Two Ears One Mouth

The same God who created sunrises and sunsets did not create what is going on in the world today. No, unfortunately, that is a manmade creation. What happened to George Floyd is despicable and should never have happened. There is no doubt of that, no matter what side you're on with the riots. No one is listening, only reacting. Isn't it time to remember God gave us two ears and one mouth? My heart is breaking with all the hate.

I have heard a lot on both sides. Some say the police are at fault for pushing first. Others say it is the fault of the protestors for causing property damage.  I am a firm believer that black lives matter.  Let me further say, I understand the hurt and frustration of being trampled time and time again. This unnecessary violence happens way too much. That does not excuse property damage and looting. There is no excuse for that. As for the police pushing first, they are supposed to be protecting the citizens. The root of the problem is that the police are assuming the protestors will get violent, so they are trying to stop it before it starts. The protestors are getting hit first, which angers them. When someone who is already angry gets pushed around, what is going to happen? Of course, the mob fights back. Again there are too many mouths and not enough ears. Everyone is talking over each other and not listening to the other's point of view. Isn't it time to change the motivation from revenge to healing?

The second problem, of course, is that protestors are not the problem. But they are the ones who are meeting the police in the main areas. The people who are looting and vandalizing are the ones the police should be handling, not the demonstrators. But the police cannot get to them because there to busy policing the main areas.

If we could use our ears and listen to one another, this could finally be ending. May my prayers be answered that there are no more George Floyds. It is my prayer that commonsense takes over, and the healing can begin.

My wife, Pam, wrote a poem years ago, which I think is precisely what we all need to learn.


Inside Out  

At my school there are rows
and rows of lockers.
At first they all look
like they are the same.

They fit into only five
or maybe six groups,
But that's all. And some
then look no further.

But if you can get
the combination,
You can see inside.

Some are neat,
Some confused.
Some are full,
Some empty.

All are different,
and all are unique.

Some people look at other races
like they are something alien.
They think that every man
from an ethnic group

looks alike,
thinks alike,
is alike.

They don't stop to think
that they have feelings,
that they have hopes,
that they have fears,
that they are someone
worth knowing.

Someone should tell the racist
about lockers.

P.D. Workman