Like you I was horrified by the events in Charlottesville, Virginia two weekends ago. It was extremely disturbing to watch white nationalists, the KKK, and other racist groups parading while shouting such hateful statements. It was heartbreaking to learn of the car ramming into a group of counter-protestors, causing one woman’s death and multiple injuries. And it was deeply distressing to hear the President refuse to call out the hate groups and make it clear their hatred is unwelcome in our country, their acts of aggression will not be tolerated.
There is a lot I want to do about this situation, so much I want to say. But before I can do or say anything I must first connect with God. I must take a moment to be still and listen and identify with my true self: with the small “i am” that reflects the image of the GREAT I AM. If I don’t, I will most likely act and speak from my false self, that self that is caught up in politics and alliances, focused on being right all the time, and operates from a place of fear. That will lead to further divisions. And ultimately, that will only lead to more events like last weekend.
Thus, I must find that space where I am deeply loved by God. Only in that space will I recognize that everyone else – including the people that don’t look like me or worship like me or act like me or even protest like me – is deeply loved by God as well. We are all deeply loved by God. From that place I may begin to see white supremacists and nationalists as God does. I may begin to understand the basis of their hatred – the fear of poverty, loss of jobs, loss of place and identity, etc. I may begin to consider how I can help. I may begin to pray for peace.
If we can do this, then maybe we can begin to have conversations about what happens next after Charlottesville. And maybe we can figure out how to heal.
Prayer Bead Devotion
Cross: God of Peace,
Invitatory Bead: and God of All,
Resurrection Bead: who came in the flesh to save the whole world:
First Cruciform Bead: Forgive us for the hatred that fills our hearts.
Week Beads, Set 1: Use each bead to confess the places of fear in your own heart. Who do you hate? Who do you not have any tolerance for? Where are your lines of division? Who is out and who is in?
Second Cruciform Bead: Forgive us for the fear that leads to such hatred.
Week Beads, Set 2: Use each bead to name the fears that produce hate in your heart. Who or what are you afraid of? Consider the fears the are behind the hatred of others. Who or what do you think they are afraid of?
Third Cruciform Bead: Help us to know how to allay these fears. Grant us courage to do so.
Week Beads, Set 3: Use each bead to consider how to allay your fears and/or the fears of others. What can you do on a systemic level? What can you do on an interpersonal level? What can you do on a spiritual level?
Fourth Cruciform Bead: Guide us in discerning the next steps towards peace. What can we do to bring peace and an end to hatred and prejudice? How can we bridge the divisions in our communities?
Week Beads, Set 4: Use each bead to listen for God’s guidance.
Resurrection Bead: In the name of Jesus Christ,
Invitatory Bead: the Prince of Peace,
Cross: Amen.
___________
Listening Focus (to be repeated with each bead): Let peace begin with me.
Thank you for your words, Kristen. The events in Charlottesville and in the days after left me even more unsettled than I had already been. So, I turned to my prayer beads and designed a new set using an Olive Wood dove. I am developing a devotional for them based on “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” Blessings and peace, Lynne Trace
The President did say that he does condemn the KKK and White supremacists groups and will not tolerate their hate towards others. Check the White house website. Can’t always believe the media anyways. They always report the news in a negative way because ‘bad news sells’. Also, there was fighting on the streets, so violence from any group should not be tolerated. It was disturbing to watch the fighting on the streets when protesters – and counter-protesters – are suppose to assemble in a peaceful way. My prayer is that instead of protesting or counter-protesting, especially when it turns to hurtful violent – for people to have concern for those in need such as volunteering at a food bank, helping the homeless or picking up litter,etc. in making our world a better place. Volunteering and making new prayer beads that represent ‘peace’ is helping me go beyond watching disturbing news to see God and know His love. Good News saves.
Thank you Kristen. The prayer is wonderful and we do need to start on our knees but I would like to point out a mistake that has been perpetrated by the media. The president di say all of the groups were at fault and there is no room for hatred in this country. I would apprecate it if you would change that incorrect statement.