Why I Fear “Good” People: Trayvon Martin and Kony 2012
Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” And he replied, “I don’t know! Am I my brother’s guardian?” But the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground!”
“Good” people of the United States have been killing the black body since the first unfortunate souls were bought and sold after surviving the cruel middle passage from Africa to the Americas in the 16th century. The good people held these truths to be self-evident; all (white) men are created equal. Some of the Founding Fathers also fathered brown or tan sons whom they sold away at a profit, or, if they were more beneficent, kept as slaves in their own household. The Glory Days of the United States and the “Christian” morals some hold dear and wish to return to–frighten me. Because during those days that so many long to return to, a man could buy, sell, or kill me or my son with no consequence.
Jim Crow replaced slavery with a wicked insidiousness that continued to presume that a black body was worth, at most, three-fifths of a white one. Not worthy of rights to vote, to be educated, to live with dignity. Separate and unequal. The strange fruit of black bodies swung from trees, burned in the pyres made by murderous mobs, or would turn up mangled and shot in the back. Churches with little girls were bombed by the good people who lived just across the tracks. In the United States, good citizens could blast little girls to chunks and pieces and go home to kiss their wives and children. Or teach Sunday school.
Fast-forward to the present-day. This country and its good citizens have been touted by some as “post-racial.” That is far from the truth. I’ve been called overly-sensitive for believing that there are racial undertones to the slogans that talk about “taking America back” or not “re-nigging in 2012.” Too sensitive, even when the slogans are paired with images (just google “don’t re-nig in 2012” for an idea) of the President of the United States depicted with exaggerated lips and eyes, or drawn with the body of monkey.
And now this week, Trayvon Martin and Joseph Kony blow up my social media in ironic juxtaposition. (Mostly) black people have posted their outrage over the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin by a neighborhood watch captain who thought he looked “suspicious” (while carrying a bag of Skittles and some iced tea), while (mostly) white people have created a social media phenomenon in sharing a 30-minute video from filmmaker and former missionary Jason Russell to bring down Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army, over 100 million times.
Trayvon Martin and Joseph Kony are two sides of a coin in a cultural currency that must go bankrupt, if not in this country, then at least in the community of faith.
In Trayvon Martin’s case, the 17-year-old was issued a death sentence because he was black and perceived to be in the wrong neighborhood. The man who killed him, George Zimmerman, is free. Never charged. Never even arrested. Right here, right now in 2012, he can ostensibly go home and kiss his wife and teach Sunday School.
Joseph Kony’s reputation is indefensible; he is evil, and doing his part to slaughter young boys just like Trayvon very single day, for years. He should be brought down.
What nauseates and scares me is the deafening silence from the masses concerning Trayvon Martin, our neighbor. It’s curious to me how easily 100 million people could see the Kony video, buying t-shirts and forwarding videos, and yet remain silent about the neighborhood watchman in their own backyard who shot an unarmed boy for carrying Skittles.
I tried and tried to write this piece without anger and fear, with a polite impartial distance. I can’t. My son may be looking down the barrel of a gun someday just because of how he looks. I need to start begging for his life now by asking you to care, to see, to know who your neighbors are and to be your brother’s keeper.
As it stands now, if the Kony 2012 campaign is successful, and when invisible children of Uganda are given asylum in this country, they will still be in danger.
I’ve observed an American evangelical phenomenon: let’s go care for the the poor black souls in the country of Africa (yes, I wrote that on purpose), let’s do little mission trips (you know, the touristy kind) to make us feel good about all we have while we get rid of our cast-off clothing, let’s post our facebook pictures with the little nameless black mascot, er, baby from said country…but still clutch our purses when a “suspicious” young man crosses our path with Skittles and iced tea, avoid eye contact at all costs, and remain silent at neighborhood injustices that may blur the thick red line of our politics.
It’s suspect to me that some in our community create an organized, trendy outcry to injustice abroad and turn a blind eye, or worse, deny, the injustice at home. And having been profiled, snubbed and belittled too many times by good Christian people because of how God created me, I’m sick of being polite. For my son’s sake, I must speak out.
Jesus was profiled by some good, law abiding Pharisees. Judged as a criminal, he was unjustly accused and tried, and the good people hung him from a tree.
The Lord heard Abel’s spilled blood crying out after his brother Cain killed him. He heard and He was not pleased. It may be acceptable for the good citizens of this country to constantly turn a deaf ear to the legacy of persistent racism in this country and the latest iteration; the murder of a teenager carrying Skittles. It is not acceptable for the community of Jesus-followers to do so.
We are our brother’s keeper, aren’t we?
Sharifa Stevens
Sharifa Stevens is a Manhattan-born, Bronx-raised child of the King, born to Jamaican immigrants, and currently living in Dallas. Sharifa's been singing since she was born. Her passion is to serve God's kingdom by leading His people in worship through music, speaking and writing, and relationships with people. Her heart is also unity, inspired by John. Sharifa hates exercise but likes Chipotle, bagels with a schmeer and lox, salmon sushi, chicken tikka, curried goat (yeah, it's good) with rice and peas, and chocolate lava cakes. She's been happily married to Jonathan since 2006...and he buys her Chipotle.
75 Comments
Julie Cramer
Amen!
Sharifa,
I'm glad you went for honest and not "polite." This is a message that must still, sadly, be said. Thank you for the courage to do so.
Sharifa Stevens
Thank you
Julie, thank you.
Rachel Deering
Why I fear “good people”
Very well written, Sharifa! I am there with you 100%. The depths of hypocrisy in so-called "good", especially "good Christian" people, is hard to fathom – but illustrated regularly in the U.S. What really frightens me are the attempts by the "good" God-fearing people to undo all the progress that has been made in this country in regards to civil rights, moral decency and cultural awareness of these issues. The verdict in the Zimmerman trial is tragic, as is the overturning of part of the voting rights act and the complete disregard for the plight of the wrongly imprisoned and poorest of the poor. We must stay vocal on these issues and encourage others to do the same.
Ann Fuqua
‘As it stands now, if the
'As it stands now, if the Kony 2012 campaign is successful, and when invisible children of Uganda are given asylum in this country, they will still be in danger.'
Sharifa, this quote is SO true and so scary . . .for all of us. Thanks for your honest and thought-provoking rant. As a mother, a black woman, a Christian – you have every right and reason to.
Forgive us for we know not what we do BUT when it is pointed out, give us the courage to own it, confess it and, by the power of the Holy Sprit, change it!
Sharifa Stevens
Amen…
…to that prayer, Ann! And thank you for letting this mama get it out, and receiving it with grace.
Micah Vanella
Where do I begin?
I'll start with some basic premises. ALL men are evil. Man is born with an innate selfish, sinful, evil nature. With that as a starting block, racism will never be gone on earth. We should resist and oppose it, but don't ever think that it can be erradicated. No amount of legislation or education can change that because we live in a world full of people who hate God and can do no other by their very nature, aside from the Grace of God.
The thing with Kony 2012 is the same as any other internet fad. People get riled up about it, post a lot on facebook and twitter, so they can make themselves think they are making a difference in the world. Then they log off and go back to their sheltered lives of Farmville and Jersey Shore.
I'm not sure what kind of area you live in but where I live (coastal Virginia) everyone is talking about Treyvon Martin and I have yet to hear anyone say anything supporting Zimmerman's actions. Surprisingly, very very few people anywhere are talking about Melissa Coon's son who was set on fire for being "white". There's racism on both sides of the false dichotomy of "white vs black". Just like there is evil on both sides of Israel vs Arab world, or muslim vs hindu. We are human beings, we kill each other and we curse God. We've mastered that for thousands of years.
So what should the Christian do in response to this? Fear is certainly not an appropriate response. What did Christ say? Check out Matthew 10:26-33 (ESV). Christ knew that that the root cause of societal problems was a heart issue. And who can change the heart but God? So what we do is, preach the Gospel, live the Gospel, and pray for God to change the hearts of men. Don't try to treat the problem through tertiary means.
