To walk humbly in the context of protests...

WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE?

So police killed a young man in Greece. The cop was imprisoned. Last week, 6 years after the killing, protesters took to the streets in Athens, Greece. Sound familiar? Wait.... These are Europeans. Police killed a young man.... these "violent" protests are current! Protesters burning buildings and police vehicles. Did I say "violent" and "European"? So, I ask, "Are they also hurting the "European cause"? Don't know what really went down in Greece, but I know what's happening here.

I'm just sick of "good people" feeling they need to say something about racism, but feel they also have to condemn the "violent" protesters in the same breath! My good brothers and sisters, the prophetic cry for this kairos is to stand with the millions of people-of-color AND people of European Descent to call out the realty of racism in our land! Just that!

Now, whether we are Black, White, Brown or whatever shade, if we cannot condemn racism - not the angry protesters - please let's do the country a favor and keep our thoughts private, at least for now. It's just not the time. Now is the time to be saying, "We believe that Black lives matter, and that we as a people need to own up to our responsibility to work to end racism, starting where we are and then addressing the systems and structures that cause what happens in Ferguson, Cleveland, New York, Chicago and in too any of our backyards."

Many "good meaning" people are feeling the urge to say something about Ferguson, New York and Cleveland in recent times.  It's become almost politically incorrect not to say something. Thank God for the few who have focused on the problem of Racism in the USA, and have had the sense not to make reference to the "violent" protests as hurting the "Black cause".  Many "good meaning" liberals are wanting to help deal with anger issues in our community.  God help us if we start spending money and time on anger management, rather that dealing with the cause of that anger, the sin of systemic racism.

I am reminded of similar situations in apartheid South Africa.  It was in times of resistance and protest that many liberals and sympathizers disassociated with the cause.  I remember many of us asking: "What if you had your foot on my neck and all I could do was reach your little toe?  What if I chose to rip off that little toe in order to get your foot off my neck.  Will my retaliation be considered violence and thuggery?  When one being raped chooses to hit back, even castrate the rapist, is that violence?  And will the observer condemn rape in society adding that they are saddened by the violence with which the victim (sic), i.e., the survivor inflicts on society?

So "what does the Lord require?" (c.f.Micah 6:8). I beseech us, implore us, beg us all...show some respect!  Sounds like that is what is meant by, "walk humbly".