We all were anxiously waiting for the year 2020 to end and 2021 to kick in -- hoping and wishing that overnight things will change, and the world will be different, even though we knew in our heads that it was far from reality! When I wished that, I was primarily thinking in terms of the viral pandemic, since we had started hearing reports of the vaccine becoming a reality and the possibility of lay persons like us getting them, seemed closer. However, the first week of 2021 has already reminded me of the world we live in. Yes -- I am specifically speaking of what we experienced this past Wednesday! (if this might be a trigger for you -- feel free to stop reading now!
What our country experienced for the better part of Wednesday displayed in broad daylight what people of color already know. The events of yesterday reminded us of how deep the roots of White Supremacy and White Privilege are in our country. Many place the blame on the current President of our country, and while that is partially true -- this has been the reality of our country for the last 400 years. And, let me be clear -- I am not about to go into the details of Wednesday, but about what that means for us -- people who claim to be ‘anti-racist’ and ‘justice-seeking’ Christians.
Friends, we experienced domestic terrorism on our US Capitol. Our democracy was attacked at the hands of folk who fear people that do not look like them. And, not just that -- there was a stark difference between how the police handled yesterday in comparison to the summer last year. And, if you were glued to the TV as I was, then you surely did not miss the “Jesus 2020” signs and people claiming God was on their side. I have many other ‘ands’ that I can add to this list and I am sure you may have some too.
Beloveds, the medical experts may figure out a way to manage/control the viral pandemic that took over our world in 2020, but as people of faith who believe that God shows no favoritism, we need to work on getting rid of the racial pandemic that has infested our country for ages, and we need to reclaim our faith that has been interpreted to us through the eyes of white folk!
And to do this -- we need you -- our white siblings who see the injustices. We need your voice, and we need your presence. We need you to stand beside us and in front of us when our existence is questioned. We need each other!
People of God, let us commit to continuing our work as an anti-racist and ‘justice-seeking’ community. Let us be agents of love and peace in this world. Let us reclaim our faith in God who is neither biased nor partial. And remember, I am always your partner in this work of justice!
