Moving Forward, For Me

Not long ago, I shared just some thoughts on how to move forward. Since then, I have been trying to follow my own advice. For one thing, I have slowly made the transition from trying to educate the general public (so to speak) to privately addressing individuals in my life. Needless to say, it has been hard; and, the results have been...mixed, at best.

A couple weeks later, I shared on Facebook that I believe the "line in the sand" has already been drawn, but it's not a line between Black and White, Republican and Democrat, or anything like that. It is a line between justice and oppression, love and hate/apathy/selfishness, good and evil. All that remains is showing which side we're all on.

And everyone is watching.

What I'm seeing nowadays is (1) folks who get it, (2) folks who don't get it but are trying, (3) folks who don't get it and aren't trying, and (4) folks who want to stay out of it.

(1) Those Who Get It

What can I say? We are in this together! And we will not stop.

(2) Those Trying

Thank you! A thousand times over, THANK YOU! If you haven't already read it, maybe me sharing my heart will help you or someone you know, even a little.

(3) Those Not Trying

To me, the folks who still "don't get it" or "don't see it" at this point have their own issues. It is not from a lack of explanation or resources. We have neither the energy nor the obligation to keep explaining to those who refuse to listen and just want to air their opinions (Prov 18:2). And frankly, us doing your work for you is kind of a core factor here!

(4) Those Avoiding It

The parable of the lost sheep has been used to try to explain what's wrong with, "All lives matter," and I love that. I'd like to make another point from it:

 - What did the shepherd in the story do?  [Read: DOOOO!]

I will respect your space, but I genuinely don't see how you can stay out of it forever and keep claiming Christ (1 John 3:18), or me as a friend.

For groups 3 and 4: If you do not do the work, you'll have only yourself to blame in the end.

Conclusion

Here's the deal: We all view the issues that come up in life certain ways for all kinds of reasons. With some people I will see eye-to-eye, and with others I won't. Some stuff will be small, and some will be big. It is neither my job nor ability to change anyone but me.

For my own health, for the time being at least, I need to distance myself from folks with whom I "don't see eye-to-eye" on at least some of the really big things (e.g., systemic racism), regardless of how or from where I know them.

I understand that this will seem harsh to some, and still others will judge. C'est la vie.

That's it. Time for me to get back to my work. Good luck and God's grace to us ALL!