Garland Dunlap
Tertiary Means?
What, exactly, do you mean by "tertiary means" in this particular case? The (very long) history of violence against Blacks is well-documented, and many Blacks see this as yet another example of it. The similarly long history of silence from conservative churches which condoned (and even perpetrated) the violence is also similarly documented.
So do you suggest that we simply evangelize, do good, and pray as our response to such tragedies and do no more? If so, how do we reconcile James 2:14-19?
Micah Vanella
What I mean by tertiary means
What I mean by tertiary means is trying to treat a sliced artery with a bandaid. Legislation is what the response usually is and these only treat the symptoms. I'm not saying we should do nothing, but the biggest problem is the heart of man. You have a valid concern that people will just sit on their hands, but I don't think James is speaking of political activism. It seems to me James' main point was addressing brethren that claimed to be Christians and continued in their life of sin. The problem I have personally, and Deitrich Bonhoeffer seemed to go through a similar ordeal, is trying reconcile Romans 13 and the acts of Christ to injustices of the world.You can't sit by and do nothing, but the problem is much bigger than political activism.
One observation about today's civil rights/anti racist climate. You don't see men like MLK leading the movement anymore. All you tend to see is the leftists, statist, racist fools like Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, and Al Sharpton. So if we start anywhere, that's where we should start. Godly men.
Sharifa Stevens
Misapplied Statements
The problem with your posts, Micah, is that you didn't need to read or interact with my blog post to write it. Your tone is dismissive, you don't actually engage with what I wrote (which is probably why you come up with erroneous conclusions), and then you speak of my fear or political activism solutions.
Is being your brother's keeper now an act of legislation?
You presume too much and have far too little compassion in your response. It's like going to a widow's house fresh from the funeral and telling her to buck up and stop crying because her saved husband's with Jesus now. Correct concept? Yes. Effective, timely, compassionate theology and Christ-likeness? No. Jesus would have cried.
Your response, ironically, is a bandaid clumsily misapplied to the hurt expressed in my blog post. It doesn't help, and it stings, and I was better off without it.
Micah Vanella
I apologize first for
I apologize first for sounding like I don't care. I am a very abrasive person and I am sorry.
I get very frustrated when I read posts like this that make sweeping generalizations. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and not assume that you are the type of person that sees racism under every rock. I jumped to that conclusion when I read your 3rd paragraph. You do have a valid point abou the re-nig bumper sticker, but I think I just am sheltered because literally all my black friends tend to chuckle at people making big deals about things like, for example, the congressman who caught flak recently used the word niggardly in the most proper and literal way possible.
I am not at all denying that racism does not exist. In fact I am trying to say it will always be there. That doesn't mean I take it lightly, but I try to look at it rationally and realistically.
And the legislation issue, that's usually where people end up taking these arguments, so I did assume too much there.
Sharifa Stevens
I appreciate your candor,
I appreciate your candor, Micah, and I really admire it.
I accept your apology, and I will also give you the benefit of the doubt, that you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater by dismissing valid incidents of racism just to make a point. I know where your presumptions come from; I've seen people benefit from rallying against racism…like vultures. But because of this, it's extremely important to exercise discernment before judging. Extremely. Important.
I'm humbled by your willingness to come back to the table, Micah. That blesses me. I do hope that you will consider that maybe my words are not unrealistic or irrational, though they may be emotional. One thing my words are not – exhaustive. Although I wish I could solve the sin of racism in a single blog post, I can't. But I know the solution to sin, and I am leaning on Him.
I hope for change through loving God and loving one's neighbor as one's self. I think that we are in agreement there? That's the ground I wish to stand on with you.
Len Liptack
Thank you both for engaging
Thank you both for engaging in a civil yet passionate discussion of your differences. It seems that humility and passion are rarely seen together in public discourse.
visitor
The danger with this sort of
The danger with this sort of response is it encourages people of faith to sit on their hands (or live in their prayer closets) while wickedness continues around them-especially when the problem doesn't affect them directly. Psalms, Proverbs, Christ's words, and the epistles all condemn this response. God changes hearts, and if you read his Word, he often uses his people in the process. It's easy to “correct” a woman's fears for her son's life by quoting Matthew 10, but miss the depth of pain caused by sin. Instead, allow her pain to guide how your heart (and thus actions) should be affected by such sin. Here, it seems the author's point is not to call others to be fearful, though she admits to her fear. Rather, she says “I need to start begging for his life now by asking you to care, to see, to know who your neighbors are and to be your brother’s keeper.” She's asking us to get out into our world and engage others with the truth of the gospel-to be Christ even if it messes with our relationships with our neighbors, friends, or family (Matt. 10.34-39). That's not tertiary. That's primary.
Tschussle
In Christ there is no black or white
"No amount of legislation or education can change [the existence of racism] because we live in a world full of people who hate God and can do no other by their very nature, aside from the Grace of God."
Godlessness is not the problem Sharifa has identified. She has quite plainly (and accurately) noted that for hundreds of years, "good Christian" white folk have perpetrated terrible racism and injustice in this country. The non-believers are not the problem. The problem is people (including Christians) living apart from each other and not seeing the humanity, the divine spark in each other–as if the color of their skin dimmed that light.
Last week in Sunday School I got to correct some false notions about the Kony2012 campaign; maybe this week it will be Trayvon Martin. The Spirit has inspired me to pray a little less and talk a little more about these issues. We are God's hands, mouths, and feet in the world.
Sharifa, your observation about how the "invisible children" of Uganda would be no safer here is very moving. Because of who I was born, I haven't personally known your fear. But the anger at this and other injustices knows no skin color.
Bless you.
Sharifa Stevens
Bless You As Well
Tschlusse,
Your words – the way you succinctly examined the issue like a jeweler would the facets of a diamond – move me to tears. Your entire post causes me to pause and reflect on the gravity and resolution of speaking more (and I can tell you that speaking more will cause you to pray more as well!).
Amen – and may we all see the imago dei spark in one another.
I pray I see the divine spark more and more in George Zimmerman as well as in children like Trayvon.
Spencer L. Miller
Where do I begin?
"I have yet to hear anyone say anything supporting Zimmerman's actions." Perhaps the reason you have yet to hear much support for Zimmerman (you must not watch Fox News) is because very few will openly support the killing of an innocent teen-ager. I will remind you that it was Zimmerman who elected to bring a gun to a fist fight. It was Zimmerman who disobeyed police orders and dare you use the Words of Jesus Christ to try and justify Trayvon's senseless death. Any murder of someone whether black or white is ungodly.
Lenita Dunlap
I’m in tears right now, I
I'm in tears right now, I just keep holding my baby, hoping that his fate isn't at the end of a gun barrel because of his skin color. I'm praying for justice and Sharifa I love you and appreciate the gift of writing you have, you've said what I'm been trying to say in my tears, I keep crying out for my husband, son and men in my family, praying for their protection.
Sharifa Stevens
Sons
Let's pray for our little ones, together, that they would be judged by the content of their character.
I'm crying with you.
Meghan
well said
This is my first time over in your space… (came over from the Livesays) and I just want to tell you that I think what you said here is brave and courageous and straight from the heart of a mama bear (which all us mama's have in us, be it black or white). I can not imagine the lifetime of concern that you carry due to skin color alone and while I know you need nothing in terms of affirmation or condolence or whatever the word may be, I just wanted to tell you that this a fiercly truthful and powerful set of words… and I admire that.
I live in Southwest Georgia so I have seen the "racial divide" that while may no longer be lawful, is still very much alive and well in the people who reside as neighbors, but are still very much separated. And so your words ring as true today as they ever have.
Thank you for speaking honestly and openly…may we all learn and live from it.
