Good morning. We are now in the month of June. This year has truly taken us all by surprise. Last month there were armed protesters demanding freedom from the government about the quarantine shelter in place order, there was a tragic murder that surfaced, lies from a central park woman that went viral, the murder of an unarmed man in police custody that was circulated around the world, there are protests around the world in solidarity for justice to be served for the four officers and cries for a conviction, and then there are looters of various races creating chaos that is making an attempt to discredit the reason for the protests.

It has been a lot for our nation, for you and I to process. I’ve been thinking and praying, asking the Lord for the right words in this difficult climate that certainly continues to play on repeat too often when a person of color loses their lives to police brutality, racism or in accountability. I remember the day my son started serving on the streets. I vivid recall telling him don’t get caught up and go to jail behind another officers poor judgment, because you (son of color) will be the one sitting in jail. My son had to make some difficult decisions. Today, we all need to make difficult decisions – we can’t simply sit back and let the looters win, we must remain committed to the cause to correct racial injustices by the hands of anyone going forward.

Today, I skipped ahead in Acts chapter five to gain the full context on what I would share this week. I came across the verses 38-39.

“³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”” – Acts 5:38-39

These verses follow the 2nd arrest of Peter and John (I will go back and cover this). There was a man who witnessed other revolts or movements which led to the death of those leaders. Here the man is asking for the end of bloodshed specifically stating, “if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.” I believe the acts of the looters and plotters to undermine the cause to bring racial reconciliation and racial injustice will fail. However, I know God has opened the eyes of His believers and He has also opened the eyes of those who believe in humanity for all so that this will be the moment when we stand in unity to change the script and begin to heal our blood stained land. We will make known our peaceful protest and love for one another, God will guide His people, the looters, plotters, and supremacist will not be able to stop these non violent protests; and will only find themselves fighting against God.

Sisters and brothers do not be discouraged and do not be dismayed. God has heard the cries from the grave, God is hearing the cries of our nation and the people around the world. God is fighting for and with us. Change is coming. Keep praying and be part of the solution.

There have been many opportunities posted online to help people see how they can help:

• 1st Pray – before you do anything
• Vote – register today
• Start the conversation at your church
• Contact your local council and state assembly office:
  • address the changes that need to occur in legislation
  • demand change in police union contracts and hold officers accountable
  • band white supremacist groups, band them from forming under the guise of a Christian organization, hold them accountable as a terrorist group, and the people who fund them.

Father God we thank you for today. We thank you for a new month. We thank you for mercy and grace. We thank you for another opportunity to serve you in the midst of our grief over the loss of human life, the destruction of property and people’s livelihood. Lord God we know your way is the best way. Lord teach us how to stand firm on your word, to begin to recognize the fractures in ourselves and our society, and change us. Lord we want racism to end and there are people who doubt that you can change it. Lord, we are not doubting you. We know that You are in control of all things and that curing racism is not too hard for you. Lord we want to be part of your plan to change the narrative in our country and around the world. Lord we want to make an impact. We want to “seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you God (Micah 6:8).” Help us to love like you love, to see as you see, to understand as you understand and be obedient to what you call us to do. Lord, we pray for our nation and world leaders to begin to change the narrative of racism that has plagued our country, society, and legal systems for centuries. Lord we pray for our churches to take a stand against racism and injustice. Lord we need a move from you. Keep moving us in the direction you desire for us to go. In Jesus name, amen.

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com