Consulting With God | Where Our Help Comes From

As we continue to address the vestiges of systemic racism uncovered in our beloved country, it becomes increasingly apparent racism is an ugly word that many people do not want to talk about or even attempt to define. Yet, racism exists both overtly and covertly in a nation proclaiming, "all men are created equal with certain inalienable rights."

For centuries racism hid history; belittled accomplishments; stole, derided, chided, and even deceived chosen cultures into fighting and distrusting themselves more than the instigator or the devil himself!

• Racism continuously shows itself in examples of white male privilege and in injustices leveled on people of color because of their skin color, the way they talk, wear their hair, or spell their children's names
• Racism is depicted when persons of color lack affordable or adequate healthcare, housing, education; and face exploitation by predatory businesses
• Racism exposes itself as persons of color are forced into the gray area between life and death from police chokeholds

The repercussions of racism are now knocking, banging, and in some cases kicking down doors of oppression - tired of hearing the inevitable calls to "just be patient." It has been 400 years of waiting patiently.

Although racism exists, God is still in charge, and it is He who said, "the bottom will be on the top, and the top will be on the bottom." He also said, "the first will be last, and the last will be first." But there is a caveat: we do not make it on our own. There is a need for genuine and appropriate partnerships.

In the 31st chapter of Isaiah, Judah sought help against the feared Assyrians and thought the military power of Egypt was their best hope. But they had not talked with God!

• They had glanced over at the military power of Egypt, impressed by her soldiers, chariots, and charioteers and thought partnering was a good idea
• Judah failed to realize that not everyone who looks like they can help will and had forgotten that it was the Holy One of Israel had brought them "out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage"

We need cooperative help during this current pandemic and very necessary uprising against racism. We need coalitions that are both positive and effective! However, we must be careful who is called on and looked to for help. Our helper's agenda may not align with ours.

Our recent marches started predominately with people of color, carrying signs saying, "No justice No peace." Now signs are carried by more White Americans than Black reading "BLM," and "Defund the police." Therefore, let us all pray for a cooperative strategic plan to combat systemic racism in America.

Let us keep rising up, keep getting up, keep sitting up, keep speaking up, voting up, and marching up, but mostly, keep consulting with Almighty God! And remember the words of David, "I will look to the hills from which cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord!"

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