OUT OF THE SHADOWS...INTO THE LIGHT!!!

"Ye though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death..."(Psa. 23:4)

An interesting observation I've made this year has been that there are multiple interpretations of the statement:  Black Lives Matter! What was once an inspiring and positive message against violence has now actually incited violent acts. 

When did this phrase become so offensive?  Offensive not only to indignant white people but black folks as well.   I thought I knew what BLM meant. After all, the expression has been around since 2013 when George Zimmerman was acquitted of the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

It was the brain child of three young women of color to protest the growing violence and deaths of black men by police without retribution.  Repeat occurrences in 2014 against Eric Garner and Michael Brown made national headlines but so many others didn't.  The Armand Arbery and George Floyd murders this year was the ultimate tipping point.  These murders united people of diverse backgrounds and brought to light injustices of every kind in a way never seen before. 

"ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER"

Black Lives Matter is now a global rally cry for people of color anywhere bias exists whether it relates to economic empowerment, gender differences, or sexual identity.  And as such it has also become a lightning rod for those who are pro police or have strong aversions to the LGBTQIA communities, feminism, and anything that challenges the conservative status quo.

Thus,  All Lives Matter becomes a popular retort.  Much like the push backs heard when the term African-American  became popular (We're All Americans!) Or the celebration of Black History Month (History is History!)  BUT IS IT?  Those who denounce the need for such know little about life in America as an Other [anything other than a White Anglo-Saxon Protestant that's been dominating America for decades]. What is so discouraging is that profound DISTINCTIONS MUST BE MADE before visibility is possible! One MUST step out of the shadows to get rights, justice, or recognition that comes so easily to some! 

EVERY KIND OF LIFE MATTERS!

This has been our path for centuries:

•  1794 - Richard Allen and Absolom Jones stepped out of the shadows of the mainstream Episcopal church to form the African American Episcopal Church and the Black Episcopal Congregation to practice their faith free of the underpinnings of racism.

• 1837 - Richard Humphreys stepped out of the shadows of the America's education system to start The Institute For Colored Youth, training for free blacks to become teachers prior to Civil War.

• 1864 -(Post Civil War)  - HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) stepped out of the shadows of segregation to provide proper education for newly freed slaves after Reconstruction failed.

• 1909 - W.E.B. Dubois and others stepped out of the shadows of a apathetic Department of Justice to form the N.A.A.C.P.  (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), to ensure rights and combat violence against people of color in America. 

• 1926 - Historian, Carter G. Woodson stepped out of the shadows of Traditional history taught in schools to institute Black History Month to tell the real story of the Negro's achievements and contributions to America's wealth and status.   

I could go on and on! ALL LIVES DO MATTER. I know it from history. I know it from current events, but I also know it from Elohim,  Creator of the Living and the TRUTH He inspired.  It would do each side of the Black Lives Matter movement (Pro and Con) to remember:

• ALL LIVES HAVE VALUE!  (Psalm 139:13)
• ALL LIVES HAVE SINNED! (Romans 3:23)
• ALL LIVES WILL PERISH WITHOUT CHRIST! (Romans 6:23)
• ALL LIVES CAN BE SAVED!  (John 3:16)
• ALL LIVES WILL BE JUDGED! (Hebrews 9:27)

AS YOU STEP OUT OF THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

STEP INTO THE MARVELOUS LIGHT OF GOD'S TRUTH!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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