I am sure that similar to myself, your heart has been heavy with the news that is coming from the United States after the senseless murder of George Floyd. 

How is it even possible that some of those that have sworn to protect and serve, are using such brutal force, that they can murder an individual while bystanders are watching. Does the word protect mean nothing? What are we striving to protect? Property, reputation, liberty, power, position ... or people?  

Is it alright to sacrifice one in the name of many?  

George Floyd was murdered by police officers, while bystanders looked on. This senseless act, devaluing a life, is not new. For centuries people have looked on, both up close and from a distance: Jerusalem, Rome, Europe, Middle East, First Nations, Slavery, South Africa, Rwanda, and now among people of colour at the hands of law enforcement. Silence is complicity.  

I hear cries for more rule, for change, for curfews, and for the national guard. 

I hear everyone saying we must do something. However, most people don't know what to do. So in the meantime, they will read and do research. Others are going to social media, writing blogs (me included), etc. 

We are all desperate to do something. We feel helpless.  

We are told we need to listen. Really listen!

I am reminded that if I really want to see change happen, it needs to begin with me.  

Do we really have time to do research, or read a book, or wait?

Shouldn't we do something?  

The young protest!  

But what will I do? What will you do? 

I will listen … I will turn on the news and listen. I will listen to the stories of Black men being killed by those who were to serve and protect.  

I will enter into sorrow, lament and mourn the lost lives.  

I will speak up every opportunity I can.

I will refrain from voting for anyone that is not committed to combatting prejudice and violence. 

I will write letters. 

I will fall on my knees and I will pray. As a person of faith, I will lean into the Lord, and bring my cares and burdens to Him in prayer believing He has a purpose and a plan. God has promised in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

I will confess the times that I have been prejudiced or proud. I will pray the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 139:23 & 24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

I will protect ... I will continue to encourage everyone to value those that are vulnerable .... especially when there is an imbalance of power, authority, influence and control. 

Melodie