For the last week, I’ve been struggling to update this blog. I initially intended to write a follow-up piece about student activism. I also had plans to write about reading, and strategies for meeting your reading goals. I even considered posting about participating in my friend’s wedding this weekend. But neither my calling nor my integrity will allow me to ignore these most recent current events. As I attempt to gather my thoughts, I keep thinking about “the trauma to humanity’s heart.” Every time I turn on the news, there is another tragedy, another crisis-lives lost in Nigeria, in Lebanon, in Paris, in Minnesota. It’s as if the death angel is passing over and there is no blood on the door posts.

I’m watching as fear mongering fuels hatred of other races, ethnicities, nationalities, religious beliefs-all confounded, intentionally conflated, communicated in a way that advances propaganda and treats real people, real lives as casualties, numbers used to justify retaliation. But retaliation doesn’t bring about reconciliation, reparations, or restoration of lives lost. And with every death, I hear humanity’s heart stop beating for just one moment.

I listen to political strategists talk about policies and defending our borders and our freedom. I listen to activists demand justice. I listen to
peacemakers call for negotiations. But my confidence in these approaches is slim. I think it’s time that we call on God to heal humanity’s heart.

Soon, she will need resuscitation.
Soon, she will need saving.
Again.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sins, and heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15