Well Done – A Show of Love

It has been a hard week for America and the weekend brought more images of anger and grief, rage and sadness. But amidst the tragedy and horror we all witnessed on our TV screens, there were also stories and images of hope and love that went largely unreported by national media. We want to share just a few of those with you today.

When a White police officer in Minneapolis became separated from the rest of his unit, some Black men linked arms to shield and protect him from an angry group of protestors.

Two men, a Black citizen and a White police officer, join each other in prayer across crime scene tape.

This image from a weekend protest was accompanied by the caption “Praying for a better world where love can lead the way.”

This Houston gentleman saw scenes of graffiti around the city he loves and wasted no time (even though it was 2 am) in taking action. He got his power washer and rags and paint remover and “put my little bit in”.

Not pictured: A homeless man who got caught up during rioting and looting in the Fairfax district of Los Angeles on Saturday evening. He stole some clothing from a small local clothing store. Yesterday afternoon he went back to the store where he took the clothes and returned them to the store owner who was there cleaning up from the rioting. The homeless man told the store owner that after he left Saturday night, he felt bad for what he had done. In a show of remorse, and with dignity, he came back with the clothes and asked forgiveness for his actions.

While we cannot look away from the grief, pain, and frustration that racism has created, we can choose to intentionally see the good that is also very present all around us but all too rarely reported.

In one of his most famous sermons entitled “Loving Your Enemies”, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said:  “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

To all those who have stood up or spoken out against what is so clearly wrong; to those who have called out the injustice that has added to the “darkness”; to those who have offered support, prayer and above all else a show of love; to you we say loudly and passionately, “WELL DONE”!!!

On a happy note, for 35 years Jackie has been my confidant, my “sister from a different mother”, my precious chum. She is the ultimate encourager, affirmer, positive influence and supportive friend and I am thrilled to celebrate her today. I want to invite all our chums to offer Jackie a very “Happy Birthday”! <3