By Andy Baker
This week has been quite unsettling. Our entire nation witnessed one of the most horrific incidents in recent history as we saw George Floyd murdered before our eyes via the media. The first time I saw the video, I was in shock as I saw the total disregard for this man as he struggled to breathe under the weight of the police officer's knee. I listened as people pleaded with the officer to heed the man's cries and lessen the force he was using. Yet, nothing happened; except a man died needlessly.
A friend of mine from high school, who happens to be African American, posted that evening on Facebook and it was a post that was full of grief and questions as to how long this kind of hatred will continue. I replied to her, "I'm so sorry." I truly was feeling her emotion and she replied to me, "why are you apologizing? You haven't done anything wrong." We chatted back and forth for a bit, and she gave me some insight into what it was like to grow up in our hometown. I'm not naive. I knew the bigotry of the community in which I was raised for I heard the "N" word and I saw the blatant hatred at times. But back then it simply wasn't my fight until I took an African American friend to church. While I was away from her for a few moments someone walked up to her and said, "why are you here? Your kind doesn't belong here." I remember going home that night and talking with my father about that incident. I remember so vividly how he told me that the behavior I encountered was wrong, and that our family did not participate in such conversations or hateful speech. And our family honestly never did.
As I lead the ministry of Remember the Children, we see ALL PEOPLE as children of God loved and valued by HIM, their creator. As we move toward our 25th year of ministry, I am proud that we have pushed through some very difficult ministry scenarios and we have simply loved people as Jesus has called us to love them. In Romans 12:9-21, the Apostle Paul gives great guidance for living the life of a true Christian. He ends that passage with words, "do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Right now, our African American brothers and sisters need to hear our voices. We cannot remain silent. Our silence does nothing more than condone the absolute horror of this past week. Former Vice President Joe Biden said last night, "if we are complacent, if we are silent, we are complicit in perpetuating these cycles of violence. None of us can turn away. We all have an obligation to speak out."
This Sunday morning as I prepare to meet with God in worship, I come acknowledging that I have been far too silent. I am asking God's forgiveness for my complacency and I am asking my African American brothers and sisters to forgive me for not being more vocal. Today is a NEW day. I pray you will join me in praying for peace and reconciliation for ALL people globally, but specifically for our nation.