Trayvon Martin

(This was written about a month ago...I was pretty sure that I published it, but went to the blog this morning and realized it wasn't showing up! So, it's dated now, but happy reading!)

There is a bit of an activist in me.

Maybe it's because my dad was fierce.  Maybe it's because he was involved in the civil rights movement.  Maybe it's because he has vivid memories of the night Martin Luther King Jr. died that haunted him...

or...maybe it's because I grew up learning about and admiring Martin Luther King, Jr. whose very life was given for the pursuit of justice and who is credited with saying, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

or perhaps...it's because I am madly in love with Jesus Christ, who is very clear about taking care of the oppressed, the poor, the widow...those who are unable to defend themselves.

Maybe, just maybe these are the reasons that there is a spirit of activism that lies deep within.

And, maybe I care so much about Trayvon Martin bcause I am raising two boys (who wear hoodies all the time, by the way)...maybe I care so much because my boys are part African-American (and let's face it, society will perceive them as black men).  Maybe I care so much because it could have been them...or my 12-year-old nephew...or my next door neighbor's son.

Regardless of why I care...what's important is that I DO care, and I think that most people should be concerned...involved....outraged.  Unfortunately, I have been surprised at the silence of people around me.  It's as though their lips are stapled shut in fear that people will get the wrong impression of them.

We attended the rally for Trayvon in Nashville and joined other people who are concerned...who want to show Trayvon's family support...who want to teach their sons and their daughters that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

As it began to rain, I was reminded of another significant event that Eli and I took Emmanuel to and had to brave the elements to do so.  We attended the Inauguration of President Barack Obama...Emmanuel was a few days shy of 6 months old...and it was FREEZING.  I remember that people thought we were crazy to take an infant in that weather...in those large crowds...but we wanted Emmanuel to be aware of the significance that was happening in our country (which, whether or not you agree with Obama...I think it is safe to say that his presidency is signficant for our country...not just for Black people...but for our whole country)...it will be something that we will remember for the rest of our lives and we will remind him about it as he grows into a man.

So, a little rain or freezing weather won't stop us from fighting for what is right...because there's a little bit of activism in us that writhes in pain when there is an injustice and shouts hallelujah when there is progress.

For now...we wait in pain with Trayvon's family, in joyful hope that the sovereign God we serve will make all things new and right in His way.