Living the Paradox

Hi Everyone,

It's possible for two things to be true at the same time.

Which is to say it's possible to be outraged by the murderous attack on Jacob Blake while opposing property destruction as counter-productive.  

This paradox is not unlike the dismay and anger one feels about gun violence while realizing violence is highly correlated with poverty and its associated traumas, that it's not enough to stand in judgment at the one who pulls the trigger.  If that's where we land, if we merely clamor for more police as root causes remain unaddressed, nothing will change.

I was down on State Street last evening.  I tried to deescalate where I could.  I can't say I was particularly successful, though twice my efforts seemed to pay off.  I left around 11:30, thinking things might stay peaceful.  By the time I got home, the situation had devolved, and the protests that had been peaceful for hours became what you've read about since.

I understand the frustration and pain of those who have given up hope. But I refuse to go there. I accept that my privilege affords me a degree of resilience, the space to have faith that things can and will change for the better.  I refuse to crumple when it comes to my core convictions.  I remain as convinced as ever that love overcomes hate, that light dispels darkness, that good triumphs over evil.  

But I have to ask myself where do I lean.  Do I get more worked up about property destruction than the shots fired on Jacob Blake?  Does my anger over that injustice propel me to lash out against local businesses run by individuals who are not the enemy?  Or can I walk a fine line, opposing injustice, firmly committed to the historic movement for non-violent resistance epitomized by John Lewis, MLK and other courageous souls throughout history?

These are challenging times, extraordinarily so. Much work lies ahead of us to stop the violence that took young Anisa Scott's life and to stop the violence that shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times with his kids in the car.  

Living in the paradox. Eschewing violent acts, dismantling the structural violence of racism and inequality, working for peace and justice as a lifelong commitment.

What is required of us but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. (Micah 6:8)

Black Lives Matter.  Black Children's Lives Matter.  Together we will find a way.

Take care and stay safe.

Tag