I know this is a stressful time for all of us; black lives being taken by evil or corrupt cops, much needed protests, rioting, looting and violence. People keep saying to choose a side, but God chose my side a long time ago: I have always been totally against racism, segregation and discrimination against the black community and any race. It is time for change because that is what is needed in our Country, and that is what the black community is calling for.

I am white, so I do not claim or pretend to know what a black man or woman is going through. All I know is I have black friends in my life that are fine, upstanding Christians who care about me, and I care about them as well. I have always had black friends in my life at one point or another. Let me clarify that it does not matter to me whether you are Christian or not; free will, right?

When I saw the video and picture of Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyds neck, I was infuriated; when I see or hear of a black person getting murdered by the police it infuriates me. It is good that I feel anger when black people are being treated unfairly and being killed by the police, correct?

In hindsight, I realize that is all I have done is get angry about racial injustice, but what have I really done about it besides get upset? Did I march with the black community? No. Did I protest with white people for the black community? No. Did I break my silence to try and help as much as possible? No. Did I take any kind of action? No. Why did I not do something? Well, that is an easy answer: I was afraid, but I have no more reason to be afraid. Life is full of risks.

Also, I have never protested in public about anything; I am a quiet individual who would not hurt a soul, so it is quite difficult to come out of my comfort zone into a situation where you can not be quiet. I am a noncontroversial person being thrusts into controversy, but that is what change for the better is all about. This is the way it has to be because I can not just let this slide by. I have to take a stand for what is right.

I admit it took me a while to wrap my mind around all of this because there is a lot going on in the world; more than I have ever seen in my lifetime. I will be courageous and try to make a difference even if it is only a minute difference. I am hoping by writing this I can help somehow and in some way. Unfortunately, I can not go out and march or protest due to medical issues, but I am hoping in the future I can participate in marches or protests if need be.

I am praying for change for the better for black lives. May God be with us in every step we take together. Amen.

Godspeed.

BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Chris