Kenosha

 

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. (I Petr 5:10)

 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. (Revelation 2:1-3)

          Thinking this morning of Kenosha, WI, Portland, OR, and the other cities who are facing violence in their streets at unprecedented levels as those seeking power employ the “time-tested” methods of Hitler and conquerors everywhere: create violence, blame the victim, and offer yourself as the solution.

          Last night, I shared a post from a fellow-writer from Kenosha, who has been trying to help the city pick up the pieces in the morning, after others have spent the night venting their hatred. Someone else shared with me videos of BLM members invading a restaurant and demanding that all those in the restaurant with them raise a fist in solidarity. Their version of a sig heil.

          As I prayed for Kenosha, Portland, and the other cities in which hatred reigns, I thought of that video. They demanded a fist raised. As Christians, we should raise two as we fold our hands together to pray for their forgiveness and salvation, and for the safety of their victims.