In this world, we will have trouble, Jesus told us.

Our world seems more fragile than ever.

So much pain.
So much fear.
So much hatred.
So much violence.

There is almost no way that I can word this sentence without being misunderstood, but here goes…I am grateful for who God created me to be and where he has placed me, but I need to say this:

I do not think the United States of America is the best country in the world or better than all of the other countries.
I do not think whites are better than blacks or browns or any other race.
I do not think upper class or middle class are better than lower class.

My allegiance is to Christ on the Throne.
And every person is equal.

My belief is that every person on this planet ever created has been lovingly created equally by God.

I am not saying I don’t see color.

I am saying that no matter what, every person is one hundred percent human,
one hundred percent created by God,
one hundred percent loved by God,
one hundred percent died for by God (whether they believe it or receive that gift is up to them),
one hundred percent equal in the sight of God
and, therefore, should be one hundred percent equal in my sight as well.

And I am saying that being white has made my life easier, in ways I will never understand.

Since I don’t know what else to say or do in my sadness and anger, I will pray:
 Jesus, you were not rich, you were not white, and you were not an American. Lord Jesus, have mercy on our world, on our country, on the people who have lost loved ones, on the people who are peacefully protesting. I am sorry for all the ways I have contributed to racism in my mind, in my heart, in my community. I am sorry for not being more vocal. Please forgive me. Please teach me. Please pour out your peace. Please bring an end to this violence. Please give wisdom to our leaders. Please help us see each other as You see us, created in your image, equal. Amen. 

and I have given to Black Lives Collective and Reclaim the Block 

and I want to learn so I’m ordering Austin Channing Brown’s I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness.

And I am so sorry.

Black Lives Matter.