As a Minnesotan, I watched in horror as the George Floyd murder was shown on television in May 2020. How could this happen in Minnesota? We are the Land of “Minnesota Nice.”
As I watched the news in horror, I also watched the reactions on social media. Sadly, “white privilege” started to show its ugly, entitled head. I had friends and family members quickly condemn “Black Lives Matter.” They put up posts that read “All Lives Matter.” Other friends and family marched with the protesters.
Jesus calls us to love one another. We are to love all our brothers and sisters as Christ loves us.
Now that our eyes have been opened, it is time to act. As you see injustices, speak up. Is it scary and uncomfortable? – yes. Was the Cross comfortable? – no. Will Jesus go with us and be with us? – yes. “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
This message is excerpted from “Black lives matter” by Joy Michalicik from the April 4, 2022, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian, 1945.
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