Though my voice is small and my platform is ordinary, I cannot remain quiet.
The amount of hatred, ignorance and disregard for human life in our nation today is as heartbreaking as it is disgusting and vile. While the news may be covering the devastating acts in the city of Charlottesville, VA, we’re fools to believe that these wounds are not being inflicted upon lives all across our nation — in our neighborhoods, our communities, our schools, and even our churches. My heart and my prayers are with all affected.
This is not about history. Preserving history shouldn’t come at the cost of dehumanizing any individual. This is not about preference or politics. This is not about sides or spectrums. This is about domestic terrorism and bigotry. There is absolutely nothing acceptable or praiseworthy about racism — it is a learned parasite that creeps in and out and corrupts the mind, and the only antidote is love. We have to come together.
Many times in history, our country has risen from chaos through unity. A familiar motto of our nation that needs to ring true today: e pluribus unum. “Out of many, one.” The diversity of our country is what enables us to thrive. We have to cling to the truth that promises liberty and justice for all. There’s no room here for racism and hatred. Unification is the best weapon that we have to combat these acts of violence and terror.
Let me remind you, friend: The events that we’ve seen so horrifyingly played out on our television screens is not indicative of the vast majority of Americans. People are good. This world really is brimming with hope. This is a call for us to stand up and speak out for what we know is true + just in this world. Silence and indifference will never result in justice or resolution. And though my voice is small, together, we can create a battle cry that can undoubtedly eradicate and silence racism + hatred, one hard-hearted soul at a time.
And though my voice is small, my God is not. He is not shocked. He is not overwhelmed. He is not hopeless. He is not at a loss of what to do or say. He is Good. He is in control. His sovereignty reigns supreme, still + always, over my heart and this nation.
Let’s look to Him to supply and provide the peace that our nation so desperately needs.
Reach out. Extend a hand. Be an agent of love in a world filled with hatred.