Sharifa Stevens
Welcome, Meghan!
Your words are apples of gold in settings of silver, fellow mama.
John19smith86
Racial divide still prevails
Racial divide still prevails on this part of the country and I feel bad for it.
danmoynihan
Who’s blood is crying out?
A few years ago two black teenagers carjacked my wife and two of her friends at gun point. They had moved to Houston after Katrina and got involved with a gang. I will not go into the details. It would serve no purpose.
I got very angry at these boys and through a series of police friends I found them, I bought a gun and I meant to do them harm. I fed on the hate, I cherished the hate, I wanted blood. Most people would say I had every right. But not Jesus. Jesus blessed His enemies from the cross, at the end of a spear, in agony.
Jesus broke me down. I have now been mentoring boys in Harris County Juvenile probation for 5 years now. Jesus gave me a love for these boys, I am not kidding. He turned my anger and hate into love and concern. I spend between 9 months to a year with each boy, some of the toughest gang bangers in Houston. I pray with them, read with them, laugh with them, suffer with them. Not me, but Jesus in my crucified flesh. I hated them, I wanted to kill them. To Jesus they are just boys, lost boys.
Do not allow your hate, your feelings of injustice, your agony to rule you. I know it sounds trite, but allow your flesh to be crucified in Christ, then live through Him, always. Racism or the feelings of injustice associated with it are not to be held or cherished as something that belongs to us. We belong to Jesus. If we truly will crucify ourselves with Him, we will see Him in everyone and we will see change, one life at a time, one day at a time, one prayer at a time. You know this to be true. Able's blood no longer is crying out. Jesus has overcome all hate, all lies, all. We can love now, we can overcome whether or not we get "justice" in our minds.
Sharifa Stevens
First of all, what a horrible
First of all, what a horrible thing that happened to your wife and her friends. I am SO sorry. That is such a violation, and so frightening.
Secondly, praise God for how He has moved you to love in such a constructive and positive way. I honor and respect your submission to God.
I am horrified that police would help you to find people and possibly shoot them, because this is vigilante justice with the aid of people who should be enforcing the law. I am so glad that God pulled you back from the brink.
If I may correct you concerning my feelings; I don't feel hate, I feel terror. I do feel agony, and I feel helplessness. Why? We live in the "already/not yet" part of the salvation story. We are saved, we are being saved. Jesus has overcome, Jesus will overcome. Things have not been made right, but they are being made right.
This sentence, "Racism or the feelings of injustice associated with it are not to be held or cherished as something that belongs to us. We belong to Jesus", is food for thought. I promise to consider it, because I want to live as Jesus did, and I hear you; Jesus trumps all.
I hope, too that you will consider along with me the ways Jesus challenged a corrupt status quo in the gospels, and what, if any, implications His actions affect how we respond to the status quo today.
DW
Outrage?
"(Mostly) black people have posted their outrage over the shooting death of 17-year-old Martin"
I have yet to listen to one person of any color who has not shown outrage over this incident. I have read dozens of articles, thousands of comments, and talked to numerous people. Every person I've encountered has shown outrage about this incident. It is not a (mostly) black phenomenon. When you read the details of the encounter, there is hardly any way that any sane person can not be outraged.
Albeit, there are surely some people in some areas who find this type of incident acceptable, but I'm fairly sure they are in the utter minority of the country's population. The outrage is fairly universal in what I've seen.
I suppose if the majority of the commentary you read is coming from members of the black community, you might believe that they are expressing the majority of the outrage, but if you look at commentary from all over the country and multiple sources – you'll find everyone is outraged. I've seen hundreds of comments expressing outrage on conservative sites, liberal sites, and any other part of the spectrum. Please don't assume that people aren't outraged, or are less bothered, just because they aren't black. We are all people, and when incidents like this happen – we all suffer for it.
Sharifa Stevens
Outrage.
DW, I'm glad that to hear what you've reported. I've read at least two articles that talk about Trayvon Martin as a possible arsonist and dangerous person because he was suspended from school, as well as a defense of George Zimmerman as lawfully using the Stand Your Ground law. I'm happy that you've been shielded from that pablum. I'm encouraged that you hear uniform outrage, and not deafening silence.
Silent indifference is what I experienced and that is what I wrote about. I think there's a groundswell of interest that has grown, and I'm encouraged by this. But I witnessed the silence.
Hear me: I am presuming the exact opposite of what you're saying — I think that we ARE all people and we do ALL suffer for incidents like this. I am appealling to the best in us as I reveal the pain that I've experienced. I would like us all to be our brothers' keepers.
What I'm not asking in this blog is whether any people are okay with Trayvon Martin being shot, which I think is your point. Hopefully, the answer to that would be a universal and resounding NO.
Jenni.jarvis
“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”
You mention the "good people"
Jesus says… twice actually…. "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Matt 9:13 and Matt 12:7) He is saying it to the Pharisees… the "good people" the "rule followers"
Joannablogs
same phenomenon in The Help
This type of racism has been going on for years, and the irony of caring for black people in Africa, and not our own black neighbours, is brought up as well in the novel "The Help".
In the scenario in the Help, the same women who treat their maids with contempt and inequality, run fundraisers for the "poor children of Africa". Its very ironic, and maybe reveals alot about our own humanity;
We prefer to care about issues that don't affect us personally, or don't involve any personal sacrifice of any kind.
Sharifa Stevens
The Help *sigh*
Joanna,
That's a great analogy from The Help, and your last sentence pretty much sums it up – for all of us. I know I have many times been guilty of preferring comfort and ignorance to sacrifice and compassionate action. It's a dangerous, but righteous, prayer to ask God to break our hearts with what breaks His.
Visitor
I sense the hatred pournig
I sense the hatred pournig out of the author against white people. This makes me very sad. I wish Jesus would heal her heart.
Sharifa Stevens
Not that it matters…but…
…my wonderful husband is white, and so is my mother-in-law and brothers and sisters-in-law. My son is the beautiful result of our union.
But I agree in prayer with you that Jesus heals me completely from my manifold imperfections, as well as the trials of life that have spurred this post. Thank you for your prayers.
Visitor
Thank you for your reply. I
Thank you for your reply. I find myself now rethinking things. At first I thought you hated white people because I felt you used a big paint brush on all whites as evil racists (my husband is also white). I've been the victim of racism and had no one to speak out for me. Perhaps I was sensitive because I felt re-victimized that once again, I was pushed aside based on the color of my skin. (I'm not white, I'm not black, I'm just a human being.)
Then I read your response and the two following it. The other two are what I was expecting from you. "Throwing computers" and knee jerk "well why don't you just…" reactions. Those are the kind of things I've come to expect from Christians.
Thank you for setting a better example, it softened my heart, which I wasn't quite expecting. Isn't there something in your Bible about a soft answer turns away anger or something like that?
As for the other two responders – yep, I feel the love of their Christ loud and clear.
Tara Livesay
I wish Jesus would give you
I wish Jesus would give you the courage to say things using your name and not hiding behind anonymity.
LisaT
If you see hatred here, you are looking to see it.
What you see as hatred, is a heart weeping and wrenching with the thought of injustice… and I believe that to be the heart of Christ as well.
Have you read some of Christ's speaking to the Pharisees or even to his own disciples? You will hear the same cry of Christ there as well. The story of the Good Samaritan has everything to do with race and injustice… and the problem with good people from the other side of the tracks. "Am I my brother's keeper?" or "Who is my neighbor" are two ways of asking a very similar question.
Let these cries be always heard! Let them ring in our hearts and consciences!
You will also see that there is no hatred in Sharifa, because of the gracious way she responded to you. I want to throw my computer against the wall. And, if I need to say (it shouldn't matter)….. I'm white.
Bain
You sense it because it’s
You sense it because it's coming out of you. I have repeatedly been astounded at the graciousness of the author in response to every commenter on this post. Don't you DARE use Jesus as a weapon against somebody. Keep your blasphemy to yourself.
