti-racism demonstrations across America,
Hundreds demand justice in Minneapolis after police killing of George Floyd

Headlines scream for my attention!  Day after day, protesters chant:  Black Lives Matter!  No Justice, No Peace!  Stop Police Brutality!  Change Racist Policies!  Every day, the facts of racism and its terrible injustices are in my face as I watch the news.  I could just turn the media off and watch puppy videos, but this time it’s different.  I can’t move on from this tragedy or the ones that follow it. 

I need to learn more.  I need to understand.  Surely, I’m not a racist, but clearly, some people are! 

I listened to interviews and read stories about Black racism and what the anti-Black racism movement is trying to accomplish.  Oh my, it’s worse than I knew.  Am I racist?  Am I brave enough to explore that possibility?  

Oh, my soul groans.  I’m at a loss.  I am sad about this terrible racism issue.  But, I can’t ignore these travesties anymore.  What can one person do?  Emotionally exhausted, I pray that God will do something. 

I say: In my distress, I cry out to the Lord; yes, I pray to my God for help.  He hears me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reaches his ears. (Psalm 18:6)

Jesus answers: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:3)

I say: Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.  Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.  All day long I put my hope in you.  (Psalm 25:4,5) 

Truly, God blesses me with compassion for the oppressed, desire for social justice, and wisdom for understanding!  

He guides me to read more articles and watch more podcasts.  I learn about micro-aggressions, white privilege, color-blindness, and more.  Preconceptions crack apart.  Beliefs are challenged.  Gradually, I acknowledge that I am guilty of some of these actions and attitudes, even though I didn’t know they were racist. 

Finally, I admit, I am a racist.  Even though headlines continue to scream, my distress becomes commitment to make a difference!