God, Wife, and Struggles

I don’t normally like voicing my opinions on political matters but there comes a moment where I use my right to do it. My brain is scattered, how much is too much to say and where do I find the balance of getting my voice heard?

As a first generation Hispanic in the United States, I have seen racism at its works first hand. Even between different Hispanics there are undertones of racism in how we view each other. I have come a long way in realizing that even I to a point do it. Not because I mean to, but because I never realized growing up that those undertones were there until I met my husband.

I know that an injustice has been committed, but the man responsible has been taken in. That may not satisfy some but for many that would bring comfort. It’s difficult for me to put myself in the shoes of families that have to suffer with the pain on an injustice happening. My heart aches for you.

I will always fight for the right to keep your freedoms. I will never fight for the government to take them away.

I understand your reasoning for a protest. I respect that and encourage it. Let your voice be heard but know that the government is also slow. It takes years and years to change things, and even then there will be plenty of people fighting for that change. It’s okay to be upset. It’s okay to be angry. I would only expect that.

I don’t understand your reason for a riot. Why are you destroying the place where you live? Don’t you realize that people in your neighborhoods work there? I am forced to believe that you no longer want your opinions to be heard. When you attack with physical violence, break into stores, and burn stuff down, what was fighting for rights turns into just fighting. But who are your fighting? “the man?” Do the people that are going to change the rights own that Target you just looted and vandalized? What about that person that just got a job working there to make ends meet during the pandemic?

The actions in a riot are more likely to get your rights taken away.

Now, here comes the hard part that no one really wants to believe or say… But, it’s going to happen again. Another unfair and unjust situation will happen again. We live in an imperfect world where sin has corrupted everything.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

For most believers, we understand that. That’s why God sent his son, Jesus. So that we may have justice in eternity. And that we know and expect for this to happen on Earth, even though we don’t like it.

‘Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.’

Ephesians 4:21-27

And if you happen to make it this far. I challenge you. Be peace and light in the midst of all of the darkness. Respect opinions and protest peacefully.

Dear Lord,

As I sit next to my husband and son sleeping, I pray that other mothers have capability to do so as well. I know that during these tough times, we can’t help it and let our emotions get out of hand sometimes. But you let us know that it’s okay to be emotional but not to let our emotions run us.

I pray for all of the officers putting their lives out there to protect us. Let your grace and mercy protect them as they do their jobs. I pray for peace in the hearts of wives/husbands and children as they await for their loved ones to come home from their profession.

I also pray for those protesting and/or rioting. Protect them, let the ones that want their voices be heard, be heard. And guide the ones that are angry to peace.

I thank you that we get to live in a country where we have the right to let our voices be heard. Give us wisdom to speak light with those voices.

I pray this with heaviness in my heart for all of the people that have faced injustice.

Amen.