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A Morning View From the Patio

Authors note, I am not writing this post to create a debate. My intention is to help us each to stop and evaluate our lives, who we are, how we live and authentically seek deep within our hearts if we are who we proclaim to be in Jesus Christ. How can I make a difference? Please read, pray and seek God's heart through the Holy Spirit you proclaim to be living within you. We must start with being willing to be wrong, confess our sin and strive to live differently. You might be offended, and if you are ask yourself why? I am not giving answers, I am seeking help from God and others to impact the world for Jesus Christ. 
George Floyd.
This man represents too many people unknown to me. He has a name because he died on video begging for a breath. We know him because of media outlets. Because of outrage and because he did not need or deserve to die. For the purpose of this discussion, it does not matter the reason, it matters that he died and did not need to die. 
So I ask myself many questions. I was not there so why is it my fault? I would never do something like this so why can't I pray about it and move on? I am not racist so what does this have to do with me, after all, I never owned slaves. I love everybody and I will help "them." "Those people," you know the "others?" These are terms and phrases I have heard and used my whole life. Off and on my whole life has been spent thinking about these phrases and how I strive to be different with those I do not naturally or culturally understand. I am internally searching and seeking how can I be different as well as make a difference. It is important for me, as best as I am able, to be willing to communicate with, study to understand and stop trying to force people to live within my cultural norm. Authentic and vulnerable relationship must become a place to begin for everyone. 
I do not apologize for being born who I am with what I have and for the color of my skin pigments. I do apologize for taking advantage of any person because of who I am. It is imperative for me to evaluate and to use who I am and what I have for the good and glory of Jesus Christ and ALL of God's creation. I must seek one another's heart and story. I must listen, talk and become intentional in understanding and I must become a part of the solution and not continue to be a part of the problem. Even as much as I strive to be different, it will never be enough. BUT I must continue to be intentional in being a solution. 
I admit, what I do, how I live and authentically striving for the difficult conversations within relationship is difficult and will have little impact standing alone. That being said, a little impact is a start and if we all start with a little impact, God will multiply the willingness to share our loaves and fishes to have a greater impact. 
There is a song sung by Mandisa, "We All Bleed the Same." When I first heard it I was drawn to it. Each time I hear about the George Floyd situations, I am drawn back to this song. Please listen to it and read the lyrics. No matter who we are, where we are from, what the skin pigments we have, what possessions we have or do not have, we all are creations of God. God looks at our hearts. We need to look at one another's heart. 
A morning blog does not solve the problem. There is no prescription or vaccine! It is not a simple easy fix, but I us begin where I am. I have much to learn and much to change within me. A phrase I strive to live by is, "This is what I believe and where I am, but I am willing to be wrong." Please struggle. Please deeply seek God's heart for people's heart. After all if you proclaim the term Christian, you are striving to live like Jesus Christ. Then live like Christ for everyone. 
I apologize with all my heart, I strive to get better. 

“Talking things over, they went on into the house, where Cornelius introduced Peter to everyone who had come. Peter addressed them, “You know, I’m sure that this is highly irregular. Jews just don’t do this—visit and relax with people of another race. But God has just shown me that no race is better than any other. So the minute I was sent for, I came, no questions asked. But now I’d like to know why you sent for me.”

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone.” - Acts 10:27-29, 34-36

Peace,
PB 


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