For today’s post, Tuesday, June 2, 2020, Rev. Deena Wingard offers us a challenge both in the form of words and imagery. Deena ministered alongside us last year, leading in worship and providing leadership to our youth among other things. I asked Deena if she would be willing to speak into the current work being done to address racial disparities in this nation, she agreed and I am every grateful. In addition to being dedicated to her family, and working full-time for the Department of Veteran Affairs, Deena is the founder of Your Reasonable Service Ministries and has been published in The Wait of Success, a collection of stories about achieving success.

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I identify as a black woman in America. It is disturbing in and of itself that in 2020 we are still trying to figure out how to achieve civil rights for black Americans. We survived nearly 400 years of slavery in a land we were taken to against our will.  We were then supposedly set free by the Emancipation Proclamation signed on January 1, 1863. My ancestors quickly realized, however, that slavery continued in many ways under the guise of a corrupt criminal justice system that unjustly and disproportionately incarcerated black people. Under that same criminal "justice" system, those in power and authority continued to use my ancestors as forced labor. On our backs, much of the country was built and financially sustained. We then endured Jim Crow laws that were present from 1870 to 1965 and lynching that we still hear about today. Despite the gains of the Civil Rights Movement from 1954 to 1968, as I type, there are protests, demonstrations and riots in many cities across America purposed to address the murderous killing of my black brothers and sisters.

Some may say, "where are the Christians?" Well, keep in mind, many slave owners and leaders in the system of slavery purported to be Christians. That does not mean, however, that white Christians are to do nothing and remain silent. While many have remained silent in the past as black men and women were unjustifiably killed and unfairly treated, time is now up for staying quiet. Your silence loudly speaks volumes as to where your sentiments fall regarding race relations today. In other words, saying nothing is loudly saying something. That something is that you either agree with how black people are being treated in America today or that you are unconcerned. Either way, since the Bible is clear that racism and discrimination are sinful acts, your silence shines a light on your heart. We don't expect you to move mountains, but we do want to hear and see your support.

In this fight for justice and fundamental human rights, we need allies. We need brave black and non-black men and women like the abolitionists, the freedom fighters and Atlanta Police Chief, Erika Shields, who are not afraid to take a stand against the plight of black people in America today.

I encourage you to say something to show that you are an ally in this battle. We see your stand against injustice, and we see your silence. Your silence speaks loudly. Let your support be louder.