T R L
Thank you for your words …
Denial (about racism existing) is so much easier than saying "I admit I make decisions about people based on how they look." We're not a people willing to admit our flaws and sinful nature. Instead we just claim it isn't so and move on.
It is so much more comfortable to fly to a foreign land and hold some brown babies than it is to try to get to know your neighbors that don't look like you. Community takes hard work, it take risk … building it with people that aren't exactly like you is even harder. If you'll take the time to go help Africa, it should also occur to you to get to know your neighbors.
I think you wrote something true and courageous here and having seen my son watched carefully based on nothing but the color of his skin I agree with you that we are a long way from "post racial".
I sense zero hate. You have my respect Sharifa.
Sharifa Stevens
You Have MY Respect, T R L
Um, yes. YES to this:
Community takes hard work, it take risk … building it with people that aren't exactly like you is even harder.
Tell the truth! I experience this in my own marriage, let alone with people that I haven't covenanted to love! Yes, it's hard work, like most good things in life. It's so worth it. Or else Jesus wouldn't walk around tearing down dividing walls as He ministered. And boy, he tore 'em down.
I hope it's clear that holding brown, or peach, or burnt sienna babies is not bad – it is so good. I cheer, I jump up and down, and I praise God…when it's for reasons beyond a photo opp.
As far as not admiting sin and preferring denial…well, Jesus wants to wash and cleanse us…but we still ought to hold out our feet.
Mark A
Saddened
The senseless death of human being is beyond sad and depressing. The police shouldn't let wannabe cops, whether well intentioned or not, roam their neighborhoods with loaded pistols looking to make citizens arrest. Talk about a recipe for disaster. This young man should have been able to walk the streets without fearing that someone was following him because he looked suspicious. I don't know if race was a part of this deadly encounter, but I know that fear was part of it, fear of robbers, fear of killers, fear of strangers and just maybe fear of different skin coloring. When Trayvon turned around and came toward his killer, what would have happened if Mr. Zimmerman had seen a light colored face? As more facts become known, I hope to find out that Mr. Zimmerman is not a racist, but just a scared, stupid fool that shouldn't have been allowed to walk the streets with a loaded gun. Let's pray for the family and that laws will be changed to keep untrained neighbors from patrolling their streets with deadly weapons.
Hornet
Time to Stur the Hornet’s Nest
Let me be clear that I don't mean to excuse what Zimmerman did, however this is a thought that has crossed my mind in the course of reading this article and the comments to it.
I wonder what George Zimmerman was actually thinking when he shot Trayvon??
Jesus gave us many commands, one of which was to not judge. While what Zimmerman did was clearly wrong and deserves to be punished by the authorities we are commanded to respect I wonder if there isn't a rush to judgment on this blog regarding the heart and state of mind of Mr. Zimmerman. Is he a hardened racist who was just out to shoot an innocent young African American? Clearly this is possible. Yet isn't it also possible that he actually believed that he saw a gun on Trayvon and fired actually believing that he was in danger? I don't know. I can't know. I can't get inside of his head to find out.
Sharifa Stevens
Actually, Hornet
…this blog post wasn't about George Zimmerman's state of mind or heart.
But if you are interested in his state of mind, listen to the 911 conversations.
Visitorfelicia
thanku thank u for writing
thank u thank u for writing this just the way you did. i often hear white people compare racism to an equal amount on both sides white and black. but racism is not and never has been distributed equally. racism against whites or others in america has never by my knowledge been equal to the racism towards blacks in america…….i also agree that far too much goes into african adoption and not adoption of our own black children right here….why is this? im not understanding why.
Sherri G
This is so well written.
This is so well written. Thank you for writing it. My heart has been so heavy with sadness, anger, and deep, deep discouragement over this case that I have been unable to wrap words around it. You have done it so much better than I ever could.
With your permission, I would like to re-post the first part of this on my blog with a link to the remainder of your post.
Christ's Peace,
Sherri
Sharifa Stevens
Thank you, Sherri. I can SO
Thank you, Sherri. I can SO identify with how you feel; the sadness…the anger…the deep DEEP discouragement.
You have my permission – if I can also access that post! 🙂
kmattwalker
The Declaration of Independence
You mention that the "good people held these truths to be self-evident; all (white) men are created equal," as the Declaration of Independence put it. That is, of course, a horrible irony, since Thomas Jefferson wrote it even as he owned slaves, and the United States fell terribly short of that idea over and over again throughout its miserable history.
But I wonder why so many of the greatest movements toward racial equality kept looking back to the Declaration and the Constitution. Consider Fredrick Douglass' words:
"The Constitution, as well as the Declaration of Independence, and the sentiments of the founders of the Republic, give us a platform broad enough, and strong enough, to support the most comprehensive plans for the freedom and elevation of all the people of this country, without regard to color, class, or clime."
Or Martin Luther King in the March on Washington speech:
"When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir… I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.'"
Were these great African-American leaders wrong to say that true justice comes from looking back to those founding documents? How could they insist on those principles so much when the men who wrote them were slave owners? Why DO we object to injustice, anyway?
Sharifa Stevens
Good Question
kmattwalker, that's a great observation. I think that the people that you referenced were appealling to the document to live up to its word – because the concepts behind the Declaration were not universally applied. It was a call to end the legacy of hypocrisy.
en2zasm
So well said!
I am the white parent of two Haitian children. I wanted that known up front. Trayvon's murder terrifies me. When we adopted our kids, we knew that there would be times when we would have to deal with racist stuff. It hasn't been much yet, thankfully, but my son is only 9 and my daughter is 7. I am probably hypersensitive to anything someone says about my kids. I am vigilant. I feel the need to teach them skills to handle words that come from other kids and how to not get drawn into a conflict. I remind them daily how beautiful they are, inside and out and that God made them that way. We have great discussions about differences and similarities. Many days I forget that they don't really look like me. They are just my kids.
Still, it can be stressful. I worry about being judged by the black people in our area. I fuss over my kids' hair. I feel like the world is watching us some days. Why did I sign up for this? I'll tell you. When I was in Haiti the first time, this little boy flirted with me. He was 4 1/2 months old and had the most gorgeous eyes I had ever seen. He needed a mom and dad. We prayed and prayed about it. My husband had previously been tentative – worried about the repercussions in his own family. THIS child grabbed a hold of his heart, though, and he has never let go. He melted all the family opposition, too. My grandmother, who was a quiet racist, forgot all that when she developed Alzheimer's. She loved my little boy and told me he was amazing.
Oh, and to be clear, we actually tried to adopt kids from the foster care system in this country first before going to a foreign country "to do good". We had three failed attempts due to some crazy legal situations. They were all stepping stones to bring us to the children we really feel were meant to be ours, though.
Okay, so I wrote a novel to say there are people of all colors who are not only outraged, but fearful. I've seen posts from friends of all colors. I am trying to set my fear aside and beg God for peace in my heart again. I am hopeful that the next generation will realize the mistakes of those that went before and press forward to a time when we can all look beyond outward appearances to see what lies inside. It would be great if that happened in time for my kids to be teenagers since I am doubtful that I will get much sleep during those years otherwise.
I sincerely hope that Trayvon's family is able to get some justice. I grieve so much for his family. I can't even imagine. I'm so glad people are talking about it, though. Micah 6:8 states (via The Message): But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.
Thank you for your words, neighbor.
Sharifa Stevens
Neighbor…
…hi from across the lawn. :o)
Man, sometimes I wish I could just meet the folks who write posts and sit down and eat delicious morsels and talk about how God led them to where they are.
Your post touched me, for several reasons.
-whenever I am with my family, we are being sized up. I feel your pain.
-i worry waaay too much about what people will say about my or my son's hair
-my family has been disapproved of, both internally (family-wise) and externally
-your son flirted with you – and that sounds like a good story! how wonderful that your son chose you.
