See How They Love One Another – #BlackLivesMatterSunday

Around 260 AD the second of two great plagues killed much of the world. It was estimated two thirds of Alexandria died as result. Frightened people immediately began to shove diseased loved ones outside. They were dumped in roadways before they died and the dead were left unburied. Many who fled died of this epidemic, as it was nearly inescapable.

The Christians responded differently. They stayed and cared for the sick. They saw to basic needs of those who suffered. Many of these Christians became ill and lost their own lives, even while heroically nursing the sick, burying the dead and caring for others.

There was such a vivid contrast between pagans, who immediately abandoned their dearest to die alone, and the Christian community, who stayed and fed, nursed and served others to the end. According to Tertullian, the Romans marveled, “See how they love one another!”

We should have always led the way. We should have shown the world how people who are different from each other, can actually love each other and get along, as per Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Sometimes we have done this, but much of our history has instead been a walking, talking contradiction of the very things Jesus prayed for.

In response to recent, tragic events in our nation, Bishop Charles Blake, presiding officer of the Church of God in Christ asked his denomination to hold a “Black Lives Matter” awareness and prayer event this Sunday. It is intended to mourn, remember and honor two recently deceased African American men, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, both killed by police. The event also is to remind all of the importance of all African American lives. Pastors and members of COGIC churches are asked to wear black Sunday December 14, 2014 to show solidarity. A special prayer will be given for all men present in the service.

Yesterday, I was surprised and delighted to discover that Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God asked ALL of the Assemblies of God pastors and members to join in with the COGIC effort on the same date.

Wait. Did I mention that AG headquarters is located in Missouri?

In his letter, Dr. Wood wrote, “I recognize that some of you may find my request to observe Black Lives Matter Sunday controversial because of deep disagreement over the Michael Brown and Eric Garner cases. I do not wish to be controversial or to bring further division within the Church or within America. We have enough of that already.

Rather, I wish for us to find points of unity and cooperation across racial lines. We can take steps together in that direction by affirming the value of black lives and by praying for unity in our churches and our society this Sunday, December 14. I hope you will join me in observing Black Lives Matter Sunday with our brothers and sisters in the Church of God in Christ.”

Wow. Double wow. I am tempted to say, “See how they love each other!”

Some of our friends have such a mindset, they cannot appreciate what this means. Can’t even HEAR this as it is. The idea offends them, makes ‘em angry. If powerlessness has never been a part of your personal or community experience, the truth is, you benefit from and may also enable the system that allowed it. Of course ALL lives matter. But our culture has made it clear that some lives are to be feared more and valued less, if not in our creed, then clearly in our practices. So it is being stated: the lives of people of color DO matter.

This is not anti-police. We need and appreciate so many who serve honorably. But the nature of delegated power involves accountability and it is clear there is need for examination and reform. We speak to value the lives of African Americans.

Imagine how educational and beneficial it would be if we were the dinner guests of those unlike ourselves. If that opportunity ever presents itself, we should bring a gift in hand to express goodwill, sit down with their families, and then listen to their reality without interpretation by anyone else. We may learn things that will help us as humans, certainly as Christians, to make a more just, perhaps even a reconciled community.

So when something like this comes up, especially when it counts, we should nourish it. I appreciate Bishop Blake’s leadership in bringing needed focus. I appreciate Dr. Wood as being both perceptive and bold enough to stand with us, to make this statement out loud.

So I want to invite you and yours, your friends and all, to bring Black Lives Matter Sunday to your sphere of influence, your congregation, your organization and our world. Wear black if you have it this Sunday as a statement of support and gesture of unity. Pray with us and join others in prayer. May true reconciliation multiply in the hearts of many, especially those who intend to follow Jesus.

Some gestures matter. Will you join us? May the days come when the world will look at us again and marvel, “Behold how they LOVE one another.”

Frank Robinson