Episode #8: Grace in tragedy and injustice

Here is what we know: On the night of Memorial Day 2020, George Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill to pay for items at a convenience store. Police responded, handcuffed Floyd, and pinned him to the ground with a knee to his neck for 8 minutes.  Floyd became unresponsive and was pronounced dead 90 minutes after police were called. The police officers were fired and one of them has been charged with the murder of Mr. Floyd.  In response, people have protested peacefully, rightfully calling attention to the horrific way Floyd died.  But others have set stores on fire, thrown rocks at police, and stolen merchandise. Because I am a human with a finite mind, a limited grasp of all the facts, family and friends serving in law enforcement as we speak, and an ability to feel 1,000 things at one time,  I must ask:  What does God say about this?  What is the gracious response? How does the try-hard girl respond when confronted in real life with oppression, injustice, and civil unrest?  The gospel of grace is not silent on these topics. Grace has so much to say:  Grace says that every problem is a sin problem. Grace also says there is only one solution to sin and that is Jesus.  Grace says that God's heart is for life and justice.   But what grace says about how we treat each other is where I want to park today.  May our response be that we will keep our brother,  protect our brother, watch over and regard our brother.   So how do we do this?  We lament that we have not done a good job at keeping our brother. We listen. We learn.   We serve.  We love.  We pray.    We stand up.  We show up.  We do not stay silent.    We reflect God's heart. We consider others ahead of ourselves.  We think of others first. Grace says that we are God's people and we are our brother's keeper.  But many of us -- me included-- wonder, "But what can I do?" "Where can I start?" "How do we fix generations of hurt, slavery, segregation, lack of opportunity, a discrepancy in pay? I mean, this feels like too much for a suburban housewife who drives a minivan and carries a mortgage." "Who am I to start a conversation about race or injustice or oppression?" And friend-- this is exactly what our enemy, Satan-- wants us to think. He wants us to doubt our power, our capacity to set an example, our capacity because we are in Christ. I believe the most powerful and damaging words the enemy whispers in our head is, "Who am I?" Who are you?  You are a part of the solution. You are not a lukewarm sympathizer; you are a woman of action.  You are capable of withstanding uncomfortable situations.  You are able to start awkward conversations and stay in them.  You are a member of the body of Christ. You have a part to play. You have good works pre-planned for you to do. You have the heart of a lion and you are more than a conqueror because Jesus said so, this I know. You are not powerless, voiceless, or influence-less. Jesus is the solution and He is in you.   Key Quotes The most damaging words the enemy whispers in your ear are, "Who are you?" You are a part of the solution. You do not sit on the sidelines. You are a woman of action.  May our response to injustice be that we will keep our brother, protect our brother, and watch over our brother. Previous Episode Mentioned Bonus Episode #10: Decision-Making in Hard Seasons: Remember the Truth Here's how to connect GraceInRealLifePodcast.com Instagram Facebook group Facebook page Subscribe and receive the newsletter with lots of resources.