Lament about Racism - Day 1

A Daily Devotional, June 8, 2020

Hearing from our Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Gale and Toiya Goodlow

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it."  1 Corinthians. 12:25-26

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD."  Psalm 89:14-15  

The nation and the world have been watching as our society is once again facing a painful episode of someone of color being killed during an arrest. This sin of racism grieves God and it grieves us. Righteousness and justice seem very far away for some but not others.
Words are many—but effective actions to change and prevent the reality of racism have eluded our society. Progress has been so slow that it seems stuck in quicksand.  We want to hear from our members who can bring their perspective and wisdom and heartbreak to the conversation.  Because of recent events, hearing a word from others who have been seeking justice for their families and themselves for decades has a significance that hopefully will help us all focus our attention and commitment to action towards change and growth.  
The week of June 8-11, we want to hear from Redlanders during our online Daily Devotions. We know we can’t fully explore this issue in 4 days of short devotions.  But hearing from 4 different families and individuals will allow us to strengthen our understanding and empathy and to begin the hard work ahead of us.  As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.  We want our faith and our faithful response to individual and systemic racism to be strengthened. 

• How have the recent events affected you and/or your family? 
• What would you want your church family to understand? 
• How has your faith helped you during this time? 
• How can Redland be part of the solution?