Let’s not pretend that we don’t have a problem on our hands.
And let’s not pretend it isn’t a deep-seated, tender, ripped-raw one.
Let’s not pretend that sin doesn’t abound where words are many, or that complete silence is any better.
Let’s not pretend that hard conversations don’t need to take place, or that we’ll not have to stay silent long enough to listen first.
Let’s stop pretending that passion is better than compassion, or anger more effective than empathy.
Let’s stop pretending we know what it’s like to live in the skin of a black man, or behind the badge of the law.
Please let’s stop.
Let’s stop pretending that our words don’t matter, or that venom spewed onto screens through tapped-out keys in any way lessens the power of life or death they carry.
Let’s not pretend that our fierce loyalty to our people in any way removes the responsibility to love and honor those we don’t consider our own.
Let’s stop pretending that the snippets and segments delivered to our screens carry the full story. And let’s not pretend that what sells and smears isn’t top priority.
Let’s not pretend that we don’t live in a fallen world, surrounded by other broken people reacting to discomfort out of their own wounding. Or that their wounds are any less painful than our own.
Let’s not ever pretend that the call to be known for our love will be deemed less important because of our deep need to be known for what we stand for, or against.
Let’s not pretend.
Let’s not pretend that things don’t need to change or that justice is a dirty word.
Let’s not pretend that ranting on social media will help in any way, or change set minds.
Let’s not pretend that creating space for someone else’s heartache and grief in any way undermines our own. Let’s not pretend there isn’t room at the table for all of us.
Let’s not pretend that being easily offended is the same thing as being loyal. Or that seeking and speaking truth makes us a traitor.
And please let’s stop pretending that the badly behaved few represent the good-hearted many.
Please, beloved, let’s stop pretending.
Let’s not pretend that the lack of racial diversity in our inner circles doesn’t speak volumes to our children about what is good and healthy and right.
And let’s not pretend that painting law enforcement in a negative light doesn’t influence the way in which our children will interact with them.
Let’s not pretend that we don’t have corruption in the system and evil to root out, but let’s stop pretending that anger and hatred will accomplish more than truth and unity and forgiveness.
Let’s not pretend that fear doesn’t occasionally drive us, and that it isn’t a cruel task-master when given room to rule, but let’s also not forget that mercy triumphs over judgement.
Let’s stop pretending that the Unites States’ history isn’t as ugly as it is beautiful, or that any amount of money or legally-obligated opportunity can return dignity to a people group who have been stripped of it.
Let’s not pretend that officers don’t have to fight bloody hard to keep the sinister tentacles of racism from infiltrating their hearts when the majority of their interaction with minorities is negative.
And let’s not pretend, for one second, that the media will bring anything but fuel to the fire of division that needs desperately to be tended to with wisdom, patience and bucket-loads of prayer.
Let stop with the pretense.
Let’s not pretend that both sides don’t have stories to tell, sins to confess, and gaping battle-wounds to display, but let’s also not pretend that being willing to lean in and have uncomfortable conversations at the wall that divides, cannot slowly move us in the right direction.
Let’s not pretend that our battle is against flesh and blood, or that the punches we so badly want to throw will ever touch our enemy until delivered on our knees.
Please let’s stop pretending that oppression and the dishonoring of human life is ever okay, or that our freedom wasn’t paid for at the highest possible price – both on battlefields across our land and upon a Roman cross.
Let’s stop pretending that running to rescue and protect people who unapologetically hate and disrespect you will ever be easy to live with.
Let’s stop pretending we don’t have a long, hard road ahead of us…but more importantly, let’s stop pretending that the broken road ahead is bigger than the One who made us all in His image.
So let’s stop pretending.
And let’s start believing that healing is possible.
Let’s start having hard, gritty conversations and asking awkward, uncomfortable questions.
Let’s try listening more than we speak.
Let’s stop throwing stones and let’s pour that energy into tearing down walls and building bridges.
Let’s be life-speakers and hope-spreaders and grace-givers.
Let’s not ever give up, or give in, or loosen our grip on hope.
Let’s be quick to link arms and fight for each other, rather than against.
Let’s try holding and weeping with, before shutting down and armoring up.
Let’s try falling on our faces in prayer before taking to our iPhones in rage.
Let’s try reaching out, alongside our children, to love on those outside of our little bubbles.
Let’s try leaving the comfort of our side to meet in the middle and celebrate small steps of unity.
Let’s acknowledge that we truly are better together, because we were created to function that way.
And when our hearts are raw, beaten black and blue,
let’s try weaving our stories of brokenness into a tapestry of redemption.
One simple grace-soaked thread at a time.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
