Last Sunday my message was about how the Lord wants to use our love for each other as believers as an invitation to the world to His love. The next day a white friend of mine circulated a game on social media about being stopped by the police. I privately messaged her my response and after our exchange I asked her permission to post it. She agreed.
Me: Ouch. I get that it’s a game and intended to be fun, but thinking about getting stopped by the police is a very stressful thing for me – especially now, and it makes me sad that I can’t play with you all. Thanks for inviting me, though.
Her: Oh, I’m so sorry again. It was incredibly insensitive of me. These things are just circulating FB with the lockdown, etc. I’ve done several just because others invite me. I honestly didn’t make the connection but then I guess that’s exactly the problem, huh? (See, this is the time I’m usually doing my morning time with the Lord…I think he’s sending me a message! Opening these ears to hear!!!)
Me: I know you didn’t intend to be insensitive, and believe me, I wish I had none of the experiences that have made me sensitive. I only brought it up because I knew you would want to know and that you would care. Thanks for once again proving me right. Love you.
Her: Thanks for sharing your feelings with me. I deleted it. It’s not the time for this and I don’t want to take any chance of offending anyone. I appreciate you opening my eyes. I hope one day we can once again be in church together. We miss you and all our friends from VB. Love you, too! Our exchange led to a great convo w my daughter, who then deleted hers from her page. Her apartment mate is black so she also appreciated the learning. They are having great conversations during this time and I feel so blessed she is experiencing this time of unrest with her. God is so amazing.
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And this is what it’s going to take. One loving and respectful conversation at a time about things as simple as a game, through subjects that are far more complex and entrenched. According to Jesus, the heart of our mission to the world is the way we demonstrate love for each other.
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