Peace For Furguson...

Last night was an unfortunate time of unrest. Scalding flames of sadness, anger and disappointment burned in the hearts of thousands, as an unfair decision was made in regards to a shooting in Furguson, Missouri, leaving a young African American boy, Michael Brown, dead and the White police officer who shot him go free.

For days, people have been awaiting the court's decision. It was expected to come to a closure over the weekend, however, it dragged out until last night, when the Grand Jury declined to indict Darren Wilson, the officer who shot Brown. As a result, police cars and buildings within the community were set aflame. National Guard troops responded in efforts to calm and control the rioting that combusted throughout the streets. As Christmas lights twinkled and families prepare for their Thanksgiving feasts, tear gas clouded around to snuff out the angry crowds, looters and mobs.

Upon preparation for the possible outcome of the trial, President Obama and Michael Brown’s family requested a demonstration of peace from the community. I find that very interesting- a call for peace. We are now embarking upon that time of year where the thought and phrase of "Peace" is used as an accessory.We sing about it in our Christmas songs, we hang it up on our mantles, we preach about it, we decorate with it... but are we praying for it? Are we hoping for it?

In John 14:27, Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid".

This morning, as I arose to begin my day, I noticed a lot of angry Facebook posts and rude comments. Some of them, I'm sad to say, even coming from people who claim to be Christians- people who use scripture in their statuses, but then are now cursing in their comments upon the Furguson matter. I'm even thinking in terms of the looters and rioters- how many of them are claiming "Christianity"? How many of them sing "Hallelujah" on Sunday, but chose to turn to hate because of their circumstances? How many people pronounce the name, "Jesus", yet are unwilling to show grace, mercy or compassion for the people who are hurting this morning?

It's unfortunate that in 2014 (almost 2015) there are still race issues in this country. It's unfortunate that in this day and age, the guilty (you and me) feel entitled to pass judgement and condemnation on those who are just a guilty as we are. In my opinion, both the victim and the officer are guilty... They are guilty of sin. Maybe I've never been to jail, or committed a crime, but I am still guilty due to my sin. I am guilty in the eyes of God... but Jesus took my place. How much more then should I be compassionate over the crime and sins of others? Where are our "boots of peace" that Ephesians teaches us to carry?

I'm in no way an expert on politics or the law. I don't even know all the names of our Presidents. But I do know what our Savior asks us to do. The scriptures tell us, in Micah 6:8, that "God has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God".

Let's be lovers of Mercy! Let's be people of Peace! In the light of this terrible tragedy, let's have compassion for the people of Missouri who are hurting and angry, with no rest or joy. Let's not add fire to their anger, nor harp on the hate of others. No, this doesn't excuse the crimes they are committing, but it does give us an opportunity to be Jesus. Even He gave peace to the thief on the Cross next to Him. That is what is so beautiful about compassion- it replaces blame with love, instead.

Peace for Furguson and Peace to all of You!

~Pearls