Charleston

This is a serious subject and the photo may seem out of place. But, I was talking to God about this senseless loss of precious lives and He sent this butterfly to me. In a small way, it gave me hope.

I thought about not writing anything concerning the devastating tragedy in Charleston.  It was because I was at a loss for words and too troubled to begin to form any meaningful thoughts.  And, also, because I feel so helpless to say anything that will change what is happening.

But, I have a few things to say, and some of them may seem harsh.

I will not pretend that I have all the answers as to why this heinous crime was committed, but I do have some answers.  Let me preface what I'm about to say with the statement that I don't know anything about the man who committed this crime, nor do I know his family, but...

Here is what I do know. Children are not born with hate in their hearts. Our loving Father created us for Love, and I believe we all start out with love embedded in our spirits. However, the enemy will use every opportunity to destroy that beautiful love that is implanted in us.  He will use the world, deception, our own brokenness, and every other thing he can get his "hands" on to turn us against one another and try to replace our loving spirits with hate and evil. It is our responsibility to fight this evil whenever and wherever we see it.  

Parents are often (not always) the ones who teach prejudice and hatred to their children. SHAME on those who teach their children to hate others because of the color of their skin, or the accent of their speech, or the place they worship God.  If you are telling racial jokes, calling people of other races disparaging names, categorizing people simply due to their color or their nationality, or using any language that doesn't reflect the undeniable fact that God loves ALL mankind, then YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM!

It breaks my heart to think that most people in this country call themselves Christians, and yet they degrade other people with their speech and their actions. WWJD!  Remember that?  What would Jesus do?  What would Jesus say to us right now? I shutter to think how broken hearted He is right now seeing how we treat one another.

Parents - teach your children that God loves ALL people.  Just like the song "red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight."  Teach your children not by telling them.  Teach your children by your example.  Show them that you love people who don't look like you by being inclusive, by using loving words to all people, by NOT accepting hateful speech, hateful music, hateful actions around you. Reach out in love to those who may be on the fringes, and let your children see this.

Friends - I have been guilty of laughing at a racial joke. I have been guilty of worse. We all have. Even my African American friends have done this. It is time that all of us TAKE A STAND!  No more hate speech. Not even joking. Period. That is what we can do. It begins with you and me. 

I vow to set an example of God's love for all people by my speech and my actions.  I will not promote or tolerate the enemy's agenda by putting other people down.  If a friend or someone I know decides to live with hate or promote racism with their words or actions, I will take action. I will call them out. I will let them know it is unacceptable and evil. I WILL TAKE A STAND!

Together, we can teach one another and the next generation that #AllLivesMatter.  Will you join me?

Jesus' commandment was simple.

#loveGodlovepeople