There are tons of Bible verses that encourages us to speak up (Proverbs 31, verse 8-9. Isaiah chapter 1, verse 17. Jeremiah chapter 22, verse 3. Leviticus chapter 19, verse 16, Psalm 146, verse 7-9). Likewise Ephesians chapter 4, verse 16 says we all have a purpose, and we will all work together.
As you’re reading this, there is a high chance you are aware of the cultural climate at the moment. It seems as though many of us are speaking up with the voices we have, whether it simply be a Facebook post or Instagram story. And that’s good.
My Voice
I am a white adult male. Most of my friends growing up weren’t white but were forever welcomed in my home without question or hesitation. It was obvious we had different skin colour but I never thought we were different in any other way.
I loved and continue to love my friends of other ethnicities and colours. I have learned and gained some of the richest values, qualities and knowledge from those that aren’t just white.
But I’m sorry. I just feel so, so sorry.
Seeing a man suffocated at the knee of another is something I never wanted to happen in this world. No matter the colour. And it’s something I never want to see happen again. No matter the colour.
But I am fearful what reactions there may be if in the future it’s a white man at the knee of a black man. A part of my heart aches at the thought of millions of people feeling justice or revenge.
I don’t want our world to get to this point.
Black Lives Matter
Obviously all lives matter. All. But for black lives it seems as though this isn’t obvious enough. So, yes, black lives matter. Not only as a hashtag nor only to trend. But to be recognised without perplexity. And then to action. I’ve spoken, am speaking but will speak a little more.
As this may be a bit about me, but it’s a whole lot about a whole lot more. I wanted to type “this is not about me” but it definitely is. And it’s about you too. It’s about you especially if you’re white, because truthfully we have the greatest privilege.
But, more importantly, this is about our brothers and sisters representing and fighting for the black community. Those who are hurt and hurting from the relentless racism I have no right to comment on nor attempt to understand.
My promise
This is about them, it’s about you and it’s about me. But it’s about them for change, and it’s about us to be better. I promise to be. Because I need to be, and maybe you know you need to be too.
But my promise doesn’t lift the white knee off George Floyd. My promise doesn’t raise the entrenched view of inequality to the degree that enables daylight murder. It doesn’t lift the suppression of racism. Rather, my promise makes some change. And your promise can make more change, too.
Challenge Accepted
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with what’s going on from the content you are consuming - it’s okay. Don’t feel pressured to be the difference and certainly don’t carry a global responsibility as your own. It’s okay to look after yourself to best help others.
But that pressure you may feel to be better, that’s good. Lean in to that, because we need that. The world needs that. There is a dilemma in our society at large and in fine detail. And it takes all of us to work our way through that.
Dear George Floyd
George Floyd,
Your last words were not only heard in a video. Your last words reverberated throughout the world. Your words broke the silence on what has been happening for too long. And after those words, and with your last breath, you left us with the responsibility to have them honoured. And to honour them is what I promise to do.
Harrison is a twenty-one year old student who is completing his Bachelor of Communications at the end of this year. He was raised in a non-Christian family but has been part of the Church since the beginning of last year. He has a passionate personality which is illustrated in many facets of his life from writing, to sports, food, friends, family and God. Harrison enjoys exploring and grasping different parts of life and discussing them with others. Chat with Harrison further at: harrisonbellve@gmail.com