You probably heard Football player (Saints) Benjamin Watson on Fox talking about a post that went viral, the one he made in response to what happened in Ferguson.
“I’m embarrassed, because the looting, violent protests, and law-breaking only confirm, and in the mind of many, validate the stereotypes and thus the inferior treatment. I’m offended because of the insulting comments I’ve seen, that are not only insensitive, but dismissive to the painful experiences of others. I am hopeful because I know that while we still have race issues in America, we enjoy a much different normal than those of our parents and grandparents. I see it in my personal relationships, with teammates, friends and mentors. And it’s a beautiful thing..” Benjamin Watson Facebook
I actually saw several videos by black men saying similar things. One about how blacks need to take some “responsadambility” for themselves, and another one with so many f-words in it that I wouldn’t want to post it but still a sincere speaking of truth. I am not sure that those black men would necessarily appreciate my promoting their videos, being as I am neither black nor male myself, lol, but in the interview on Fox, Watson mentions the “conversations that need to take place”.
I think that may be truer than anyone realizes. Black men want other blacks to stop blaming others for their troubles. That truth by itself doesn’t go far enough, and that’s where Benjamin’s interview differs. He goes all the way to the root, and proclaims it a sin problem.
That is the truth at the root of not only what happened at Ferguson, but everything (bad) happening in America (and the rest of the world). A problem not of white or black, not of politician or upbringing, not of “big government” or “cronyism” of illegal immigration or violations of human rights. The first key to finding solutions, is getting honest about the problem. The problem is sin.
Regular readers my have noticed it’s been a little quiet here lately. I have had a lot on my mind. I think that a lot of folks have. A lot of times when something like the events in Ferguson takes place, there are so many people writing and talking about it. On one hand, I often have no desire to add my “voice” to the already deafening roar. Doesn’t mean I don’t have thoughts on the matter. Sometimes I just have too many thoughts.
One of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth Prata, did a good post today that goes along well with what Benjamin Watson did in his interview. She mentions a story in the New Yorker magazine, a pastor on Twitter, and the answer to the Sin Problem.
It almost seems as if we are having some of those conversations that need to be had. One can hope! (And pray!)
Serve Him in the Waiting 
I really am none too pleased with the conversation always moving toward “self responsibility” as a preventive measure to not get killed. I’m a black Christian, married male and none of that matters in the eyes of a cop whose heart is full of hate and murder. If there is such a thing as “respectability politics” people unknowingly are propagating a standard which almost, always is the Conservative, WASP, Republican male. I really am wondering what ritual Anglo-saxon American males and females have to deliberately ascribe to in terms of behavior modification as an example of how a black male avoids getting killed? Tell me, what do you do that I’m doing wrong? Put in perspective: “Jesus was without sin and was still branded a criminal and crucified for his crimes.”-Yolanda Pierce You have the right complexion for the protection and that’s where the conversation of favoritism as an equally offensive sin as homosexuality and abortion must begin. (James 2) How can Christian pro-lifers scream and holler for unborn babies when they are rejoicing over the death of black lives who but for a brief time, lived. This is a sin issue but you’re looking at the wrong sinners. The conversation should start with the 6 things God hates, 7 that He detests, (Proverbs 6:16-19) the denial of justice, (Proverbs 31:8-9) The glorious hope in Moses freeing slaves under oppression, (Exodus) bearing false witness (Matthew 19:18-19) and how according to Our Savior, Jesus Christ, hate is committing murder in the heart. (Matthew 5:21-22,Mark 7:15) After all, God is in the business of regenerating hearts. Darren Wilson could use a surge of the Holy Spirits conviction to confess before the Lord so that God will humble Darren to confess before man. “A man who is intimate with God will never be intimidated by men”-Leonard Ravenhill. I’m wondering when the spirit led, blood bought church will offer the comfort we have received from the Father of All Comfort to the folks of Ferguson? (2 Corinthians 1:4) Have you at all interacted with anyone from Ferguson? (1 John 3:18) They are a lively group, hard-working, full of sorrow and grief. The young Howard Univ.student, Mya aka Spook was shot in the head by what media claimed was a