Ferguson, Missouri MADNESS

Many already have, and will continue to disagree with the outcome of the Grand Jury's decision on the Michael Brown case, just like many who disagreed with the outcome of the Casey Anthony verdict in Orlando, Florida on July 5, 2011.

One thing is for sure. MADNESS (a demon that many flirt with daily) and blatant disregard for authority has no gender, race, or age restraints. Too often, our enemy's influence and presence is underestimated and rendered harmless. 

Jesus warns us of the dangerous and destructive nature of our enemy:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

When we look at ALL of the recent reckless happenings in the news (both local and national crime - i.e. FSU shooter, Tallahassee Deputy death, etc.), it is clear that the aim of, or the recipient of, the bullet had little to nothing to do with the color of one's skin. For example, if the deputy killed in Tallahassee on Saturday, November 22, would have been black, then the headlines may have read, "Angry man takes out anger on innocent black deputy in revenge for the FSU shootings." However, the deputy who was killed was white. You see, a firearm is not manufactured to only harm or kill a certain gender, race, or age group. It's not the gun, the caliber, or the bullet,... it's the person pulling the trigger.  

Individually, we are our worst enemy. An enemy, a slave, a destroyer to no one but ourselves, resulting from poor self esteem which often leads to destructive decisions accompanied by irresponsible actions that, regardless of gender, race, or age, will yield undesirable consequences (the element of accountability). The platform to rise above the "race/slavery/victim" mindset is withIN. 

Looking inward is the key. Our greatest days in life will begin the moment we acknowledge and accept there are questions we'll never be able to answer, things we can't explain, things we can't control, things we can't change, and things we can't stop. On the other hand, if it's within our power to render a more fruitful and productive outcome, then by all means, engage responsibly. In addition, if you own your position and are convinced it is sound, then don't be silent. Rather, speak up in love and deliver it with grace.

I'm taken back to a song we used to sing when I was a child in Sunday School and Children's Church:

"Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, yellow, black and white

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world."

Red, yellow, black, and white - WE are all precious, AND stronger.....TOGETHER.

Beloved, let us love one another and let us pray that the love, peace, and justice of God prevail for all in Ferguson, Missouri, and abroad.

 #truthsetsfree #john8:32