Saturday’s news of Charlottesville hit me hard. I have barely slept since and it has stirred up this great burden to cry out for my beloved America. Growing up in the diverse Bay Area, California, I can not relate to any of this. I had Chinese, Black, Puerto Rican, and Hispanic best friends, since I was a little girl.
I did not grow up segregated. It is truly foreign to me and it makes me sick to my stomach. Yet, God has intentionally placed me in the south where there is a history of segregation, lynchings and superior mindsets. He also chose the church I go to that is predominately black. The Holy Spirit spoke to me a couple of years ago when I was considering a more “comfortable” church setting. He stopped me in my tracks when he so clearly told me, “I didn’t call you to fit in. I called you to be set apart and to bridge the gap.” My mouth dropped, I was speechless and it was that clear.
Racism is sin
What we are witnessing in these days is purely evil and another attempt from the enemy to cause division. Remember, he is on this earth to kill, steal and destroy. John 10:10 It is why he exists. What makes it all even worse is these hate groups consider themselves Christian while attending church and quoting scripture.
They even hate Jews, which our Jesus was. They justify their hate. They are blind to the truth and no protest can change that. Only the power of God can change hearts and uproot generational curses. We must cry out for Him to heal our land. To break every chain and for us to reach out and love those who are different from us. To make friends with others that are different from us. That is the love of Jesus. That will bring the unity we need. We must be Christ-like at all costs.
All of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
“Lord, please forgive me for times I have judged others. Help me to be part of the solution. To bring love to a dying world in need of hope. Help me to reach out and love my neighbors of every race, color, and background. Amen”
Christopher Keith says
Amen. Yes, as you already have heard……..Love is color blind.
Tara says
Excellent Leah. So well said, my friend!