I ran across this entry in my journal from almost two years ago, just after five police officers were killed during a demonstration in Dallas. I think it is still appropriate today.
I am overwhelmed by the disturbing news of the past week and really over the past few years. We seem to be constantly reminded that injustice, racism, hatred and evil still exist in our nation and the world. The injustice of young black men losing their lives needlessly during traffic stops stirs both sorrow and anger within us. We want to do something to put an end it. Then five white policemen who had nothing to do with those injustices are gunned down while providing security for a peaceful protest march in Dallas and once more sorrow and anger at that injustice tugs at us. In addition to the attack in Dallas, a policeman in the small town of Baldwin, Missouri, where Carol and I got married, answered a 911 call this week and was ambushed and shot three times by the caller. Similar incidents in several other states have been reported as well. This has been going on for far too long. Our anger, though natural, does not solve anything. Innocent people and their families are burdened with sorrow and pain. Anger and violence can’t ease that pain or put an end to injustice and hatred. Only the love of God can do that.
There is some good news that isn’t being reported as often as the bad and it is having a positive, healing effect. Acts of love are occurring throughout our country. Police officers and the black community are reaching out to each other hugging and praying together on the streets or wherever they meet. They pray together for this violence and injustice to come to an end. They are putting love into action by reaching out to each other as never before. One such incident was recorded on Facebook by a young black woman and I want to share it with you.
“ I went into a convenience store and saw two policemen talking to the clerk. As I grabbed my purchases one of the officers came down the aisle toward me. He asked how I was doing and I said, ‘Fine, how are you?’ Then he said, ‘How are you really doing?’ I told him, ‘I’m very tired.’ He said, ‘This is not a good time to be either one of us, is it?’ He reached out and hugged me as tears streamed down my face.” Acts of love like this are happening more often than the confrontation and violence being reported on the news. During our noon service at CLC today I held the hand of a young black woman as we prayed together that injustice and violence would not harden our hearts. I do not know her name, but I know we have both been adopted into God’s family so we are close relatives. We prayed that we will be able to show God’s love through our words and actions.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew that answering violence with violence only brings more violence and sorrow. It is only when we answer anger and violence with love that we can short circuit the cycle of hatred, prejudice and violence. Our acts of love are needed more now than ever before. All we can do is show our love for God and for others through our loving actions, but with God’s help that will be enough to turn the tide.