Father God,
As I write out this prayer, I'm sitting in my living room watching my 15 month-old boy play with puzzles and wondering how many of the people who see him today as sweet and cute, will someday fear him. This precious baby that loves Elmo and banging on toys like drums, may one day be viewed as a threat simply because he is tall and muscular and black. Lord, am I to pray for him to not have his father's genes and somehow end up under 6 feet tall so he won't be so "scary"? Jesus, should I pray that he moves overseas and lives in a nation where black men aren't stopped and questioned and suspected simply for being black? God, only you know exactly what these men and boys that have been killed in our nation in recent days and years have or have not done. I don't presume they are innocent of any wrongdoing, because I know that none of us are innocent of wrongdoing. Your word assures us that all have sinned and fall short. Yet, these men and boys aren't even getting due process. They are being executed in the street. My sweet son's greatest sin right now is toddler selfishness. He will grow up and do worst things for sure, and it is my greatest prayer that he will repent of his sins and yield his heart to Jesus at a young age. However, I now find that I must pray just as fervently that his life is not cut short by a nervous civilian or police officer who assumes the worst simply because his skin is brown. I'm praying against fear today. I'm praying against the fear in my heart for my son and my husband. I'm praying against the fear that is the root of biggotry and prejudice. I'm praying against the fear police officers feel when they approach black men, praying it does not rule them, so they will be less inclined to reach for their guns and shoot. I pray against the fear of offending people that makes too many feel that we can't or shouldn't discuss these things. I pray against fear because it is the tool of the enemy. I pray against fear because it leads to divisiveness. I pray against fear because the result of it is hatred and senselessness rather than compassion and thoughtfulness. I pray against fear because I refuse to let it overshadow the joy of being the mother of my sweet black boy. God, You can transform minds, heal broken hearts and instill courage. I plead with You now to do what only You can in the hearts and minds of our nation. We are all made in Your image. We all matter to You. We all need You desperately. In the meantime, Father, protect my father, my husband and my son. Keep them safe from those in this world who will see them as a threat,when all they should see is Jesus.
Amen