But what resonates with me the most is this:
YEAH. YEAH, that's me, too, en2zasm. And he has a few years to teenage-dom, but time flies. I was telling a friend of mine today that I think Trayvon Martin is the Emmett Till of our generation. She corrected me; he's the Emmett Till of this current, quite young, generation.
I think that my act of worship is (constantly, over and over) laying the fear at His feet…and reading the chin-up words he constantly wrote to His people: be strong and courageous. Fear not.
Anna D
Civil Discourse
Sharifa, This is the first I have read of yours, but the way you respond to your readers has me begging for more. It is refreshing and encouraging to stumble upon a blogger who not only thoroughly processes her thoughts, organizes them well into the written word, and points her readers to Christ along the way, but also responds to reader's comments by reminding us of the original post's intentions (let's stay on topic), by appealing to logic, by avoiding the temptation to yield to defensive emotionalism, and yes, once again, by using another opportunity to point us to Christ. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Sarah D
Amen!
I was going to get on here and say the same things that Anna said. I have been deeply moved by your courageous post and come back to read it several times. Your voice is an important one and I am so SO grateful that you have written. I am sorry that in order to be able to write this you have had to suffer. Not only are your thoughts and responses in this comments section filled with grace and truth and humility but you really put yourself out there to begin with. Thank you for being vulnerable and gracious. Thank you for admonishing us to be our "brothers keeper". I believe it has to begin there, and your words are resounding in me.
You made so many perfectly horrifying parallels to help your readers understand your point of view. I don't know what the true gauge of hearts is, but if I am to gauge hearts by the many opinions of- "racism isn't a big issue anymore" then my only conclusion is that denial is safer and more comfortable than truth.
Thank you Thank you Thank you for speaking this truth and opening many hearts and eyes.
Sharifa Stevens
Thank you
No, thank YOU. Thank YOU for lifting my chin with your words and thank YOU for your gracious response and thank YOU for wrestling through the issues alongside me and taking the time to write to me about it.
Sharifa Stevens
Who, Me?!
This is such high praise, Anna D, and when I'm not looking to the right and to the left and then pointing incredulously at myself, saying, "huh? who? ME??" I am clapping my hands that the Spirit's working here. I am SOOOOO encouraged by you today. Thank YOU! Thank YOU! Thank YOU!
Robert who cares
Loss of words.
From your post ""This country and its good citizens have been touted by some as “post-racial.” That is far from the truth. I’ve been called overly-sensitive for believing that there are racial undertones to the slogans that talk about “taking America back” or not “re-nigging in 2012.” Too sensitive, even when the slogans are paired with images of the President of the United States depicted with exaggerated lips and eyes, or drawn with the body of monkey. ""
I too, am tired of this rhetoric and am glad that you restate it here. You should be happy to note that the link you posted "paired with images" displays nothing in Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer. It has been removed or my something in my settings is blocking it.
I am also tired of the disrespect that many have towards our President. To me that equates to disrepect for the Office of the Presidency. If one can not respect that, then what is there left to respect in this country. And it trickle downs to disrepecting our fellow citizens/human beings.
We can all do better. Especially if someone will stand up and be a Statesman that cares for what our country stands for and for its future. And not be just a politician, once elected just looking as to how to be reelected again.
And you have made the first step in standing up to these injustices. My color? It does not matter, I bleed red and shed tears over injustice, just like many other people of this planet.
Sharifa Stevens
Good Catch
Robert Who Cares,
Thank you for alerting me to the technical glitch! I've changed it. All one needs to do is google "don't re-nig in 2012" to see all the images related to this.
And yes, we can all do better. I'm really saddened to see people reducing the office of the presidency to a minstrel show. As if he – or any president – were not elected but installed. This is not a monarchy, so the people get to vote in or vote out. The current president is there because we the people put him there. Let the ballots speak instead of the racial slurs.
HopefulLeigh
Sharifa, I’ve never read
Sharifa, I've never read anything by you before (that I'm aware of). I am stunned by the grace so readily apparent here as you've grappled with this heartbreaking topic, not only in the post itself but also the way you engage with commenters, as others have mentioned. You've written beautifully. More than that, you've challenged us to examine ourselves and what our role will be here, especially in light of faith. What happened to Trayvon is wrong. It will always be wrong. And silence or, worse, indifference, is not acceptable. Ever. The juxtaposition of Kony 2012 vs. Trayvon is chilling. I have passed on articles about Trayvon and signed the petition. But I must also see what I can do in my own community. It's easy to speak out against injustice in another state. It takes intentionality to do it where you live. Thank you for reminding me of that today.
Tamara Lunardo
I beg alongside you.
"My son may be looking down the barrel of a gun someday just because of how he looks. I need to start begging for his life now by asking you to care, to see, to know who your neighbors are and to be your brother’s keeper."
I am rent. As a fellow mother and Christian and human, I beg alongside you.
Thank you for laying your heart bare on the page so that other hearts might be opened.
Sharifa Stevens
Rent
Tamara,
That's it. That's the word I couldn't find. I am rent. Thank you for putting words to the injury of my heart. No, no. The injury of our hearts.
Thank you.
andrewtb
I agree completely.
Let me start out by stating that I LOVE this post. I love how eloquently your thoughts have been put on the page, Ms. Stevens. I love that the comments and replies are repsectful and considerate; any disagreements are replied to courteously–it is probably the best example of thoughtful discussion I have ever stumbled upon. On this information super-highway filled with irrational drivers, it is nice to find folks that follow the rules of the road.
As well, I do agree with a great majority of what has been written in the original post and a lot of what has been written in the responses, as well. The slaying of Trayvon Martin is absolutely an abhorrant action that has happened in a country that finds itself, so unfortunately, regressing from the racial acceptance (not the best phrase I want, but it's all that's coming to me right now) that we had been working so hard to create.
I, too, want to see more outrage and mobilization and action to shed a wider spotlight on national issues such as this horrible event. I have always been an advocate for more local action and attention to national problems such as racism and homelessness (issues that too often intersect with one another). Global advocacy is definitely more "trendy" than local issues and it is unfortunate to say the least.
However, I am disappointed that well intended organizations like Invisible Children (and their Kony 2012 campaign) have to be indirectly insulted because they have chosen to aim their efforts globally instead of locally. I think to dismiss these organizations, even while making an important point about our country's unfortunate ability to make trends out of dispair, is unfair and, with due respect, a bit irresponsible.
My passion for local issues would not exist if I hadn't been introduced to Invisible Children, World Vision, Charity: Water and other globally minded organizations. They and others like them have been hugely influential to my growth as an activist. I think many people, especially youth, need to be introduced to activism through social media campaigns like Kony 2012 (only one of many campaigns by Invisible Children, I might add). It is a starting point and an important one. Once people are introduced to activism in this capacity, I fully believe that many will begin to really look around and see the injustices in their direct vicinity–in their own neighborhoods–but it does take time.
While you have not directly dimished the efforts of Invisible Children in your writing, I think it is a misstep to specifically mention the Kony 2012 campaign to prove the point of the American ability to make trendy what is meant to be an honest, passionate attempt to change the world for the better. I think it adds to the current climate of catching people or organizations in what is be percieved as flawed thinking. It's an evolved sense of superiority, I believe. I was guilty of it when I was young in my activism (still am, probably…maybe even with this comment)–admonishing those who give money, but put no action behind their convictions, or self-righteously pointing out the fault of shopping at Wal-Mart or other giant chain stores instead of supporting smaller local businesses. I have had to step back and realize that it is fruitless to downplay the attempts of others who are trying to do their part, but lack the education and/or communal encouragement to further those attempts. I feel it is in the same practice (albeit at a different end of the spectrum) as trying to find more fault in one particular sin instead of realizing that all sin is the same. Like trying to save a gay person from their ways, while allowing Christian hate and bigotry.
