I struggle with what to say. Generally, I have a lot to say. Just ask me. Or maybe stay quiet. I’ll fill the silence with an observation or a question.

But, at this time in our country—following the heinous murder of George Floyd—with protests continuing everywhere you look, I struggle with what to say.

Without question I condemn racism and police violence. I agree, Black lives matter.

Yet, what I do question is why. Why after hundreds of years in this so-called “Christian nation” do we struggle so much with prejudice, discrimination, racism, and violence? Why is it that we can not always trust those sworn to protect and serve to keep from doing the opposite? Why haven’t things gotten better despite the life-sacrificing efforts of so many good folks?

As a pastor I see sin. Anger and its malevolent motivator, contempt. Hate kindled by some unseen unforgiveness. Fear that is blind to reason, hard-hearted and graceless. And pride. Pride, of course, is the root of it all. Foolish, judging, selfish, arrogant pride. I see a heart problem.

And, I wish I could fix it. Get folks to sit down together, share a meal, tell stories, and get to know one another. Get folks to set aside their prejudice and fear to give grace and hope a chance. Get folks to truly live the noblest values of the religion they subscribe to. Get folks to love one another.

Life is better when you love one another. No matter the other.

I struggle with what to say.

But I’ll keep loving. I’ll keep serving. I’ll keep praying. I’ll keep preaching. I’ll keep kindly asking others to do the same. And, maybe, just maybe we’ll see a genuine change in loving one another.