Silence is Betrayal

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”-Martin Luther King Jr.

I want to first apologize for my silence in waiting so long to make any kind of statement in regards to this horrible racial issue that has escalated even more these last few months. I am only beginning to understand how far beyond political this problem goes as it crashes deeply into moral, spiritual and ethical issues as well. Truthfully, I understand that I see through the eyes of my white and privileged lenses, but I can no longer sit silently in that luxury while others have no choice but to fight tooth and nail for the very freedoms they should have assumed at birth. I want to push past the state of being overwhelmed with uncertainty of what to do or say, and speak up. Even in my definite ignorance and while risking the chance of doing it poorly, I want to stand by the people of this country in this fight against injustice and unnecessary brutality that has gone on for far too long.

Experiencing paralysis by analysis in regards to this issue has led me to first research and talk with some friends specifically about how we as white people can stand beside our neighbors, friends and family members of color in this fight. Assuming my audience is already aware of current events, I want to jump right to the answers I have received and how we can use our voices and actions for justice in a helpful and not harmful way. For all of you out there who are like me I want to help you find your voice in this. Every person is needed, even wanted, in this fight and we are most definitely stronger together. Below are a few ideas for those who want to help and get involved but are unsure of how to do so.

1. We can protest. I know this has a mostly negative connotation right now. Think critically while you watch the news and remember that this is a fear based medium skewing the facts and showing you only the perception they want to. It seems to be that extremists who are not part of the fight and have no interest in the cause are purposely committing acts of violence and agitating the crowds to suit their own agenda. You can protest peacefully and effectively without being caught up in these malicious acts. Go with a group, make a plan, and know your surroundings. If things get heated stay calm and do not run, but walk back to your ride home. To see more info on how to protest safely click here.

2. We can speak out. It may seem small and insignificant on social media. Remember that everyone following your profile is seeing your stand on this. It is also raising awareness and helping others make a decision to stand as well. You can speak up not just on your social media but to your congresspeople. You can ask them to support Reps. Pressley and Omar’s resolution condemning police brutality or register here to sign a petition stating that all four officers involved with Floyd’s death should be charged and arrested.

3. We can talk to our tribes. I have no doubt that every white person who reads this knows of someone in their inner circle with some serious racial prejudices. Maybe it is a cousin, a son, a grandparent, a friend, maybe you were raised around it for 18 years and this way of thinking has become ingrained in you. If so, think about reaching out to a friend who is supporting this movement and ask for their opinion and experiences. If it is someone you know who is dealing with these prejudices then you have a frustrating conversation(s) ahead of you. It can seem useless to try and have conversations with people who are convinced of a completely different reality than you. I’m here to tell you how powerful your different perspective is and how rewarding it can be to not back down on what you think is right, to hold back the screaming, and to patiently keep talking. The frustration will be worth it when that person you are talking to becomes suddenly unsure and quietly whispers “maybe you’re right”. 

4. We can donate. Maybe you want to help, but don’t feel educated on the matter or know where to start, and maybe you don’t want to leave the house (there is a pandemic still going on). That’s ok! There are people out there who do know what to do and are working around the clock to make a difference. You can donate to some of these awesome organizations such as NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Know Your Rights Camp,  and Campaign Zero to name a few. 

I believe this is the right thing to do because I believe that every life has value and is ordained by God to be here. Jesus Christ died for all humanity, to redeem us and offer us all salvation. God made a way through Jesus for everyone to be grafted into His family, and if I stand by passively while my friends who are of a darker color than me are suffering, it is as good as a direct betrayal to them. Let us stand with them and show the love Christ has exemplified for us all.

Finally, to all my family members in Christ. Remember that racism has held this country in a powerful stronghold since its conception and we must fight for people of color in the spiritual as well as the physical. Bathe yourselves in the Word of God before entering into conversations, going to protests, or opening your mouth in general. People are easily turning on each other, companies are dividing, families are mourning, and satan is loving every minute of it. Don’t get caught up in his game! Remember when your emotions are building and your self-control is diminishing, stop your tongue from moving or your hands from destroying and go to the Lord for wisdom and guidance. 

• Pray for our officers, that any fear or confusion would be gone in the name of Jesus. That they will have clarity, remembering what they are trained to do and not acting out of panic or rage.
• Please pray for those being oppressed in their God-given rights and freedoms. These are American citizens whose lives are being taken away, whose futures are being destroyed before they were dreamed up, whose color is deciding their circumstances before their abilities have a chance to.
• Pray for our leaders, that they will know how to address this and make the desperately needed changes to our system.
• Pray for eyes to be opened to the reality of why there is so much unrest and protesting. It doesn’t stop at police brutality, but the deeper truth of racism being revealed. The police officers are only a public illustration of the inexcusable hatred that lies deep within our citizens as a whole.
• Pray this will be a moment in our history that we will look back on and tell future generations of the turning point for our nation to truly live as an example of equality for all. 

This is a very real spiritual battle going on with unseen weapons and fighters behind all of this. We have been given armor to shield ourselves with (Ephesians 6:10), and weapons to use in return such as kindness, patience, peace and the Word of God (Gal 5:22).

Remember who the real enemy is and don’t let him continue to divide us. Stand up on behalf of those being hurt and oppressed right now with real action. Pray to God for His Spirit to intercede and save us from this horrible reality our sinful hearts have created. Please stay safe out there everyone and God bless you. 

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” -Psalm 133 v1