Perhaps my comment itself is misdirected. Maybe I'm picking at something you wrote that I ought not, but I have been defending Invisible Children and Kony 2012 from a lot of people lately and it is just kind of a sensitive topic for me.
To try to bring this back around on topic of the death of young Mr. Martin; I have seen and heard much outcry and support for action against the shooter, Zimmerman, but there could definitely be more done to ensure that justice is found in light of this situation. Here's to hope.
Again, thank you for this post and the respectful discussion that has been created with it.
Sharifa Stevens
Not The Campaign…More Like The Response
Oh, andrewtb – I want to answer you with the care and attention to detail that you have lavished upon me, forgive me for being somewhat terse. It's not for lack of interest; it's because I'm currently typing while my 20-month old tells me about trains, planes, and automobiles.
But I so urgently wanted to respond after I read your thoughtful comment, that I just can't wait! (Please excuse typos. I hope I sound sane.)
So here goes:
You know, I put my foot in my mouth sometimes, but I try really hard not to mouth off concerning the efforts of men and women of God. When I wrote this piece, I didn't want to make light of the Kony 2012 effort. The campaign has literally brought me to my knees in prayer for these children and the systems of evil that surround them. I didn't want to make light of Jason Russell, either. There's a lot of stuff floating around in the news, and it's beside the point (which is why I'm not touching it in my blog). Little ones in Uganda are NOT SAFE when they should be. Nothing to make fun of there.
I agree with you; helping people should not be an either/or issue when it comes to domestic and international need. Down with either/or; up with both/and!
I'm not asking people to choose. I am asking people to be consistent.
What I meant to focus on was the marked inconsistency I observed in response to the Kony campaign in contrast (but that's changed so much in the last few days that this post is old news!) with the Trayvon Martin case. But, like you said, this might be an evolved sense of superiority. I'm not above that…sadly. But I hope not!
I prefer to think that it's a twisted optimism that I have in thinking that the same social media capabilities that folks use for one cause can be equally used for another — there's no increased demand for folks to know better or stop their Walmart shopping (although I'm interested in knowing how you encourage increased awareness without risking an air of superiority), just steer the efforts towards an additional something.
I confess, there are some mission trips that I do make fun of. The safari ones with the luxury hotels and the visit to the slums on the side. I think that's my evolved superiority there, mixed with a LOT of cynicism. I must work on that. (I know that God can use anyone or anything…He saved me, and that's just crazy.)
Does this make sense, andrewtb? If it doesn't, I'm happy to chat more about it (especially when I'm not toddler-wrangling).
Amy G
Thank You
Wow, I have nothing intelligent to add to the conversation but thank you so much for your thoughts. So dangerous now in our culture is the denial of prejudice but a complete unawareness of all the "micro-aggression" happening every day, everywhere. May God bless you and may your voice be heard near and far!
Jada H.
Time for change
It's so refreshing to have come across your blog. I have watched a video or two ( I cant watch too much, it's to sad) about the Trayvon Martin case on youtube. I also found myself feeling fear for my own children, and I was very disturbed by the comments of some about this subject. I had to constantly ask the Lord to humble me and give me the words to say in response to some of the comments. Seeing how you express your true feelings, fear and sadness, as opposed to anger or hurt feelings really made me strive to make sure that the words of my mouth are those that people will find edifying. It's frustrating to read posts such as "It's not about race ni99ers", or get over it, we dont owe you anything. While it's true that nobody owes me anything, I think that at least our children (black or white) should be able to live peacefully here in good ol America. Everyone deserves peace, and I have to remind myself that my job is to tell others about the goodness of the Lord. And that's the only way to true peace. We (black or white) need to pay attention to what's going on around us, and work hard to make whatever changes need to be made, and while I dont really listen to the speeches made by Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and others like them (maybe I should?) I think that the main message that they want to put out there is, take initiative, do what you can to make a difference, and most importantly, equality. Why would a person be angry about that, after all, we are known as scary, violent and angry, so why wouldnt those that are "afraid" of us encourage us instead of getting angry that we are trying to better ourselves. Those things are important, especially in the black community, because we tend to lack initiative, it's like we just want to sit back and accept anything, right or wrong, as long as we have money, clothes and expensive cars. We dont have to chase those things, because the Lord will provide, and he will give us the desires of our heart, but we are the only ones who can change the outlook and perception of the black community. We have a responsibility to do that. I read one comment that said …"so what, you people arent going to do anything about it, as usual" We can't expect things to change without effort on our part. I just have this feeling that maybe the recent events in the media will be the push that we need as a nation to start making changes and spreading the news of the Gospel.
Turtlegirl
life long effort
This is my first visit to your space Sharifa and I love it- your writing is eloquent, poetic and stimulating. You have a gift.
I would like to say that I have to wonder if George Zimmerman has a mental illness- not like schizophrenia, but more like a paranoid personality. It's just not normal for anyone to invest that much time in watching for "bad guys." I can't judge whether he is racist – or mentally ill. There are many ways people are racist, but what apalls me is that he was not immediately arrested, still hasn't been arrested, was allowed to continue in his roll as neighborhood watch leader when he was clearly off the deep end. This is a horrifying example of the underlying societal racsim which we like to forget is there.
Racism of course is at the base of the whole issue- had the situation been a white child being killed by a black neighborhood watch person, you can bet that the shooter would not be out running around. Racism is obviously why George saw this young man as a threat even if George had a mental health concern- the societal norm of black being less than, feeds many a paranoid mind. I know- I've worked in mental hospitals and in mental health a long time.
I , like you have a family of many colors and fear that one day my son might go out for a soda and never return. I like you feel that far too often what we good "church people" focus on are "events" like taking our youth to impoverished nations which they leave after a week and come back to the same place they left. Why don't we have our youth groups visiting nursing homes every week, tutoring kids of less means, etc.? Because, I think, we get the applause for out good works, while not truly having to make changes, or do anything that is long term, not glamorous and often unnoticed. Working for change is life long job. We can't afford to get complacent, our babies are depending on us. Thanks for your wonderful words.
Making Sense of the Madness
Some perspective
Sharifa,
I haven't commented on your blog before but felt compelled to share my perspective with you as someone who hasn't jumped up in arms over the Trayvon Martin case or responded to Kony 2012. And while I may not be the target of your vent, perhaps I can explain the difference between the two.
Kony 2012 was about evoking an emotion due to the incredible injustice taking place. It had to do with making children murder their parents and being brainwashed to the point that they are heartless killers. That strikes fear in the heart of any person with a heartbeat.
The Trayvon Martin case is about a perceived injustice to a boy who was just minding his own business before he was tracked down and murdered by an overzealous watchman … or so the first stories went. For the open minded, much more evidence and official reports are coming out. And whether you choose to believe it or not, there apparently is always another side to the story, including eye witnesses who saw Martin (a strapping 6-foot-3 17-year-old man child, not the baby boy pictures distributed to the media) bashing a short, portly Zimmerman.
While I think we can both agree that no one needed to die in this case, there is a stark difference to me between this case and Kony for two reasons … 1) These are two individuals involved, not an evil so abhored as Kony, and 2) We don't know all the facts about one particular case and rushing to judgment is never wise.
If this were a systemic problem within Sanford, Fla., or other parts of Florida where black youth were being gunned down by non-blacks and never prosecuted, then I would likely join in your rage. But it's not. This seems to be an unfortunate isolated incident where the full truth of what happened that not has yet to be revealed.
Proverbs 29:11 says, "A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back." I take that verse seriously and try not to let my emotions dictate my actions. I also take seriously this verse from Proverbs: "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him" (18:17). In this case, whatever side we hear first is the one that sounds the most right. Somewhere in there is the truth.
As a Christian, I feel called to stand up for injustice when it occurs, when I see it happening and recognize the impact of it. It has little to do with a person's skin color or even how cool a video is. I realize that our perspective in life may serve to reinforce preconceived notions or ideas that we have, but before I begin calling for justice, I want to take a measured response to hear all the facts. Kony has years of history of injustice, while Trayvon Martin's case is 1-month old and all the facts have yet to emerge publicly.
But if your characterization of what happens proves to be true, I will be right there with you. Guaranteed.
Sharifa Stevens
One More Thing – What This Blog Is and Is Not
This blog post is about the cry of my heart.
This blog post is about observing people's responses of compassion or indifference both at home or abroad.
This blog post is NOT about the guilt or innocence of George Zimmerman.
Thank you.
Sharifa Stevens
Making Sense of the
Making Sense of the Madness,
There are systems of evil taking place in Uganda.
There are systems of evil taking place in the United States.
I would go so far as to characterize these systems of evil as a 3rd party in play – in Uganda and in the United States, and right smack in the middle of Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman. A dead boy and a free shooter is not perceived injustice. I am warranted in my response. It's a response that's fraught with history that is, apparently, invisible to many.
Perhaps the Proverbs verse you shared applies to people who (rashly?) conclude that racism resulted in a boy being shot to death and the man who shot him not being arrested, tested for drugs, or charged with a single thing.
But…perhaps those who are blind to systems of evil in this country are also foolish to give full vent to their ignorance, all the while demeaning, ignoring and insulting the folks who can see, very well, the systems of evil at work in this particular case, because it happens ALL the time, without any media coverage.
Time will tell.
Proverbs 29:11 speaks of a lack of self-control due to frustration, or anger, or bitterness. There is a violent connotation to it, as the verse is preceded by Proverbs 29:10:"Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless and seek the life of the upright " (ESV).
Who represents the severity of this passage better, George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin?
Christy Broyles
I read your article and a lot
I read your article and a lot of the follow up comments today and then I saw a friend (who recently adopted from Africa) post a link to this blog post which also garnered a lot of comments on her facebook page. They are white. Just thought I would throw out that there are white people out there disucssing this and outraged.
http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2012/03/26/dear-trayvons-mom
Sharifa Stevens
This blog post is beautifully
This blog post is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it with me. I actually had already read it after a friend of mine forwarded it to me. Her sensitivity and love and grace pour from the page.
I'm glad that there are people discussing this, and discussing the undertones of it as well. Thanks again for sharing, Christy.
Making Sense of the Madness
Time will tell
I kinda think you got my point, but then you didn't …
You're right when you say, "Time will tell." … Time will tell. At least, I hope it will. And that's why I say there's no need to rally to arms (perhaps, poor imagery here) until we know the full picture.
But then you ask about who best respects the verse I cited. The verses I cited aren't for those young men — the verses are for those circling Mr. Zimmerman with stones in their hands, ready to make the gravest of accusations without letting law enforcement do their job. Is there justice in imprisoning a man who was defending himself in the eyes of the law, if that is indeed what this case turns out to be? … Though in answer to your question, we don't know who represents the severity of the passage better. You don't and neither do I. So, that's why we wait.
Our world is full of injustice. It's dark, downright scary at times when you see the evil that's reveal in the hearts of men. But that's why being a Christian who shines light requires restraint and civility until we know there is a reason to act, a reason to protest, a reason to lend our voices. You need to ponder the serious reprecussions of what you're asking people to do without all the facts: Extracting justice from a man who for a month now has given law enforcement officials no reason to arrest him. I won't lend my voice that to cause.
And what will become of George Zimmerman if he is exonerated? Will you and countless others who have found him and the law enforcement officials working the case to be guilty recant or ask for forgiveness if he indeed found to be telling the truth? Or have you already made up your mind that you will never consider anything discovered by law enforcement officials to be truth? First you hear one man's story (the story Martin's family has sold the media), and then you hear another (Zimmerman and the facts of the case). Nothing has come up conclusive in my mind.
There are indeed injustices within our world. And as Christians we need to speak up for the injustices of the voiceless when they have none. Is there one here? We just don't know. We can simply agree that a young man didn't have to end up dead. But whether or not there's injustice is too difficult to tell. And that's why patience is most prudent here.
Lael Arrington
I was sobered watching Zimmerman’s black friend on TV last night
If it is true, as he attested, that George was a friend to blacks and with his wife tutored black children for no charge on weekends, then that makes me wonder what is the true story here. It is still a terrible tragedy and a young unarmed black teen is dead. But it makes me think of the wisdom of Proverbs to wait and listen to both sides of an argument before we conclude what truly happened. I’m glad Florida has appointed a special prosecutor and I pray that they can discover the truth of the matter.
Sharifa Stevens
Regarding Zimmerman
Here's a link with an update:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/12/us/zimmerman-to-be-charged-in-trayvon-martin-shooting.html?_r=1&hp
Sharifa Stevens
MSM,
I think I get your
MSM,
I think I get your point. I sense that you're writing out of a sense of prudence, not malice. You're telling me (gently) to wait and see before I speak undue condemnation. Is that right?
I am exercising restraint, by calling for understanding, and by dialoguing instead of retreating. This case is mired in a history of racism, and it's so uncomfortable to talk about, and it's even harder to discuss when the topic of race is evaded completely. It takes a lot of patience (from both you and me) to stay at the table.
You are gentle and tempered, and I so want to go with you on your train of thought…but you don't acknowledge at all the history that is making its impression on this case. Zimmerman is not the first person in the United States not to be prosecuted for killing a black man. That fact weighs heavily on some of your brothers and sisters. That, and racial epithets and stereotypes heard not from the Martin family but Zimmerman's own mouth, paint a very hurtful picture that you just don't acknowledge. And so I sit here, bleeding out from the soul, after writing a blog that was bleeding out from the soul, and your advice for me is to watch my mouth…while you step over my pool of blood.
What is objective about your contrast? "First you hear one man's story (the story Martin's family has sold the media), and then you hear another (Zimmerman and the facts of the case)." That actually does sound conclusive.
If a young man didn't have to end up dead, yet he is, then there is injustice.
Making Sense of the Madness
Tragedy Doesn’t Always Equate to Injustice
I would never use the phrase "watch you mouth," but I would temper a quick response by saying let's not rush to judgment.
We all have biases and it can surely be a challenge to be patient before labeling this a racist attack when your experience is that blacks are killed and sometimes no one is prosecuted. People who want this case to be about race hear a racial slur. Others do not. (As someone who grew up in the south, nobody I knew who would use the particular racial slur some people claim he said would have black friends, much less tutoring them and allowing them in his home.) When emotions run high, we tend to see what we want to see as opposed to considering everything in a rational manner.
Maybe my point is, you don't have to bleed from the soul on this one. We don't have to cry racism and injustice when the reality is an unjust law is to blame for the fact that Zimmerman was never arraigned. Of the 130 cases invoking "stand your ground" law in Florida since 2010, there have been 74 men and women cleared of wrong doing. Young people. Old people. Floridians. Americans. Sometimes people died. Sometimes they just got hurt really bad. And in each case, someone got hurt who maybe didn't have to.
It's a poorly-conceived law, to be sure. But Zimmerman sounds like no racist. He has a black friend adamantaly defending him on television. Why would he do this if it weren't true? What if this — like other SYG cases — is about a shooter taking advantage of a poorly enacted law?
Finally, in my attempt to remain objective, when I say the facts of the case, I mean what investigators find, people who have unfiltered access to information and evidence that you and I have yet to see. I haven't heard them all yet. My mind remains open as to the motive, intentions, and actions of that ill-fated night. If Zimmerman is a racist and committed this act out of his hatred for blacks, I will stand with you. But those are serious allegations, allegations that I cannot determine to be true as of yet. And I will not rush to judge a man. The consequences are too dire.
Sharifa Stevens
MSM,
Thank you for
MSM,
Thank you for discussing this with me.
