Irrefutably, the word “unprecedented” has been somewhat over-used in 2020 but I will admit that there isn’t a better way to describe my 2020 experience. It has been an interesting mix of joy, pain, amazement, wonder, worship, strength, weakness, short-lived illness, healing, growing, anticipation, confusion, praise, exploration, frustration, bewilderment, victories, tears, forgiveness, surrender, losses, hope, sadness, seeking, searching, stretching, celebration, lifting others and being lifted by others. By the grace of God, I’m still here and am well-positioned to finish strong!
The death of George Floyd and the world-wide outrage that ensued was a particularly challenging time for my family as this opened up old wounds. I initially tried to distance myself from it but soon realised I couldn’t when our children started sharing their own experiences of injustice and discrimination, most of which we were hearing from them for the first time. In addition to processing our own memories, the feeling that somehow we had (inadvertently) been unable to “shield” our children from unpleasant experiences was difficult to process. As a family, we agreed that we would get through this by having open dialogue with God, with each other and with others. We supported our children’s decision to reach out to various institutions to make suggestions (which were very well-received). We talked and prayed together; we chose the path of forgiveness and we positioned ourselves to receive healing from the One who heals the broken-hearted (Psalm 147:3). Forgiveness has robbed the injustice of the power to harm our present and future. But the fight against racial injustice does not end here.
“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.”
Psalm 103:6 (NKJV)
It’s a new day! Greater things are yet to come! Happy New year!
My Hope Station. Hope Unlimited 