“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
“I lay my head down tonight worried, afraid, sadden for my brothers, sister, mother, father, husband, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, cousins, extended family that look just like me. I urge you to really think about what’s happening and understand that we are not ok!!!! If you think this is not your problem, you are a part of the problem. This affects us all. I have never been this scared in my life, pandemic, death, hatred, lies, devilish spirits!!! Lord we need you I’m praying because I DON’T WANT MY CHILD TO GROW UP LIKE THIS OR MY FAMILY OR ANYONE ELSE’S FAMILY! We cry for help and peace “
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As I read this Facebook Statement, I realized this truth is also my students’ truth. Furthermore, it is my culture’s truth. This month has been a hard month in our community. So many of our youth in the community have passed away from gun violence along with our nation witnessing a horrific death with police brutality. On Thursday, 15 students joined us for our Zoom call and we discussed how this has affected our community and how it is affecting us. My students are broken and also afraid how this will play out in their own lives.
It was hard to see them feel hopeless, but I encouraged them that they are not alone. Christ is here for them and He is perfect. He understands what we are going through.
I shared this fact with them: a lion will seek not the weakest animal but the one that is left alone. That’s how the devil is. He will come after you when you are alone, but we are a family and we will get through this together.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Our students asked us, “How do we overcome this great pain that not only attacks our community but the nation? How can I, as a black or brown student, not be a target?” They were speaking from a place of pain. I started to speak to them from a place of compassion. We encouraged our students: it’s ok to cry and it’s ok to be angry, but God will be there to comfort us in this storm.
Black lives do matter and we are praying that the truth of Christ can heal broken hearts and find peace in the midst of the storm.
PRAY
- Pray for healing in our community.
- Pay for peace and justice for our nation.
- Pray for the hope of glory to be shown through us to comfort our students.
