Risk Comfort
We are a family of runners. Almost every day, our five beautiful dark-skinned teenagers can be seen running around the sunny suburban streets of our country club neighborhood. We have three sons that are quickly becoming tall, strong black men. Often, my sons will go out running alone.
While they were out running yesterday morning, John and I watched this story on the news and were stunned. Ahmaud Arbery was out for a Sunday afternoon run. He was chased down and killed by two gunmen, and no one was arrested or even charged for over a month. There has been no justice for this man. But, you likely already know all about the circumstances of this tragedy, and you probably have seen the video footage of the attack. And you probably feel this disgusting ache and groan of anger deep in your gut... or you should.
I saw the fear and shame on my kids’ faces when we talked about this. I hate that I have to tell them that justice doesn’t work the same way for them. That all too often, looking guilty is being guilty. That even today, you can get killed for running in the wrong neighborhood.
I am so angry. I am sad. I am frustrated. I am heartbroken. I also know that the fact that I have black children makes this even scarier. It keeps me up at night. These feelings aren’t enough. It matters what I do with this ache in my belly. Our black brothers and sisters have carried this pain for too long. I know that I cannot fully comprehend the fear or anger that people of color experience all the time.
But I can try.
I can speak up and use my voice.
I can stand for truth.
I can seek justice.
Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.” As Christ-followers, we should need to see the world differently, and take an active role in ushering in Christ’s kingdom. We cannot ignore racism, hatred, and injustice. Jesus is asking us to lean into these dark places with action: learn, seek, reprove, defend, plead. We should pray, but we also act.
I think of Ahmaud’s mother. This week is his birthday and Mother’s Day. No action or words could ever ease her pain. Justice must be done for this family.
For Ahmaud’s mother and for the legion of mothers before, whose children have been murdered for hate, we cannot ignore this problem. We must be people who condemn the evils of racism.
If you are anything like me, the sheer size of the problem can be paralyzing. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but here is a place to start. Start by talking about it with your family. Talk to your kids, in an age-appropriate manner. Kids of every color need to know that this matters.
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Use your voice to talk about it at church, in your Connect group, with your friends. I’m asking my kids how they are going to use their voices. Boldly speak up and stand up when you see prejudice, hate, or injustice. Risk comfort and reach out to those who look different than you.
While I have no direct control over the investigations of crimes in Georgia, I can seek justice this week by remembering the name of this man—Ahmaud Arbery. I have it written on a post-it note on my mirror as a call to pray. I will pray for his mother, his family, and plead for justice to be done. Our God, who hears our prayers, is a God of justice.
Brandy Parker is mom to Archike, Abush, Sinkenesh, Samuel, Aschalew, and Mulunesh and wife to John Parker, the lead pastor of Summit Church. Brandy also coaches track at her kids’ school.