Where were you God? Why would He let that happen to someone He calls beloved?
But He was there, because He doesn’t leave us even in the darkest corners of this world or in the darkest hour. He mourns the sanctity and blessedness of the life and breath of His Image Bearer, Ahmaud Aubery, alongside us.
But where do we go from here?
Do not be surprised as if White America is not capable of the modern day lynching of a black man. And if you are surprised, keep asking questions of yourself. The death of Ahmaud Arbery should stir up grief over the loss of sacred life and deep abiding anger over the lack of justice in our country for centuries to protect our brothers and sisters of color. And if it doesn’t, I implore you to open your eyes and hearts to see color, the color that God created us with, the color that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made to be.
And I plead with you to not stop there. But instead, keep going.
To understand the implications of race and to know that it does matter.
To educate yourself.
To ask the hard questions of yourself and lean into moments of discomfort.
To engage in conversations about race and social justice.
To reflect on the changes you need to make within yourself to build up the courage to act and disrupt racism.
To say their names.
To speak up.
To fight for.
To stand with.
To pray for.
And when it feels heavy or hard to carry, remember that Jesus has the ability to make us and mold us into the people that this world needs.
People who recognize and accept their own intersectionality and differences to then in turn celebrate the differences of others.
People who refuse to stay silent for what they know to be unjust.
People who protect the dignity of every Image Bearer.
People who willingly disadvantage themselves for the advantage of others.
People who advance justice and labor for communal, holistic, and tangible shalom.
People who return to compassion and empathy.
People who work to heal the world at every level.
People who believe that we all matter, we are all maturing, and we can all make a difference.
People who reflect God’s heart for mercy and justice.
People whose love is shaped by the Cross.
As as we seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly while engaging in Kingdom work and laboring for shalom, remember this;
Love God most.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
This is everything.
Christine Bor has been a member at Northside for two months. What she enjoys about NCR is the community she's found that sees her, knows her, and loves her. She is currently pursuing her MSW at VCU with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Trauma.
But He was there, because He doesn’t leave us even in the darkest corners of this world or in the darkest hour. He mourns the sanctity and blessedness of the life and breath of His Image Bearer, Ahmaud Aubery, alongside us.
But where do we go from here?
Do not be surprised as if White America is not capable of the modern day lynching of a black man. And if you are surprised, keep asking questions of yourself. The death of Ahmaud Arbery should stir up grief over the loss of sacred life and deep abiding anger over the lack of justice in our country for centuries to protect our brothers and sisters of color. And if it doesn’t, I implore you to open your eyes and hearts to see color, the color that God created us with, the color that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made to be.
And I plead with you to not stop there. But instead, keep going.
To understand the implications of race and to know that it does matter.
To educate yourself.
To ask the hard questions of yourself and lean into moments of discomfort.
To engage in conversations about race and social justice.
To reflect on the changes you need to make within yourself to build up the courage to act and disrupt racism.
To say their names.
To speak up.
To fight for.
To stand with.
To pray for.
And when it feels heavy or hard to carry, remember that Jesus has the ability to make us and mold us into the people that this world needs.
People who recognize and accept their own intersectionality and differences to then in turn celebrate the differences of others.
People who refuse to stay silent for what they know to be unjust.
People who protect the dignity of every Image Bearer.
People who willingly disadvantage themselves for the advantage of others.
People who advance justice and labor for communal, holistic, and tangible shalom.
People who return to compassion and empathy.
People who work to heal the world at every level.
People who believe that we all matter, we are all maturing, and we can all make a difference.
People who reflect God’s heart for mercy and justice.
People whose love is shaped by the Cross.
As as we seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly while engaging in Kingdom work and laboring for shalom, remember this;
Love God most.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
This is everything.
Christine Bor has been a member at Northside for two months. What she enjoys about NCR is the community she's found that sees her, knows her, and loves her. She is currently pursuing her MSW at VCU with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Trauma.
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