I myself have been struggling with writing something about this situation.
Every time I sit down to start, I end up feeling sick and just can't do it. And the coldness of certain groups of people over it just makes that worse.
I think the truth is I'm still processing and I'm not ready to dig deeper into the evidence.
I'm intensely worried about the lack of empathy and compassion in this country...
I am so troubled that six or seven men with guns flailing in the air tackle one person, puts knees on their heads, drag them across concrete with no regard for human life. Let alone the end result of what happens to them after they are taken away. What motivates a person to believe in their heart that it’s ok? It makes me sick and afraid for so many. This is not our America. Thank you, Beau.
What it means to be a Christian put so eloquently. Thank you for your voice during this time. I’ve been struggling a lot with our current environment. It’s so hard to say what you feel with the underlying fear of being misunderstood. I want to speak up but I fear I don’t have the right words to do it justice. Thank you for saying something.
Beau, you have soon become one of my favorite Substack reads. So frequently you put words to my thoughts. That is appreciated. It is your objectivity that appeals. Thanks.
That said, I wonder if your objectivity has taken a turn.
We live in a time where the obtaining of objective facts is practically out of reach. Broader narratives taint and reposition the facts on all fronts, it seems.
Yes, absolutely, the image of God in us all. Human dignity across the board. In my thoughts, I have tried to imagine my responses were Renee my daughter; and then were the shooting agent my son. It is not as simple as Renee is the reflection of Christ and His love; but the agent is the reflection of evil power, control, and empire. It just isn’t that simple in my perspective. Nor helpful when we imply such.
I really do appreciate your perspective in this tragic event. I could not help but wonder, as I read your post, how you might objectively communicate the larger situation. Your giftedness is valued. (I am thinking Renee Good is a micro picture, yet the whole pattern of circumstances over the last five years could be seen as the macro situation which has created the many micro scenarios).
How might our Christian faith and practice guide us regarding the larger narrative? What were the happenings that created our current situation? This has not come to us in a vacuum. It’s not a right or left thing. It’s a right and wrong thing. The two major narratives in our country both have righteousness, as well as unrighteousness in their positions. Identifying such might be helpful.
Of course, middle of the road perspectives are like milk-toast, I am told.
Well said, Beau.
I myself have been struggling with writing something about this situation.
Every time I sit down to start, I end up feeling sick and just can't do it. And the coldness of certain groups of people over it just makes that worse.
I think the truth is I'm still processing and I'm not ready to dig deeper into the evidence.
I'm intensely worried about the lack of empathy and compassion in this country...
Excellent. I am glad that you took the time to write this powerful essay.
I am so troubled that six or seven men with guns flailing in the air tackle one person, puts knees on their heads, drag them across concrete with no regard for human life. Let alone the end result of what happens to them after they are taken away. What motivates a person to believe in their heart that it’s ok? It makes me sick and afraid for so many. This is not our America. Thank you, Beau.
This names what so many are feeling but struggling to say. Thank you for holding the weight of this with clarity and care.
What it means to be a Christian put so eloquently. Thank you for your voice during this time. I’ve been struggling a lot with our current environment. It’s so hard to say what you feel with the underlying fear of being misunderstood. I want to speak up but I fear I don’t have the right words to do it justice. Thank you for saying something.
This is perfectly said. Thank you.
Your analogy is spot on: cold as ice! (In Minneapolis, no less.) Such a powerful message, Beau. Wow, just wow. I’m speechless.
💯
Beau, you have soon become one of my favorite Substack reads. So frequently you put words to my thoughts. That is appreciated. It is your objectivity that appeals. Thanks.
That said, I wonder if your objectivity has taken a turn.
We live in a time where the obtaining of objective facts is practically out of reach. Broader narratives taint and reposition the facts on all fronts, it seems.
Yes, absolutely, the image of God in us all. Human dignity across the board. In my thoughts, I have tried to imagine my responses were Renee my daughter; and then were the shooting agent my son. It is not as simple as Renee is the reflection of Christ and His love; but the agent is the reflection of evil power, control, and empire. It just isn’t that simple in my perspective. Nor helpful when we imply such.
I really do appreciate your perspective in this tragic event. I could not help but wonder, as I read your post, how you might objectively communicate the larger situation. Your giftedness is valued. (I am thinking Renee Good is a micro picture, yet the whole pattern of circumstances over the last five years could be seen as the macro situation which has created the many micro scenarios).
How might our Christian faith and practice guide us regarding the larger narrative? What were the happenings that created our current situation? This has not come to us in a vacuum. It’s not a right or left thing. It’s a right and wrong thing. The two major narratives in our country both have righteousness, as well as unrighteousness in their positions. Identifying such might be helpful.
Of course, middle of the road perspectives are like milk-toast, I am told.
Bless you!