"Like a Roaring Lion"

We talked about the tension in America, and in families, around the wind and fire, anger and hate, rage in the streets of our city over the killing by a police officer of a black man who had tried to pass a counterfeit $20 bill at a street corner food market.

My friend spoke of harsh words that get spoken within families when conflicting views are held. He spoke of the immediate sorrow that grew from the wound of such confrontation.

It has suddenly escalated, blown all out of proportion, as the angry words have done their work. The dear people had lost their heads. Anger and hurt, rupture and rending were happening – inevitably. Words too hard to call back.

What if all that tumult – the very wind and flames that engulfed that street corner, were a Pentecostal sign from God, a signal that the time had come “of a mighty wind storm” and of “tongues of fire”? That Sunday was not just May 25. It was, in fact, Pentecost Sunday. Could God be calling through the winds of fire, saying, “Minneapolis, see yourselves. Others have come in to twist the righteousness of people, black and white, who wanted to speak “the peace that passes understanding.”

Jesus said, “The Devil goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The work of pure intent can easily become the dark work of the Evil One.

We need voices of peace. We need people who care, and dare. Who can help us meet in peace. To come together to pray. To go to our knees. To find a way to say “sorry.” To step back. Take time. Let the Spirit move.

This could become God’s great time. When ordinary people can speak truth – and most of all LOVE. And see if words can be found, and a way can be found, to let “a gentle answer be heard” in this city we love – among people who care so much.

Let peace be spoken. Let hurt be healed. Let brothers and sisters embrace, and follow as brother Martin so courageously did, THE PRINCE OF PEACE. With a heart of love.

Arthur