Let the Church Say, "Hey Man!"

"Let the Church Say Amen" is the title of a new gospel song that has an infectious melody and has become an instant church favorite.  It brings to mind memories of joyous Sunday morning services where the preacher beckons the congregation to help punctuate a rousing sermon with a collective, "Amen."

When I think about the travesty that occurred in Florida where Trayvon Martin, a young African-American teen armed with a pack of candy lost his life because he was considered a menace to society, I can't help but want to punctuate my thoughts with, "Hey, man!"

To George Zimmerman, the zealous neighborhood watchman, I say, "Hey, man!" Since when is it a crime for a young African-American teen to mind his own business and walk freely to his own home?

To the local police officials who readily accepted Zimmerman's account of the shooting despite 911 calls and witness statements to the contrary, I say, "Hey, man!" Is this your way of reminding us that Florida is still in the South and that although we are a long way away from the overt racism of the 1950s, there is still an undercurrent of presumed guilt when it comes to African-Americans? Sadly, this presumption seems to have been adopted by persons of all races.

To the official who decided to allow Zimmerman to continue to walk free, I say, "Hey, man!" You are essentially declaring that the neighborhood is safer with an armed hyper-vigiliant, self appointed watchman like Zimmerman roaming free and a talented, responsible young man like Trayvon Martin dead.

To those that think that racism is dead and that African-Americans are just overly sensitive, I say, "Hey, man!" Are you watching the same news reports that I am?  When is the last time a non-African-American was accused of being suspicious or out of place and subsequently killed for walking or jogging through a predominantly African-American neighborhood?  I'm sure it happens occasionally, but most are able to move about with impunity.

If it turns out that Zimmerman has indeed not only killed Trayvon's body but tarnished his name by lying about what happened that evening, not only has he violated God's commandment against murder, he has essentially committed two for one:

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Exodus 20:16)

I would hope that those in position to execute justice in this case will keep in mind that, God has declared "a false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape." (Proverbs 19:5)

Many hearts are heavy and grieved over this tragedy.  Let us listen, watch as well as pray for what God is saying and expecting from all of us in response to this situation.  And, after God has spoken, let us do what He calls us to do, say what He calls us to say and be whom He has called and equipped us to be for such a time as this.  Let the church say, "Amen."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen