Monday; January 24

You might have noticed an uptick in my frustrations with violence over the last several weeks. Recently, our community has had its share of crimes of violence and it has been wearing on me. If that wasn’t enough, I have been struggling with wondering why someone isn’t doing something about it. Well, a couple of days ago, things took a pretty drastic change for me. Rather than an act of violence happening in our community it happened in my neighborhood – on my block – during broad daylight – when I was at home. Folks, I can no longer ask why “someone” doesn’t do something about the problem that plagues “them”. I have come to realize this is “my” problem. No more excuses, no more wondering who was going to step to the plate … I am now at the epicenter of the need to make a difference.
I share this with you for two reasons. First, I invite you to work with me on dealing with violence in our community (whether that community is the block we share, the neighborhood in which we live, our state or even the nation we call home). Folks, this is OUR problem. Second, don’t wait until something happens in your backyard – start doing something about confronting violence now!
I am not sure where this campaign will lead me, but I know where it has to start. There is no place for violence in our communities. As I was thinking about this, I was led to some words of wisdom, “Do not devise harm against your neighbor, while he lives securely beside you. Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways. For the devious are an abomination to the Lord; but He is intimate with the upright. The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the righteous.” (Proverbs 3:29-33). The Lord is with us in our fight and His message has the ability to lead us to victory over violence!

Think About It!

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