I want to start off by saying that I don’t think I know everything on this topic. I don’t say that because I doubt myself, but because I’ve seen this week how so many leaders and people have shared opinions and for many of us it’s difficult. It’s difficult to make statements or give direction when the waters are murky. It’s difficult to show vulnerabilities. It’s difficult when what’s happening goes against everything you believe. It’s difficult when you need to have – and use – faith when the deck seems stacked against you…and continues to deteriorate it seems.
Lord, I know You’re in this and with us God, but I don’t always know from the get-go how You want us to act. It’s a learning game.
So, here I am just sharing what has been in my thoughts.
Senekal
It’s horrid what happened to Brendin Horner. I think of him and I wish I can tell him that his life meant so much. That his death sparked something that can be truly profound in our country. But I wish it never happened.
What happened to Brendin pushed many of us into action and I think that’s a good thing. Within certain guidelines. So, I’m just sharing 5 things I hope we can all remember while this event in our country’s history plays out.
My 5 Thoughts
It Can Never be About Race
While we’re fighting for an end to the injustice of white farmers being killed, I do pray that this will not result in an overwhelming hate between different races. Not again. Our country has come too far.
It’s clear that there’s no need for interracial hate, since so many different races are standing up for this one cause. May we remember how we’ve learnt from eachother, built together and partnered over the past 20 years. While we fight for the lives of a specific group of people, may we not fall into the trap of becoming prejudiced against eachother ever again.
2. Fighting for Justice, not Taking Revenge
I know there are many who may say that those against the farm murders shouldn’t gather. But I can’t tell them they’re wrong for taking a stand for justice – against injustice.
Someone once told me that being a peacemaker – peace being one of the Fruits of the Spirit – doesn’t necesarilly mean to never ‘fight’. A peacemaker may have to stand up for what is right in order that everyone in the situation can experience peace going forward.
In this light, coming together and showing our president that we – not white, black or coloured, but EVERYONE – wants to put a stop to injustice, can be a good thing?
I do believe revenge is best left in His hands and so I pray that each gathering – so many happening across our country – will take place in an orderly, peaceful manner.
3. Pray – Always
I am guilty of not praying enough. I don’t pray enough for my family, my country or prayer requests sent by friends. But I have seen the power of prayer:
- I have seen people heal – physically and emotionally.
- I have seen answers come on difficult questions.
- I have found direction in prayer.
- I have seen people change.
I know that I’m supposed to pray for this situation and I hope many of us won’t think it’s for nothing. We do have a responsibility to take up authority on earth. God tells us to rule. For me that means praying His peace, love, guidance and so much more into as many situations as we can.
- I pray for each leader sharing their thoughts on social media – that it will be words of wisdom.
- I pray for protection for everyone concerned. I know it can seem disheartening after so many farmers have been hurt or killed. But that doesn’t mean this is a lost cause.
- I pray that judges will be fair.
- I pray for changed hearts of people causing chaos in this world.
4. Don’t Forget the Past
There is no question that over the past few years there has been a lot of healing in our country. Movements like #ImStaying and the way people rallied to help eachother during the pandemic have proven our TRUE South African characteristics:
- we care
- we share
- we love
- we appreciate eachother
That stays the same even if some people prefer to pick the alternative.
I pray that we won’t forget this, while we’re in this specific chapter of our country’s history.
5. Think About who You are Following
Someone said last week that we need proper leaders. We were talking about the country as a whole because face it, we’ve lost faith in most of them.
I do pray for excellent leaders to stand up. That’s not a responsibility I have the courage for, apart from occasionally sharing my thoughts online. But I do have the responsiblity to consider who I will follow, whose words I will take to heart and whose messages I will share.
So, which celebrities do you listen to? Which videos are you sharing?
Who you listen to determines whether you get the truth about a situation. The leaders you follow determine the impact you make on those around you, because their opinions WILL affect you. And since fake news is so real in our world, everything we read requires some extra research. For example, determine whether it’s fueled by hate and revenge, or the fight for justice.
So, just think twice what your Facebook share will do. Will it get us closer to a solution or instigate hate?
Once again, I believe we can stand up for what’s right. But may we never end up with hate trumping our country’s inherent love.
These are my thoughts.
Please take care out there everyone.
Ps 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
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