It’s time for all of us to start to build bridges. Building a bridge is difficult and requires attention to a lot of details. There is no room for error. It needs lots of hands doing their part. This shot of the Stillwater bridge shows how eloquently everything has to work together to accomplish the goal.
In the wake to yet another rash of shootings, I felt it was important to raise it here. I can’t say that I have the right words, but this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King sums up what is in my heart, “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding a deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness only love can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
It is easy to want to return violence for violence, anger with anger. Christ calls us to do just the opposite. He calls us to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 4:43). In Romans, we are given these instructions in how to build a bridge.
As we all engage in difficult, painful, heartfelt conversations on this issue, I pray we put love and grace first. Fear of losing a loved one, fear of losing our rights, and the terror that this brings out in all of us leads us to make hostile conclusions that are usually inaccurate. I pray we learn to listen with a heart of compassion and with eyes and arms wide open. Love wins.
It is time to sit with each other, get to know each other and hear each others stories. This allows love to transform us and build relationships with those we don’t understand. It gives us the opportunity to walk a mile in another’s shoes (Matthew 5:41). It will take every one of us to bring love and light into hate and darkness. It’s not easy and it won’t be fast. We can stand against injustice and stand with law enforcement. They are not mutually exclusive. Love can build a bridge. Christ shows us the way to sit together and rebuild what the enemy has tried to destroy. Will you join me?