“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. ”
Ephesians 6:12
[ UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS HAPPENING ]
We could spend all day thinking about reasons why America is the way that it is and why racism exists worldwide but it would mean we're focusing on the outside (the flesh) when God told us that it's much deeper than the destruction and violence. It's spiritual, the place where the Devil - Satan, The Enemy, whatever you want to call him - uses his greatest methods of separating people, just like mold sin lives and breathes in the hearts of the wicked. He is the thief of joy because he can't have it himself.
“ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. ”
John 10:10
As a child, I believed in world peace and I couldn't wait to see it happen during my lifetime, every race, every background living together in harmony, no wars, etc. But then I grew up and I too got tired of leaving the house and having to endure discrimination for something that was beyond my control. "Why do people treat us differently? Don't we bleed the same? It doesn't make any sense." Yes, Ireland isn't as bad as the US when it comes to racism but it still exists nonetheless and follows me no matter where I travel to. It angered me in many ways that I felt that the only way I could retaliate was to hate those who hated me.
But then I met Jesus and he showed me how rotten my way of thinking was, I was no better than those people. He revealed to me that God is Love and when there is his absence in your life, you will only leave room for hate to fill the void. I am now understanding that what is happening in America is an issue that is deep-rooted in the hearts of those who continue to oppress Black people.
[ LET'S CHANGE OUR HEARTS ]
The heart is the root of all problems, where all our actions come from. The ones we are and are not aware of. The seeds you plant, are the fruits you will reap. And when you don't deal with the root, you tend to repeat the same cycles because the root is hidden, decorated, and untouched maybe because of pride, the scariness of change or simply white privilege.
Not dealing with your heart can look like: Donating because you feel guilty, protesting just to post on social media, and sharing things for the sake of it so you can tick "I wasn't silent" off your list.
A good heart takes time to look at themselves thoroughly, think carefully about how they treat people of colour and start a dialogue with others on how they can do better and what needs to change. A good heart will ask God, the God of love to reveal the impurities that lie within the heart and ask for forgiveness, deliverance from hate or lack of empathy towards Black people's struggles and transformation that will help bring more love into the world than hate.
Lastly, a good heart donates because they truly care about the people on the front-line sacrificing themselves for the cause and want to see the people who are peacefully protesting set free. A good heart reaches out to Black people they know or don't know and asks, "what can I do to help?" and a good heart prays for those who are going through pain, anger, grief, and tiredness so they receive the justice they deserve.
I'm not saying I am perfect because I too had to evaluate my heart last week, hence the poem I wrote as a result of it. I've listed below some ways we can help. Whether we're out on the streets or can't protest because of different circumstances, as Christians, non-Christians, society, human beings, we must stand together.
You know that childhood dream I talked about? Well, little did I know that it will happen after all, just not on earth but in heaven. If that's not reassurance of how loving our God is and how beautiful that day will be then I don't know what is.
“...what I saw: a vast multitude which no one could count, [gathered] from every nation and from all the tribes and peoples and languages [of the earth], standing before the throne and before the Lamb (Christ)...”
Revelation 7:9 AMP
This is all I'm going to say about it, what I'm going to do about it is pray and support those in need right now. For America, for the world, for me and you because the change starts with us. Check out the resources below and enjoy the playlist & poem!
Resources To Help
Black Lives Matter Petitions and more
https://blmsites.carrd.co/
Resources Sheet for Different States, Information & Legal Help
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjZMORRVuv-I-qo4B0YfmOTqIOa3GUS207t5iuLZmyA/edit?usp=sharing
https://blmsites.carrd.co/
Resources Sheet for Different States, Information & Legal Help
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CjZMORRVuv-I-qo4B0YfmOTqIOa3GUS207t5iuLZmyA/edit?usp=sharing
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Bible Verses to Meditate On
Malachi 3:10 (A Call to faith)
Malachi 4:1-3 (Judgment)
Proverbs 16:17 (Wisdom)
Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (Wisdom)
Psalm 37:7 (Peace)
Psalm 37:8 (Managing Anger)
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Selma (2014)
The Hate U Give (2018)
Harriet (2019)
African Doctor (2016)
The Help (2011)
Just Mercy (2019)
Green Book (2018)
Hidden Figures (2016)
Black Panther (2018)
Films to Watch
Get Out (2017)BlacKkKlansman (2018)
Selma (2014)
The Hate U Give (2018)
Harriet (2019)
African Doctor (2016)
The Help (2011)
Just Mercy (2019)
Green Book (2018)
Hidden Figures (2016)
Black Panther (2018)
Playlist
A mix of songs that embody black struggle, encourage solidarity and hope!
Available on Spotify & YouTube
Available on Spotify & YouTube
Poem
[Click the Image to Zoom In, Click outside of it to Zoom Out]
God bless you all.
- Ren.
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God bless you!