What I don't get.
I don't get how my white brothers and sisters can still believe that, despite their upbringing, there isn't any institutional racism in the United States. As a nation, we have come a long way from the days of slavery, but we have a long way to go. When a person walks into a store and asks the Latino manger if they could speak to a white manager, the deep-seated racism in some is obvious.
I don't get how my brothers of color can justify their expression of anger through violence. A friend said the revolutionary war began with the protest and destruction of private property. The Sons of Liberty indeed tossed tea that didn't belong to them into the sea, but they went out of their way NOT to destroy private property. The night they threw the tea into the sea, the only piece of private property broken was the captain's padlock. The next day the captain received a brand new one. As the Apostle Paul said, "Be angry but don't sin."
I don't understand how some of my white brothers and sisters who have adopted black children from African countries are now experts on discrimination and race issues. They post articles proving a narrative that aligns their view, while others post articles touting opposing positions. They might have a new perspective of discrimination, but the deeply rooted racism embedded in our culture is different.
I don't get why the failings of historical figures abrogate the good they did in the cause of justice and liberty for all, including the release of slaves. I have been reading how bad Abraham Lincoln was because he didn't preach against slavery early in his political career, and anything he did later was only for political reasons. Some of the accusations include a belief in a new race of mixed colors, the womanizing of black slaves fathering children, and a political opportunist. Abraham-Lincoln lived when politics were volatile, and the truth wasn't necessary to accuse and slander someone's character. Much of what people have posted against Abraham Lincoln was rumor and innuendo. He wasn't a perfect man, but without his steady hand at the presidency's helm, slavery would have taken longer to abolish. It's easy to look back and ignore all the good to perpetuate at particular narrative.
I don't get how my white brothers and sisters can be insensitive to the impact of statues of confederate generals who fought to perpetuate slavery. They remind us of our history, but what part of history does it glorify. I have no attachment to any statues of men. If a Lennonesc statue stands to glorify a part of history diminished by its removal, do so. But be careful when you throw stones at someone else's hero because they will find some to throw at your hero's. The Bible says we are all sinners.
I don't get how a statue can be such a focus of hatred by my black brothers. Muslims in the Middle East did the same thing when they destroyed ancient historical sights because they were offensive. Where does it stop? It seems that statues are convenient targets because they can't fight back, and if you say anything contrary to the narrative, you are labeled. History will pin that accusation on your chest, and it won't be easy to shake.
I don't get how my white brothers can't recognize that the victor and the majority write history. As white people, what we see as historically important, might not be significant to our brothers of color. The connection between East and West by the railroad was nothing but a feat of the American will. Or should I say upon the backs of Chinese labor? There was plenty of abuse by Chinese brokers who made money enslaving their countrymen, but nothing like the wealthy investors' and rail Barrons' indifference.
Truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ. In Him, the barriers that divide us have been torn down. All across the world, Christians worship the same God and Savior, Jesus Christ. It may look different in Japan than in Egypt, South America, the U.S., but we are of one body, with one head, and one hope. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. I'm just saying…
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