(Unjust law = injustice)
I am (still) bleeding out, and I'm tired. I appreciate that you are trying to remain objective, and I still feel stepped over, but I realize that you don't mean to do that.
I think that the issue is a hotbed, not just because of whether George Zimmerman loves black people, but also because there's a history of violence and bias concerning law enforcement and the justice system. This discussion isn't just about George and Trayvon, and it's bringing up a lot of dirty laundry, and it's polarizing and everyone's digging in their heels where they stand.
No one is objective. No one. (Especially not me.)
I don't want to see what I'm seeing. I don't want racism to be true. I want to raise my son without this burden.
I'm going to continue to post comments, because they are helpful, but I need a break to prop myself up with God's grace and, by it, heal.
Peace to you.
I didn't write out David's psalm previously – I'll do that now. On this side of the cross, I see the "enemy" as Satan and his forces and influences of evil. God hears our cry – for justice and for peace and for grace and patience and restraint.
Psalm 6
O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger,
Nor chasten me in Your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining away;
Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed.
3 And my soul is greatly dismayed;
But You, O LORD—how long?
4 Return, O LORD, rescue my soul;
Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
5 For there is no mention of You in death;
In Sheol who will give You thanks?
6 I am weary with my sighing;
Every night I make my bed swim,
I dissolve my couch with my tears.
7 My eye has wasted away with grief;
It has become old because of all my adversaries.
8 Depart from me, all you who do iniquity,
For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my supplication,
The LORD receives my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed;
They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.
Making Sense of the Madness
Blessings
Bless you, Sharifa. May you continue to heal … and may we all find healing from all the injustices — racial and judicial — that have plagued our country.
Sharifa Stevens
Thank you, Making Sense of the Madness
Bless you, too. I really appreciate talking with you, even while disagreeing over aspects of these sensitive issues.
Sarah V
Kids, talk to strangers OR Blame the victim, not the accused
I don't think that it matters at this point what Zimmerman's state of mind was–that's for a lawyer to plead to a court. If any child gets killed, the person should have been arrested or at least, treated in the same procedural manner as anyone else who kills a child. What does matter is how the system analyzes facts & treats victims and the accused. It should be the same regardless of race.
If anyone follows an underage boy from the store, that person could reasonably be accused of being a pedophile. Obviously Zimmerman is not a pedophile, but any child's reaction to a stranger approaching him should be to react, run away, fight back, don't get in the car. I think anyone would tell their child to do that.
If later on it comes out that Trayvon was a drug dealing, tatoo covered thug, it doesn't matter. Zimmerman didn't know any of that or see the tatoos because Trayvon was wearing a hoodie. He saw a young person whom he thought didn't belong in the neighborhood for whatever reason, ignored a command from the police & followed him. He didn't have access to Trayvon's nonexistent criminal record. He didn't have access to Trayvon's school records. Zimmerman didn't know anything about Trayvon, but a child is dead. Zimmerman was not a cop; thus he had no authority in this situation.
What is racist is the message that the criminal system is (hopefully inadvertently) sending to citizens by not arresting Zimmerman, not testing him for drugs or alcohol and not giving the case to let the DA decide whether or not to prosecute the case: any white man has the authority, regardless of being a cop, to stop any black person if they think that black person is suspicious. In addition, the system has denied Zimmerman the right to a trial—he may never be vindicated or convicted because of the system's actions.
The system also showed how little they cared about this child. When Trayvon's parents reported him missing, the cops didn't make a connection even though Trayvon had a cell phone on him & didn't say that they had his body until 3 days later. Another message: if your kids are missing, they could be in our morgue & we won't tell you right away or try to identify a dead body (I wonder if crime is really high in Sanford that there is an overflowing morgue & it is a bureaucratic nightmare).
There are more victims than Trayvon or his parents & Zimmerman. Many neighbors called the police that fateful night. One white woman was terrified for her family and probably still is. She felt ignored by the cops & thought they were trying to change her testimony. So there is an entire neighborhood worried about a man who has definitely killed someone for unknown reasons, probably still has a gun & may be mentally disturbed. Is it a gated community or a prison?
Zimmerman is innocent until proven guilty, but I am alarmed at how people are beginning to blame the victim, not the accused even though it is the accused who has a criminal record, not the victim. Usually we see this phenomenon in rape cases. What was the victim wearing, what was the victim's sexual history, did the victim know the accused, etc. Then we use these facts to blame the victim and make ourselves feel better–that can never happen to me because I'm not stupid/bad/insert whatever negative bad characteristic applies as that person! I think that is the wrong attitude, especially since there is no such thing as the perfect victim other than Jesus. The victim's character is not germane to an accused's bad act. In this case, the victim's negative portrayal is nonsense.
So Zimmerman could see into the past, through the hoodie & tell that Trayvon was suspended from school for allegedly having marijuana in school! Yet there was no marijuana or weapons on Trayvon when he died-only iced tea & Skittles. Let's say Trayvon was a marijuana dealing, semi violent, tattoo wearing jerk. Zimmerman still managed to catch him on a good day because the police have never said that they recovered marijuana or weapons from Trayvon's body. Considering that black people get caught more often & receive higher sentences for marijuana possession than white people, all of this seems improbable at best–no criminal record for Trayvon. Nice try: guess he was asking for it!
He was allegedly suspended from school for having an empty plastic bag that COULD have had marijuana–gee, why would a kid have an empty plastic bag (sandwiches). Trayvon may have had tattoos. Has anyone gone to college? One or both of those allegations describe the majority of people that I meet–when I was in college, currently at work, etc. I'm a lawyer & I went to Harvard! (For the record, I have never taken any illegal substance or have tattoos, but I also don't live under a rock so I've seen the world.) Why are people more willing to believe that Trayvon is the wrongdoer based on unsubstantiated allegations and not that Zimmerman is the wrongdoer even though he has a criminal record, disobeyed a police officer & killed a child.
I honestly don't care if Zimmerman is racist. I don't care if he says coon. To me, it is not germane. I actually think he has a mental problem based on the wannabe cop profile & repeated calls to the cops, but I'm pretty sure that neither Trayvon or his family feel better that he isn't racist or that he has black friends. Hurrah, you're not racist. Too bad you're a child killer. Lots of men are married to women, but it doesn't mean they're not sexist or benefit from a system that privileges men over women. Having a black friend doesn't mean someone can't be racist. You can *gasp* have black children and be racially insensitive.
I don't think that people plan their day going "How will I be evil today?" Zimmerman clearly thought that he was a good & conscientious neighbor. If you know someone & see them as an individual, then you are hopefully not going to apply stereotypes to them. How you treat a stranger, the unknown, may be more telling because then your reaction is based on general assumptions that may have a racist origins despite otherwise best intentions.
My advice to anyone: if you are going to talk about or apply an action to a person or group of people in any racial group that you don't belong to, before you do so, use this rule. Insert your racial group or "upstanding citizen" in the sentence. If the sentence still doesn't work, that sentence may be racist. Don't say it or don't do the action. It will save you embarrassment & the other person pain.
If Zimmerman had followed this simple rule, maybe the outcome would have been different & maybe it wouldn't. But we can make our lives better by following it.
Jess
Well said.
I just wanted to encourage you, sister. This is a frustrating and tragic issue, mostly because it is still an issue at all, and one that would be impossible to write about without feeling anger. Injustice should make people angry. I'm glad that you wrote this so honestly. It needs to be dealt with and discussed honestly.
I have spoken with Garland many times about how tragic it is that he even has to worry about having this kind of conversation with Luke when he becomes older. My prayer for my daughters and their generation is a genuine compassion and understanding that a person is a person, regardless of any physical attribute. Hopefully a generation of empathetic and loving people will rise up and overcome the bigotry and hatred that is still a very true reality of our current culture. Thank you for your words.