How Can We Respond? 

… I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb … Revelation 7:9

As you might imagine some of the children at Wears Valley Ranch are having a tough time processing current events. While here at the Ranch, they are largely insulated from network broadcasts and social media, but during recent visits with family, many of them were exposed to confused and frightening viewpoints that give rise to emotions and thoughts that are unhelpful. As questions arise, it is important for us to listen and respond prayerfully, patiently and truthfully.

For many years we have taught couples to use four key phrases: I’m sorry. That was wrong of me. Please forgive me. I’m glad I am married to you. These are helpful in these days of social upheaval as well. We must use them honestly. I have fought against “racism” for decades. I vividly remember watching Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech as it was delivered live on television. A few years later, in middle school, my pastor’s son and I were the only two singing the civil rights anthem, “We Shall Overcome” on the school bus. Nine years later, a group of my neighbors in rural Mississippi plotted to kill me because of my public opposition to racism. The local police chief quit his job so that he wouldn’t have to protect me. They were serious and I am grateful for brothers in Christ who guarded my home. I don’t feel a sense of white guilt. I won’t pretend to feel responsible for the wrongs of others that I have fought against.

I know firsthand the reality of corrupt police and unjust courts. I know that sometimes some police lie and sadistically bully those they are sworn to protect. I also know that police are routinely lied to and still required to risk their lives day after day on behalf of a public that often treats them with disrespect. Tragically, many die in the line of duty.

Still, I have never had to face the sort of prejudice that my adopted son has sometimes encountered as a young black man. The problem of “driving while black” is not a myth. I can only try to imagine the pain and frustration of millions of our fellow citizens who have been exploited by politicians and those who benefit from keeping them in a state of perpetual victimhood and despair. I have not suffered from faux friends who devised policies to encourage out of wedlock births and profited by selling the body parts of aborted children. I have never felt that my children were trapped in a failing school system because the unions paid the politicians to make sure I didn’t have school choice.

So, how can we respond to those who are upset? When someone is hurting, you don’t have to be at fault to say, “I’m sorry.” It is simply an honest expression of caring about someone’s pain. If I hear that someone has been in a car crash or lost a pet, I can honestly say, “I’m sorry.” When my neighbor accidentally burned his own house down last weekend, I did not feel any guilt, but I did need to go to him and say, “I’m so sorry! Is there anything I can do to help?” I had to listen. If l have failed to take time to try to understand someone’s situation, it is appropriate to say, “It was wrong of me not to listen to what you were trying to say.” In light of that I can say, “Please forgive me.” I can seek to affirm our relationship, “I’m glad you’re alive. Thank you for telling me what you are feeling.”

Social media has been flooded with posts in recent weeks. Some of it well intentioned. Some of it malicious. Some of it factual. Much of it distorted or blatant lies. I was encouraged by a friend’s reposting of something written decades ago by the great Bible teacher Ray Steadman:

“Lord, I live in perilous times. I thank You that I do not get my view of life from the newspapers, nor from the television screen, but from Your living Word — the only reliable window on reality and truth. Help me to believe it and obey it. Above all, help me to stand, undefeated and invincible in Christ. ln the Name of Jesus, Who already won the battle upon the cross, and Who exploded the tomb in glorious resurrection power! To Him be all the honor, all the praise and all the victory, Amen!”

 

 

 

Jim Wood

Executive Director of Wears Valley Ranch