your purpose in the present.

When many of us think about purpose, we think about God’s overall plan for our life. However, I believe God has set a purpose for your present self- plans you’re meant to pursue now. With that being said, I believe your purpose changes relative to your situation. Earlier this year, your purpose may have been stepping into that position of leadership at school or praying for your coworker. In March, life changed drastically for pretty much all of us. Our purpose was to stay home, check up on our friends and family and to pray for COVID patients and essential workers.

Since the end of May when the video of George Floyd was released, I think a lot of our eyes have been opened to our current purpose. In these last few weeks, I have taken the time to educate myself as a white citizen in the US and to understand the frustration of the black community. This movement isn’t a result of the death of one man- it’s a result of the racial inequality that has been evident in the United States for centuries.

I think our purpose is very clear right now: SEEKING CHANGE!!

This might look like:

LOVING:

The absolute MOST important thing we can do right now is love one another.

Mark 12:31 says, “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Our black friends don’t need your criticism about the riots. They don’t want to debate with you. They just want your love and support. The unconditional love that God demonstrated to us: the kind that welcomes people of every nation and tongue. The kind that looks at the heart and not skin color.

Godly love does not discriminate- so why do you?

SPEAKING:

I think the most efficient way to achieve change is speaking out!! There are many different ways to speak out:

• I think a lot of us forget that change needs to happen right in our family or close circle of friends. Start conversations about this movement and educate your friends.

• Along with that, share posts on your social media! I know for myself, I thought this was kind of silly at first. I was like “sure I’ll post for me and my two followers”. But we live in the digital age and many of us are on our phones 24/7 so having these posts on our feeds daily is certainly spreading awareness.

• Protests are another way to speak out. There are peaceful protests being held all over the country that you can take part in. I know this option can make some people anxious or some don’t agree with them. But protests are efficient! The war for American independence was sparked because of the Boston Tea Party (a protest). The nineteenth amendment was passed, giving women the right to vote, because of the Seneca Falls Convention (a protest). The Montgomery Bus Boycott (a protest) led to the integration of public buses. Get the point? Protests are how we publicly make our voices heard.

• If protests aren’t really your thing, signing petitions is also a great way to use your voice. There are several petitions still needing signatures to reach their goal. (**Also any donations on a petition go directly to the website not an organization..there is a link at the bottom of this page to help guide you).

EDUCATING/ SHARING:

It is so very important to educate yourself!! Research what you’re fighting for. Find resources to expand your knowledge on the topic. There are so many incredible books demonstrating the racial injustice present in our country. If you’re not into reading, there are also movies, youtube videos, tiktoks, etc. Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself- promote these resources! Share them with others!

Another great source is your Bible...check out this verse:

1 John 4:19-21

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

PRESSING ON:

2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Over these past few weeks, I know I’ve had many difficult conversations with family and friends on this topic- some end in new supporters of the movement and others end in tears of frustration. But don’t stop!! I will continue to step outside of my comfort zone to see this LONG OVERDUE change come to pass. I will continue to pray for my hurting brothers and sisters.

I will continue to pray for those families who have lost their father, their mother, their son or daughter due to the color of their skin.

I know you’re growing weary, but don’t give up! There are groups of people in all 50 states plus 18 other countries fighting with you!! So press on! This is your purpose in the present- to speak out against injustice and to pray for peace!

Here is a link to a website with ways you can help: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/

“You’re either repenting for racism or reasoning with racism.” -Michael Todd

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by Riley Kelly