drive-by. Listen to her testimony because God gave it to her and she speaks it with every new breath He gives to her. I make a conscious effort to remind her how grateful I am that God created her and how praise worthy God is for not letting her die. Black people need to hear about our God whose love is immeasurable, everlasting and reconciling. They are looking for answers, hope, comfort and peace. Their looking for people to hug them, cry with them looking them in the eyes God gave them to see saying, “Your life matters to the one who created you.” When will we start offering Jesus to the black communities in mental, spiritual and emotional anguish over the death of their children? Where are the words of encouragement, an answer in Jesus as the way to usher in the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying work in their souls? Black lives are dying every 28 hours, you’d think us Christians would be shining our armor and ministering to Ferguson ASAP because today could be their last.(2 Corinthians 5:19) 12 year old, Tamir Rice was killed by a rookie cop within a matter of 2 seconds for holding a toy gun in a open/carry state where adults can carry real guns! When will the church get down on their knees in humility and petition on the behalf of these lives Satan keeps robbing? Please tell me how you act, talk, dress, and the type of music you listen to that will dictate for black american’s a proper deterrent against the spirit of murder?
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Well said. I don’t see where we differ in perspective. Was there something in my post that made it sound as if that would not be the case? I think everything about what happened in Ferguson is tragic. My point is that our problem is a sin problem. That is the conversation that needs to happen. It is sin when someone thinks the color of a person’s skin equates to a lesser or greater value. We are all created in the image of God. And the level of cynicism or arrogance or whatever it is that spurs a cop to shoot first and ask questions not at all, that is a sin problem. (I re-blogged a story earlier today about another incident where a cop almost shot a dad rushing home to get his daughter’s asthma medicine, having his gun drawn when he approached the vehicle.) The rage that burns down the businesses out of sheer malice, is a sin problem. The belittling of the anguish of parents who senselessly lose a child, is a reprehensible sin problem. That’s pretty much what I meant when I said having not spoken on some things doesn’t mean I have no thoughts on it, but rather so many. In the case of Trayvon Martin, I fully believe that if Trayvon aggressed with Zimmerman at all, it was because Zimmerman assumed he was guilty of something, and caused Martin to fear for his life by the way that Zimmerman stalked him. Even if he was a (self-appointed) Neighborhood Watch, there was no justification whatsoever for his chasing Martin, much less to escalate it to the point where he pulled his gun. I figure Travon didn’t appreciate the harassment, and that’s why he turned to face Zimmerman, and rightly (and bravely) so!
The difference in perspective that exists between blacks and whites, can’t be breached without having conversations, though, so I am glad for your comments. Lack of willingness on either side to hear the other out, will never lead to resolution. I readily concur that as a white female I don’t know firsthand what it is like to be black, and especially a black male, in this nation. I think that white folks being painted with the same broad-brush as all being racist, also have a valid gripe. When a black person sees all whites as being racist, that is just as messed up. But you’re right, the stakes are higher for blacks getting painted with that broad brush. I would sure like to see us all get it straight, but that’s not likely to happen, because of that sin thing. Our nature. Which is why Jesus had to die. Because we can’t fix the messes we create. It is a terminal condition and only one antidote exists. There are a good many things the church ought to be on their knees praying about, and you’re right, this issue is one of them. Was the heart of the cop who shot Michael Brown full of hate? Only God knows. And He will deal with it if it is. Vengeance is His. The Grand Jury and the multiple autopsies seem to indicate that those who examined all of the evidence and testimony, concluded that Mr. Brown was approaching the police officer reaching for his gun. I have never stood in a cop’s shoes either. I do know that cops seldom are even reprimanded, much less penalized, no matter what they do. And that is definitely a problem and a conversation that needs to be had. But lawlessness abounds in positions of authority in this nation. Black, white, Republican, Democrat, doesn’t matter. Bush, Obama, Clinton, doesn’t matter. It’s from the top, on down.
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