Chaos in the streets strikes fear as we view these disturbing images, yet chaos in the medical field parallels the unrest. In the face of two seemingly unsurmountable giants, violence and virus— our world runs rampant with frenzy and fright. We cannot ignore the turmoil. Even if we are untouched at the moment.
Nike issued this Instagram statement playing off it’s iconic slogan—“Just Do It:”
“For once, Don’t Do It.”
“Don’t pretend there’s not a problem in America. Don’t turn your back on racism. Don’t accept innocent lives being taken from us. Don’t make any more excuses. Don’t think this doesn’t affect you. Don’t sit back and be silent. Don’t think you can’t be part of the change. Let’s all be part of the change.” Josh Rivera
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A virus that kills
Abusive police actions
And America gone crazy.
Some from rage at injustice
And some from the loneliness of social-isolation.
Streets flood with violent protest—
Abandoned fear of infection
Pushed to the brink.
Civil rights replay.
Windows shatter
Lives splatter.
Cities smolder
With anger
And flames,
And flags ignite in a blaze of red, white and blue
To ashes.
Thousands still die
Fevered of a virus,
While fevered and festered streets riot.
Death a grim specter
Devours greedy in hospitals
And hovers over hometown riots
Ready to strike.
The cry from ICU beds
Echoes the same as the
The cry from the street
“I can’t breathe”
Terror the unifying theme.
And we despair at the injustice.
Dying loved ones
Alone in a sterile bed.
Dying innocents on the street
Struck down by madness.
Change demanded by science to end a plague
And by humanity to end the color-jaundiced eye.
Our God sees no color.
The skin tones he created
He called beloved.
Prayers for the families bereaved—
Of George, Breonna, Ahmaud…
And of the 300,000 dead by plague.
May we be compassionate to all those who morn and be part of the change. Let’s stand behind the thousands of honorable policemen and diligent doctors and nurses who fight for a cause.
And let’s still our racing minds and breathe as we grab hold of the strength and refuge God offers—determined to spread goodness, love, and peace in a world gone mad.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.
God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.
The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord; See how he brings destruction upon the world.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!“
Psalm 46:1-10a