By Rev. Woody Brown
As I think about our society, my heart is heavy over the racial unrest and injustice. In the wake of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, we are hearing story after story from African Americans who experience discrimination because of their skin color. At first, I want to shout, “Say it ain’t so!” Yet racial discrimination and injustice are sad realities in our society.
My dear friends during a time like this we must speak and not choose to remain silent. Or to be an accomplice to the injustice. Our silence would make us unfaithful to our promises as followers of Christ.
How shall we live and what shall we do?
We begin by acknowledging our collective SADNESS. We are saddened by individuals, communities, and societies that view and treat some people as “less than.” Our hearts break when people are hurt.
We admit our FEAR. We are afraid for the safety of all people. Our world must be made safe for all citizens and for all public safety workers. Unfortunately, people are not always judged on the content of their character.
We are ANGRY. With honesty, we share our anger that our brothers and sisters are being mistreated and marginalized. Even Jesus showed anger when he went into the temple and overturned the money changers’ tables.
We are HOPEFUL. Because our God redeems lives and brings about reconciliation in our world, we have hope for the future. Our redemptive God reminds us to love all our neighbors and empowers us to do so. We have hope for a better day.
We share our collective RESOLVE. In solidarity with those who are hurting, we refuse to be silent, we refuse to be simple bystanders, we commit to being the hands and feet of Christ in our world, and we commit to being part of the change for a better day.
I realize that within our Trinity family I am probably “preaching to the choir.” However, I sensed it was important for this to be said at a time like this.
The Confession of 1967 reminds us:
“[As followers of the Christ, our] daily action in the world is the
church in mission to the world. The quality of [our] relation with
other persons is the measure of the church’s fidelity.”
Together, my dear friends, we shall live and work for better days.
Please know how thankful I am for you and for the opportunity to serve as your pastor.
With love,
Woody Brown
Sr. Pastor
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