REPOST from Christian Church Disciples of Christ by Minister of Reconciliation The State of Florida v Zimmerman - A Prayer-full Request “The jury is out.” For how long, we at this moment cannot know. But it is this moment that is most pregnant with possibility. At this moment our Church is ‘setting our face toward Orlando,’ to gather as one body in Christ in our General Assembly on tomorrow morning. We are gathering from different corners of the world, but namely North America. We have our own deliberations to consider, most of which determine our witness to Christ’s mission in the world for such a time as this. I write this message, in this moment, to solicit your thoughtful prayers and intentional response with regard to the outcome of the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman. As much as many of us, including the prosecuting attorneys assert that the basis of this trial is not about race, we would be woefully remiss to ignore its racial implications. All of us have presumptions about the details and personalities surrounding the untimely death of 17-year old Trayvon Martin. If we are true to our spirit, all of us have presumptions about everyone with whom we are not familiar and who are different than us in thought, preference and outward presentation (skin color and ethnicity). All of us are not wrong – only human. When the jury returns and the verdict comes in, some of our presumptions will be affirmed. Others of our assumptions will be affirmed in a disappointing manner. As our General Minister and President, Sharon Watkins reminds us frequently in her messages throughout the Church, whatever the decision that is returned conveys to you and those who share your convictions, ‘let us appeal to our higher angels.’ We are gathering in Orlando under the theme, “Lord Teach Us to Pray. Luke 11: 1-4” In this model prayer, it is vividly apparent to me that Jesus instructs his disciples to cultivate the richness of intimate relationship with the one that is Holy – our higher angel. It is only through our trust and commitment to our relationship with God through prayer can we be wholly in relationship with one another, able to affirm each other in our differences. This interpretation in no way condones that harm to anyone is justified. Instead I contend that in order to appeal to our higher angels we must be mindful of our relationship with God through Christ, and that this relationship informs our relationship with one another. Whether we agree or disagree with the verdict and/or the participants in this trial, I pray we will not respond with anger, distrust and harmful behavior (inclusive of our thoughts) toward one another. Lord, teach us to pray . . . April Johnson Minister of Reconciliation Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 02:35:13 +0000
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