There is a song in Sesame Street "Upside Down World" that is sung while Ernie and Bert are looking for Big Bird. The plane they are flying turns upside down and they see things differently to which Bert says, "I don't feel so good."
I don't know about you, but I don't feel so good these days. My heart is broken over another death of a black man, George Floyd, in the hands of law enforcement. My heart is angry wondering how many needless deaths have to happen this way for us as a country or a church to pay attention and say "enough, we have to do something different?" I am encouraged by the number of people, law enforcement personnel, and corporations who are speaking out.
Many have asked what they can do? I have a few suggestions. First, if you know someone who is black reach out to them and ask them how they are. Second, if you are so inclined, join one of the peaceful protests. Third, make a sign that Black Lives Matter and place them in your yard. Fourth, write letters and emails to local, state, and federal elected leaders. Fifth, write letters of support to law enforcement who are condemning such acts and want to lead in fair and just ways. Sixth, pray. Seventh, reflect upon your own attitudes and responses to people of color. Eighth, learn something new. Our Church and Society Team is sponsoring three events. First, weekly webinars from our General United Methodist Church and Society on Thursdays at 1 pm. CT You can attend by clicking on the following links. The final two in the series -
Second, there will be a conversation about the webinars and racial reconciliation Thursday evenings June 4 at 8 pm sponsored by First Church's Church and Society Team.
Third, if you haven't seen the movie, "Just Mercy," or have read the book here is the link for a free viewing https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/warner-bros-just-mercy-george-floyd-protests-1009103/ Lastly, I want to thank those who came out to "Kneel for Nine" this past Tuesday evening on the church lawn. Thank you for your act of justice and show of solidarity in this way. I am longing for the balm of Gilead to make the sinsick whole. I believe with self-reflection, believing in God's power and vision and our willingness to work for change we can enter into this side of the pandemic creating a better world, more aligned with God's vision, than the one we entered the pandemic with.