Our world is in turmoil. Every day seems to bring more bad news and we don’t know how to stop it. I can’t begin to describe my emotions as I write this; anger, outrage, sorrow and a consuming desire to help. I am sickened by the evil that consumes man and it shakes me to my core. My heart is shattered.
The recent murder of a black man in Minneapolis at the hands of a police officer has unleashed widespread chaos. Protests have turned into riots destroying property and lives. It’s heart wrenching to watch video of not only the murder of George Floyd but the devastation occurring in reaction to his murder. God help us all.
The horrendous actions of former police officer, Derek Chauvin were wrong in every way. It was evil in its purest sense and I hope he is persecuted to the full extent of the law. He has been charged with third degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but these charges are grossly inadequate for what he did. According to the news, Tou Thao, videotaped watching as Chauvin continued to press on Floyd’s neck with his knee, has left Minnesota. J Alexander Kueng, one of the two first officers at the scene who helped pin Floyd down, is believed to be staying with family in Minneapolis, and Thomas K. Lane has left and didn’t tell anyone where he was going, a relative said. Thao, Kueng and Lane were all fired but have not been charged. In my opinion, they should all be facing charges. As a police officer and more importantly as a human being, how do you stand by and watch the life drain out of another human being? It sickens me to the core.
Where is justice for George Floyd and his family? Is this how justice looks in our country? If so, we need change now! Police and the national guard have been inadequate in handling the situation as protests turn into violence. The victims of the destruction are innocent and deserve justice too. There seems to be no accountability or consequences for those involved in the riots. While a few have been arrested there needs to be more. I am all in favor of peaceful protests and even understand. But riots, chaos and destructions are not a means to the end. Our voices deserve to be heard but the voices coming out of these riots are voices of rage, hate, selfishness and ignorance. And those voices do nothing to bring about positive change and should be silenced.
I know people are hurting and depth of their pain is felt by us all. What would happen if we all came together in love and purpose? People of all colors, races and ethnicities working together could make this world a better place by standing together and standing up and not only demanding change but making a plan to bring it to our leaders on the local and federal levels who can enact new laws and see that they are enforced.
Not all police officers are bad. Most hold the same values for human life we all do. Most are members of law enforce to serve and protect, not to destroy. Many protestors are peaceful protestors who only want to make their voices heard and stand up against horrendous, unspeakable acts such as this. How many more cases like this (and it is not the first) must happen before we open our eyes and act?
1 John 2:11 “But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” “1 John 2:10 Anyone who loves their brothers and sisters lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.” Please let’s work together and pray to overcome this evil that consumes our country. Pray we can find a resolution and solution together with God’s help. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela. We are all brothers and sisters under God. And God is not evil – He is good, and He is love and in Romans 12 He gives us the solution.
I would welcome your thoughts, comments and ideas. We need a plan and we need a change now.