Many of you may already know where I am headed, so go ahead and quote it with me
2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land (AMPC).
On Sunday morning, I sat in church, waiting and listening to my pastor as he began his sermon. He started with yet another tragic story of a senseless killing of a young African American male by the hands of police officers; my heart was heavy of the continual evil in this world. Fam, this scripture danced across my frontal lobes over and over and over! According to the npr.org, there have been 135 fatalities at the hands of police officers, African American men, and women. The list includes names we have heard nationally and maybe some we have not. Unfortunately, we must listen and deal with the brutality and loss of life from those who take an oath to protect and serve. As a mother of three black males and one black female, my heart trembles each time they leave my presence, each time I look into their eyes when a patrol car is passing down the street or as we are driving on the highway, a look no mother, no father, no parent should ever have to see from their child. It's not just police brutality, and it's not just blacks that I am referring to. All life is precious and should be treated as such. God gave us heartbeats on purpose for a purpose. Unfortunately, this continual violence is our reality, and if we, God's people, do not stand now, stand tall, stand long, and stand strong, when and where will it all end?
Everyone is not called to stand on the streets and protest, but everyone has a role to play, such as the famous verse quoted above. I am His people called by His name; I humble myself daily and teach my children as well; I am always praying, seeking His face, and turning from my wicked ways daily. Unfortunately, I cannot be the only one. Join me so your loved one, my loved one, will not be next on this unfortunate growing list of pure evil walking around this world.
My condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families of those who have lost someone near and dear; due to police brutality, domestic violence, distracted and drunk drivers, random gunshots, senseless murders, carjackings, robbery, home invasions, etc.; I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, your pain, your agony, and all the tears shed that were not necessary. I am here kneeling, praying for this world, this culture, and people's hearts everywhere.
Ezekiel 11:19 And I will give them one heart [a new heart], and put a new spirit within them. I will take from them the heart of stone, and will give them a heart of flesh [that is responsive to My touch]AMP.
Father, in heaven, we glorify You for who You are and all that You have done and will do in our individual lives and the lives of our loved ones. We come together asking you to see us, forgive our sins, rain your presence and oil down on us and give us a new heart and a new spirit. We will continually seek Your face, humble ourselves, pray and turn from our sinful behaviors because only You can heal our land. Please, Lord, give us the strength to be obedient and do our part as You do yours. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.
Living in, on, and for purpose, are you?
