As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Dear God, what would I do if there were honest to goodness persecution of Christians in our country? What would I do if the shoe was on the other foot right now and the movement around our country had to be for “Christian Lives Matter” instead of “Black Lives Matter” because we didn’t have racial discrimination but religious discrimination?

I read this passage this morning and my first thought was that I am so soft. I’ve always enjoyed the life of the majority. I’ve been in the dominant racial group and the dominant religious group. In fact, other than a little bullying growing up, I’m not sure I’ve ever really had to fear other people. I don’t know what it means to suffer or have to struggle to survive.

But what if? What would it be like to be judged by every person the instant they looked at me? What if, as the Jews did in Hitler’s Germany, I had to walk around with a cross emblazoned on my shirt, and then a good percentage of people who saw that judged me and some even harassed me? What if I woke up this morning nervous about driving to work?

Father, I heard a podcast last night of black sports journalists talking about their experience with black athletes and being black professionals in a field where there are very few people of color. I need to go back and find the exact quote, but one of them said something to the effect of, “To the people who say that racism is a lot better than it used to be and it’s not that big of a deal anymore, I first as, ‘Are you white?’ And then I ask, ‘Do you have black friends and do you spend any significant time talking to them about this issue?’ ” Well, I get that there is still racism, but I still have no idea what it’s like to start each day behind the eight ball. To look at my children and know that their opportunities are limited and their lives could be in danger because of their skin color. I’m so sorry for those that do have to face that every day. Please show me how to use the advantages I have to affect change for them.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen