Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
Five Minute Friday: Stay
Dear Readers,
I recently joined a lovely writers’ group support page, “Five Minute Friday- Encouraging and Equipping Christian Writers“1. Each week, we are given a word and an opportunity to write for five minutes! This is my first week to try this. Thanks to Kate Motaung for this helpful resource! This week’s word is STAY.
GO…
Earlier this week, the Black Lives Matter peaceful protest was canceled. There were too many concerns- the Covid virus (that especially has affected black people) and threats from white supremacists. But later this week, the rally was rescheduled for this Sunday.
“I want to go,” my daughter said. As a psychologist, she has heard her patients describe being hit by rubber bullets- aimed directly at faces- and lying on the ground when a white supremacist appeared with guns displayed. “I want to join her,” my husband said. As a pastor, he wants to do what Jesus would have him do- stand up for justice for all who are oppressed. I want to go, too. Our family is deeply affected by the events of this week and continued racism that ravages, not only for all black people, but particularly for our son-in-law, grandson, and cousin.
Various issues make it wise for me to avoid the crowds (virus), so I have offered to stay behind and care for my granddaughter. This feels like such a small contribution, but I find it significant, to help where and when I can.
So I will pray.
And I will stay.
AND STOP.
1(https://fiveminutefriday.com/)
Simply Soul Searching 
may the protest stay peaceful and not become something dangerous, and keep that grand-daughter safe and well-loved. visiting from FMF19
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Annette! I look forward to reading yours!
LikeLike
I join your prayers for a peaceful protest. Blessings to your family! Visiting from FMF.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you SO much, Carol! (I am eager to see your post, too.)
LikeLike
I do see a need for change
in these days gone frantic
as people out there re-arrange
deck chairs on Titanic
Racism’s a symptom,
and so, too, is the looting.
Out the window, wisdom,
and soon will come the shooting.
So glad to have you here, Karen. This is a wonderful community. Visiting from position #1 this week.
The whole thing’s a mess, and I think there’s no quick-fix; we’re all racists. I’m Asian, and don’t really feel comfortable around white people. You guys eat weird food, smell different, and have a philosophical outlook that’s alien to my own.
Nonetheless, even when the inner man recoils, I can still honour you through actions and words, and that takes intentionality.
And intentionality, self-discipline…that may be the key.
To wit, a sonnet, written just for this comment. I hope you like it.
We tried to treat all as the same,
and that went really wrong;
we tried to play the self-blame game,
and how’s THAT comin’ long?
We may be racists, through and through,
but love can grow from what we do.
LikeLike
Ohhh Kay…..The sonnet got kinda garbled. If I may, here it is again…
I do see a need for change
in these days gone frantic
as people out there re-arrange
deck chairs on Titanic
Racism’s a symptom,
and so, too, is the looting.
Out the window, wisdom,
and soon will come the shooting.
We tried to treat all as the same,
and that went really wrong;
we tried to play the self-blame game,
and how’s THAT comin’ long?
We may be racists, through and through,
but love can grow from what we do.
LikeLike
Thank you, Andrew! I hope you don’t mind, but I included your first reply, too, because your other words are also powerful. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
LikeLike
Andrew, your Sonnet described our Oregon Protests and while some may be there with peaceful intent most have been bused in from out of state, with money in their pockets and were highly organized, We are on the list of many states which have suffered the looting and shooting, which has honored no one.
LikeLike
Praying is the most powerful weapon. While some are called to protest aome are called to pray over them while they are. Lets hope the people that need to hear listen as well as our God does.- a fellow fmfer #4 x
LikeLike
Thank you, Loretta! Yes, may we listen as God would have us listen, and may our prayers be spoken as God would want us to speak.
LikeLike
Amen! I’m glad to know that other white people are coming alongside those in pain and acknowledging that we need changes. I’m participating in a match tonight and another tomorrow. I would appreciate prayers for the safety of everyone and that the angels hold back those bent on violence (the ones who have said they’ll shoot at protestors). I’ll pray that your family remains safe as they march on Sunday.
LikeLike
Oh Anita, THANK YOU for marching- twice! You are now in my prayers, too. I am sad to say that the rally here has been canceled again. The threats were too numerous.
I am eager to read your post soon. Thanks for your gracious words.
LikeLike
Thank you and yours for taking steps forward.
LikeLike
Thank YOU Penny!
LikeLike
Love this!! We all can do something, no matter big or small!
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes we can!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Karen, So many thoughts today and sorry your Peaceful Protest was called off but safety is important too! We have never had a peaceful march here in Oregon , which is sad because the thugs have us as a target city and our Governor seems to throw out the welcome mat for them! The real message gets lost! I have two Great Grandsons, one Great Great Grandson and our newest baby, a Great Great Granddaughter who are all affected and my heart breaks that a peaceful march has.not been possible here!
LikeLike
As time goes on, I realize more and more how much we have in common! Yes, I am sad that we cannot have a peaceful protest but I will do what I can in other ways.
LikeLike