I heard that it would probably turn out this way but I had a small flicker of hope that maybe things might be different. As I was listening to the verdict, I heard that the white officer, who shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed Black man, was found not guilty. I was silent in disbelief as tears streamed down my face. Not again Lord….
I grieve for Michael Brown and his family. I grieve that so many are judged and even don’t matter just because of the color of their skin. It seems impossible to stand up against those who hold the power in the system. Not just individuals and relationships, but an unjust system of power and privilege that seems so hopeless to change.
What timing that this verdict comes at the end of our IV regional staff conference where we made so many gains in addressing unjust systemic power and gave the marginalized a voice that was valued and heard.
At our Asian Pacific breakout, God convicted me of how easy it is for me to not face the things that are so painful and difficult. It’s so much easier to just disengage and stay in my safe contained world. That choice to just be an individual, look after myself and stay distant from the painful plight of my Black, Latino, Hawaiian or any oppressed brothers and sisters. Jesus cares about justice. He cares about those who suffer. And when I share Jesus’ heart and do what He would do, I experience life because I am choosing love.
I am in SF where the pain is felt so much more intensely than in Hawaii though the evils of systemic injustice are practiced in beautiful Hawaii too. Will I take a stand and choose to be uncomfortable? Be direct on Facebook and in my conversations with others choosing to talk and take a stand about this unjust and broken system? My staff partner overseeing Black Campus Ministries at UC Berkeley sends in a text, “let me know if you want to help”. This is where the rubber hits the road, the intersection between what I believe and how I act. It’s a bigger question than if I can do something specific to help her. It’s saying yes for all situations of injustice and systemic evil. When I say yes, I make myself vulnerable instead of choosing safety. When I say no, I will miss out on God’s blessings and there will be no flourishing for me or anyone else. It is inconvenient to say yes. It was inconvenient for Jesus to suffer and die. But as he died, we got to experience life.
So I stand with my Black brothers and sisters and all who are oppressed and suffer and I grieve with them and say Lord, we want a change in the system. Justice, mercy and righteousness! Lord, let me share your heart and stand up for the things that you care about.
brendajowong 