what 1992 showed us...again

My family and I lived in the Philippines 1983-1995. During the LA riots in 1992 we were horrified at what we saw, especially since our home church was in Long Beach, one of the hard-hit areas. We were also struck with the realization that in spite of how far we may think we have come as a nation in terms of race relations, issues of bigotry, inequality, pain, and division lie just under the surface...and it takes little to set them into motion.

I once again realized a simple fact: issues or racism, bigotry, prejudice and hatred are not simply social, governmental, or environmental. At their root they are spiritual issues. Government programs or societal band-aids will not repair the damage. We've already seen that. The group with the power to deal with spiritual issues is the Church. The ability to provide healing and remedy, to help with reconnection and reconciliation across cultures belongs to those who say they follow Jesus Christ. He came to break down those barriers and create a new community that would see beyond color or class.

Sadly, those of us who claim that name have not done what we should- we've too often been more a part of the problem than a part of the solution. We have the chance to be bridge-builders and connectors, solutions to this great need that exists not only in our culture, but throughout the world. Just as God reached out to reconcile us to Himself, we now reach out to be agents of reconciliation among all peoples. Are you part of the solution?