June 8, 2020
Leaning In
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:10
African American star NFL wide-receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, recently wrote an essay for the New York times on the racial unrest in Minneapolis, his hometown. He said it was not the same Minneapolis he knew as a child and as a youth where the city taught him about love---a beautiful city, he called it,full of life and diversity. Baptized at New Beginnings Baptist Tabernacle Church, he learned to catch a football at Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and was encouraged by his family to appreciate and respect values that bring people together, not pull them apart.
He said that he never received harassment from the police but was aware of others not shown the proper respect as people of color. So in light of what he sees as a deterioration of racial relations in his own city he offers some good advice to all Americans:
“Monologues rarely result in understanding. No matter your color you have a unique experience that deserves respect. Your perspective matters and can make us better……We must work together to heal this divide and rebuild our communities by committing to let no voice go unheard. Our first step must be to listen to one another---to sincerely lean in and hear what the person who is different from us is saying…”
Wise words from a young man who is calling all sides to honor and respect each other. The Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.”
Lean in and listen.
Prayer: God of unity, help us to respect and honor all opinions, viewpoints, and conversations, for we know that making the special effort to stop and hear others will promote healing in our country.