Our country is reeling right now. As if the global pandemic wasn’t challenging enough, the senseless murder of George Floyd has turned our country upside down. So how are we, as followers of Jesus, supposed to respond?
First, it’s totally appropriate to be angry. Scripture confirms in Psalm 4:4 and Ephesians 4:26 that there are times when all of us become angry. Jesus Himself was angry at the money changers in the temple—an anger that could only be described as “righteous.”
Anger is only constructive, though, when it motivates us to focus on a specific problem and offer a solution. That’s what those of us involved with Forward Edge have been doing for decades. Outraged by the injustice of a billion children trapped in extreme poverty—children who in some cases are sold into prostitution or domestic slavery by their own parents—we’re motivated to do something about it. Outrage alone would have been understandable and appropriate. But would it have been enough?
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, those of us who follow Jesus need to let our anger motivate us toward constructive action. It might be personal expressions of love and solidarity with our African-American friends, along with a willingness to listen and learn. It might be fervent prayer that God would give our nation’s leaders the wisdom and courage to implement reforms that purge injustice. Or it might be repenting of the pride, insensitivity, and prejudice in our own hearts.
Crises are always opportunities for something good. Right now, each of us needs to ask and respond to the question: What good is God calling me to do today?
Almost 20 years ago now, I was circling the 60-foot maple tree that stands just yards from my front door, talking to my Heavenly Father. Forward Edge needed to upgrade the training we provided for our short-term mission teams, and I was asking God for guidance. In a matter of
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12 yrs. old
Entered the program: March 2023
Fidous lives with his mother, six siblings, and his grandmother in a two-bedroom house built with mud and a thatch roof. The community has access to electricity and potable water but Fidous’s mom cannot afford it, so they are not connected to these services. There is poor sanitation in the community which poses a health hazard.
Fidous’s family is Muslim. His parents are separated. His mother is unemployed and there is little assistance from his father. Before Create Hope, providing food for the children was a big challenge and they often had to beg for food or go for days without. Fidous now goes to school every day with a full stomach, although he does suffer with stomach ulcers.
