Today,
focus is on “the elephant in the room,” the critical issues,
opportunities, and problems that are ignored, neglected and
suppressed as if they do not exist at a time when public outcries are
being made. The failure of problem-solving efforts to respond to the
elephant in the room increases stumbling blocks that include
rush-to-judgment behavior, exaggerated pride, emotional imbalance,
self-promotion, silence where there should be dialogue, stubbornness,
and “I’m
right when I’m
wrong, because...”. Rather than evading accountability, dodging
duty, and selective blindness, there must be commitment to continuing
practical efforts that will build lasting solutions. Healthy change
will come when the people of our country realize that, right now,
there are increased possibilities for benefit and good. All must see
with new eyes and truly godly vision when up against the recurring
issues and ungodly problems of racism in America, police violence,
the goals and outcomes for protest events, and the fruit (take-away)
that should come by leadership from those in the streets as well as
from elected officials. Where the honest intent of everyone involved
is to improve the quality of life, and share the benefits and
privileges of working and keeping our homes within the U.S., the
first response to arrest
confrontations and similar
outrages should be in providing and recording a public statement of
agreement that encourages attitudes and expressions that support the
lawful and thoughtful process that must be used to achieve justice
while increasing understanding. A form that peaceful protest might
assume that would give voice to the community at large and allow
citizens to go on record would be a kind of petition or pledge to
carefully investigate and pursue full disclosure of questionable,
criminal and unlawful acts by public servants. Our law does not
condone condemnation and punishment before the hearing of evidence
and trial: those who administer the law also must minister
discipline, self-control, and restraint. Consider again John 18:
19-24, King James Version (KJV): 19 The high priest then asked Jesus
of his disciples, and of his doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, I
spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the
temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said
nothing. 21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have
said unto them: behold, they know what I said. 22 And when he had
thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the
palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so? 23
Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil:
but if well, why smitest thou me? 24 Now Annas had sent him bound
unto Caiaphas the high priest.
THE
GOLDEN ARROW: Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him
a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is
the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as
thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the
prophets. (Matthew 22: 35-40, KJV)
THE
DOUBLE DAGGER: The Meaning Of “Persecution” (02/12/2020); White
People Becoming Atheists? (10/03/2019); Catholic and Protestant
Bibles? (10/11/2018); Will There Be Diversity? (10/22/2017); No Less
GOD’s Creation (12/01/2016);
Diversity and Divine Purpose (08/28/2016); Can Christians Be Racists?
(07/25/2016); The Provision Against Racists? (01/19/2016)
While
we are yet in a season of divine grace, Christian believers are to
speak up and call attention to the elephant in the room, even where
“the room” may be the pulpit, the Internet, the prayer chamber,
the throne room, or the consecrated Sanctuary. Where earthly
challenges, difficulties, and formidable obstacles are not to be
downplayed or overlooked, neither are simple and godly solutions to
be despised, refused, and underestimated:
(1.)
There is a need for a process that will not employ violence where
public expressions of protest may be openly presented, recorded, and
made accessible for public exchange and response. More than simply
making statements of anger, fear, frustration, and other feelings,
all will be welcome to offer useful conclusions and specific
recommendations that can be further researched and serve as the
beginning of action plans, goals for growth, and targets for development.
(2.)
Late one night, the President of the United States of America chose
to walk over to a nearby church in his home neighborhood. It could
not be assumed that the President would be safe to walk within his
own familiar area. There were no believers on look-out to see the
presidential party approaching. No one was there charged to watch
and pray or to greet the President at his coming. There was no one
immediately available to serve as a crisis counselor, a comforter, a
prayer partner, or an emergency spiritual adviser. Even so, those
“looking for an occasion” and hiding to attack came out to
condemn the President for lacking and not applying the sacred
knowledge found in the Bible, and they have yet to provide an
authentic standard for the use of the Scriptures by those in our
Nation’s public offices and
worship congregations.
(3.)
Where Christ prayed, Father forgive them, they know not what they
do, many have come forward to criticize the President (who, like a
drowning man, can be seen clutching at straws). Those who
acknowledge his need and that of those around him will be making
efforts (in private as well as public displays) to comfort, edify,
and reinforce the faith and resolve of those in the Oval Office.
(4.)
There is a need for a process where, when a police officer feels
that his or her actions have initiated a pattern of arrest
confrontation, (ABCDEFG, we know XYZ is coming) they should be
free to negotiate a handshake agreement with the suspect that will
avoid escalation of conflict and disagreement. There can be an offer
to share assistance by telephone contact with an attorney, police
officials, a member of the city council, or even, an emergency
conference call with the Mayor. Someone trusted by all must clarify
for them the rights of the many involved parties, the lawful process,
and their questions on what they are to do next.
(5.)
An Archbishop of the Anglican Church (UK) with whom I have been
sharing prayer and contemplation published the following tweet on
June 2, 2020 that continues to advance subtlety and error as harmless
and unintended (i.e., as therefore innocent and acceptable):
@JustinWelby Jun 2 I pray that those of us who are white Christians
repent of our own prejudices, and do the urgent work of becoming
better allies to our brothers and sisters of colour.
9:11
AM · Jun 2, 2020·Twitter for iPhone My response was:
@JustinWelby The battle is for the mind; and this is the gulf
between us: There are no white Christians; there are no black
Christians; there are only developing and mature Christians. Saying
this another way, Ephesians 4: 4-6 (KJV): 4 There is one body, and
one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is
above all, and through all, and in you all.
There
is far more that should be said, correctly examined, and spiritually
apprehended. (For example, from the music ministry of
John Michael and Terry Talbot (6.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4TP81Uy72Q.) Even
so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according
to your faith.
Image
downloaded 6:12 PM, June 04, 2020 @
https://bassamsalem.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/elephant-in-the-room.jpg
Washington,
DC
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