I had anticipated posting about my new hairdo today, but if you look around the internet or watch the news that seems rather petty. If you’ve read my blog before then you know I don’t often write about what’s on the news. I steer away from what may seem like politics or debates, not because I don’t have thoughts or opinions, but because I know I don’t have the answers. I still don’t have the answers, in fact, I hardly have the words.
This is not a post to report all the details. I don’t have a step-by-step analysis of all that happened in or around Ferguson. There are news reports and articles all over if that’s what you are looking for. I can’t tell you what to think or do, nor can I pretend to put myself in someone else’s shoes. All I can say is how deeply saddened I am.
We live in a broken world. Death, persecution, racism, cancer, war–it’s ugly enough to bring me to tears when I think about it. Sometimes, I’d just rather not think about it. It’s easier to live in oblivion to all the pain and suffering that happens in this world. My head tries to tell me it’s like a movie and it isn’t real. I want to distance myself from what’s wrong with the world and even from what’s wrong with me, as embarrassing as that is to admit.
But sometimes we need to mourn with those who mourn. We need to open our eyes to what is going on in the world and care for the lives affected. We are called to be devoted to one another in love, even if that takes a lifetime. Because love is an action.
Love in Action – Romans 12:9-18
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
This. This is what we can do. Cling to what is good, honor one another, practice hospitality, rejoice with those rejoicing and mourn with those in mourning, bless others and live at peace. The world will continue to be broken which will keep breaking my heart, but this is my action list for how to respond both today and every day.