Where are we to stand? Do we stand on the right side of the fence or the left side? I have spent much of my adult life idolizing politics instead of truly thinking about people. I have spent much of my time, if I’m honest, leading with hate instead of love. This does not mean that I am seeking to disengage from the debate or the narrative of our country, but it does mean that I am going to think before I speak. I am going to love before I hate. I am going to listen before I talk.
My heart has been broken over the last week for a number of reasons. Our world is burning and so many simply want to fan that flame. Many care not about the broken families left after a senseless and cowardly act. Many are using this time, instead, to celebrate their political opinions. I am not prepared to enter that fray, but I am prepared to stand…to stand with my brothers and sisters as they hurt today. To stand with those that lead with love and not hate. To stand with those that seek solutions and not hateful political motives.
We are a broken nation in need of redemption. Redemption that does not come from a congress, a president, or a governor. Redemption that is found in one place…a glorious cross and an empty tomb. It is this redemption that has me praying and admitting to a past that I am not proud of. It is this redemption that motivates a predominantly black church in Charleston to welcome a disturbed white guy into their bible study. A white guy that would ultimately take the lives of many of them. It is this redemption that brings people of all races together to stand with Charleston and those mourning. It is this redemption that allows me to not throw in the towel, and instead recognize that our God is bigger than any hate, racial disputes, and senseless acts.
My heart is broken but I am hopeful. I am hopeful as I watch people of all walks of life stand for the people of Charleston. I am hopeful because Charleston is leading the way…because the families that lost loved ones are reacting in love not hate. I am hopeful because people are locking arms on a common mission. This mission is birthed out of love and proven to be the answer. We have seen so many times a reaction of hate when bad things happen and we have watched as hate multiplies and spirals out of control. I am beyond excited to see that this time we are seeing love as the answer, and it is thrilling to see love multiply and hearts mended.
Many will say that our world is turning dark. Some will say that it already has turned, but this past week we got a glimpse of something beautiful. Something that some don’t understand. We saw a church, facing an unbelievable obstacle, react with love. Think about that. Who would have blamed them for hating the individual that walked into their church and took lives? The citizenry usually takes its ques from its leaders on how we are to respond, and I am thankful and encouraged that the leaders of Charleston know that their actions matter and their God is involved.
I do not know what we shall face in the coming weeks. There will be political debates, gun debates, and race debates. There will be much said about June 17, 2015. I pray that we will continue to look to those that are leading with love and not hate.
This is a difficult time for our country, but God has put us here in this time for a reason. So the question we all must answer is, “How will I love today?” This is the foundation of all we do and without it we are destined to fail. Pray for this country and love someone deeply today. If we lead with love we will see a tomorrow that has HOPE and not hate.
posted by Andrew Wood, Executive Director of Hope Resource Center
