Black Lives Matter: What Lies Behind the Cardboard Sign: The Tension between Black and White America

I struggle with racial tension like many in America. I struggle with the anger, not just from Black America, but also White. Often it seems, we all do a lot of talking, but not much listenIng to the narrative of the other person. 

Many times, I am not sure if we realize it or not, we are fighting different fights, the other not quite aware of that reality. What adds fuel to the fire is that we are often so aligned with our political platforms, that mere concession is viewed by others as a sign of weakness by those who hold firm to their political ground. 

As I write, I have been a Christian for almost twenty years, most pastoring a predominantly white congregation. In my youth, I spent 10 years living in a mostly black community on the Eastside of Tacoma, Washington. Today, several of those friendships continue to endure some 40 years later. Both cultural contexts have shaped and helped me understand how each group views society from their perspective. Both have helped me see the good and bad of each context, and more importantly, how we can do better. 

The Sign: Let's take the "Black Lives Matter" Sign that we see depicted on Cardboard in the news and social media on a consistent basis today. For Black America, this is a reaction of a people that have felt marginalized and mistreated by White America for over 150 years, especially in the area of Police brutality and the judicial system. This Sign began in 2013 after Travon Martin was killed with a bullet from George Zimmerman’s black Kel-Tel semi-automatic pistol.  

The Cardboard Sign they hold up, reflects a meaningful slogan that succinctly communicates how they feel intrinsically. In short, in a community where all lives should matter, they feel Black Lives are treated by Whites as if they really do not. So, Black America holds up cardboard sign that communicates just the opposite, Black Lives, (Do in Fact), Matter!

For conservative White America, when they see the Cardboard Sign, they focus on the organization behind the slogan, that started the movement in 2013. 

They are aware that the founders of Black Lives Matter hold to a culturally marxist worldview, which focuses on dismantling and replacing the American System that has been put in place by White America, including the Police Department, the Judicial System, even the Two-Parent Nuclear family. White America sees a movement that is bent on imposing their will thru arson of buildings, looting of businesses and the defacing historical monuments. 

What's the result? Two communities that are focusing on two different interpretations when it comes to the same Cardboard Sign. One community sees the Sign as a demand for justice; while the other views the letters BLM as a movement intent on tearing down a heritage they are very proud of, one that while not perfect, has progressed to become the best nation in the world. 

Relational Healing: Now, while both groups generally see this situation differently, each knows that when it comes to repairing their own personal relationships, that if one person is always reactive, while the other is always defensive, there will not be much progress improving the dynamics of that relationship. Unfortunately, this is exactly where we find ourselves when it comes to race relations in our country. The Sign, Black Lives Matter, has taken on a different meaning to each community. 

Black America holds up the Cardboard Sign to proclaim "We Matter," while conservative Whites see a Cardboard Sign that should be more inclusive in its slogan to communicate "All Lives Matter." Furthermore, to add to this friction, the media, the political parties, the social justice experts, jump on board the wagon to create even more division.  

What's the outcome? Anger and defensiveness over the Cardboard Sign. Anger and defensiveness over the Police Force. Anger and Defensiveness over the Justice System. Anger and Defensiveness over the Monuments. Anger and Defensiveness over the Statues. When one takes a step back from the conflict what do they see? Anger and Defensiveness. CS. Lewis, the famous Christian apologist, once stated that “Anger is hurt that bleeds." As a nation we bleeding. 

My intent was to begin this conversation just focusing on the Cardboard Sign, Black Lives Matter. Honestly, there are so many layers that go way beyond what that Cardboard Sign communicates. Each layer, will cause discomfort, pain, tension, defensiveness, and yes, anger. Unfortunately, it is easier to focus on how we interpret that Cardboard Sign than it is to come together, both Black and White to address the racial “onion” in the room! It takes far more strength to peel back, one by one, the painful layers of oppression that ultimately leads should to tears when fully acknowledged. 

Reflection: Before I accepted Christ, I had to wrestle with whether there was really tension that existed between me and God. I had to acknowledge there was a sin problem which had severed my relationship with God. I had to confess and seek forgiveness. 

Many years passed without that acknowledgement and forgiveness that was necessary in my life. Thankfully, there came a point where I could not fend it off any longer. 

Acknowledgment and Forgiveness. These two words were essential for my own life and will play an important role in moving beyond the cardboard Sign, Black Lives Matter. 

   

Easter: Seven Miles with Jesus

News spread quickly within the inner circle of Jesus that the tomb was empty. You would think that would be a time of celebration, but it wasn’t. Everyone thought the rumors they heard from within their own organization was Fake News. 

So, what does Jesus do? He plays Under Cover Boss to discern what’s going on behind the scenes within his own organization. And he doesn’t even wear a costume. He goes as himself. So, would those closest to him in his organization be able to figure this out? I invite you to join us as walk seven miles with Jesus. 

Scene 1: The Walk

Many years ago, my oldest brother had a seizure selling encyclopedias door to door in our neighborhood. As I arrived at the scene, there was a crowd of people and paramedics checking him out. I cut through the crowd and told the medical personnel that he was my brother. 

Ricky was still dazed and when he was brought up to see me; the paramedic asked him if he recognized me. He looked at me, pointed his finger and said, “I've never seen him in my life.” I was  shocked. How could my brother not recognize me after living with him so long?” 

That's kind of what happens here. Jesus is disguised as himself and we are told that two within his company were kept from recognizing him. So, did Jesus snap his fingers like a hypnotist and force them not to recognize him; or was there something else happening here behind the scenes that perhaps was more spiritual in nature? We have to continue the seven mile walk to Emmaus to find out.  

Scene 2: The Inquiry 

You’ve got to love Jesus here. He is totally working this situation. "What things?" What are you guys talking about and why do you look so sad? Cleopas is stunned. Everyone knows what happened the past few days. Where have you been? 

Imagine today someone wondering why most businesses are closed and restaurants are empty. Imagine them asking you why people are wearing masks, gloves, and washing their hands for twenty seconds at a time. Imagine them saying, "Why are people social distancing?” You would be like, “Haven’t you watched the news or at least turned on YouTube? Haven’t you checked social media, everyone is talking about COVID-19.  

Jesus was that dude in the first century. “What things?” What are people talking about these last couple of days? 

Scene 3: Breaking News

Now if Jesus had a yellow pad and a pen, I could see him making a checklist. Perhaps it would look like this.  

Okay, they said I am a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and people. Check!

They said I was arrested, condemned, and put to death through crucifixion. Check!

They said, they hoped I would redeem Israel. Well, I can’t check that one. They didn’t quite get the details right. 

They said, somehow today is the third day, which is important concerning my death. Check! 

They said, some women, who they know well, saw  an empty tomb. Check! 

They said, the women saw a vision involving angels who told them I was alive. Check!

They said, some within their own party found an empty tomb like the women described. Check! 

I can see Jesus thinking to himself. “Okay, why are these two men so sad again?” I told all them all these things when they went through my orientation. I told them about my impending leave of absence. That’s not Fake News; that’s great news! 

Do you want to know what the real problem Jesus, the Undercover Boss is discovering? Quite simply, his disciples have an incorrect perception of him. You can see this as we continue our seven mile journey.    

Scene 4: The Revelation

Now Jesus gets to the core issue. The main reason they could not recognize him is because they were Slow of Heart to Believe what the Scriptures taught about him. Cleopas and his assistant were making Jesus out to be someone he was not.  

They were so focused on Jesus being a general who would redeem Israel; that they overlooked the Scriptures that taught that he had to first to suffer and experience death before he could be a redeemer, not of a country; but of all people. Cleopas and his buddy thought God sent Jesus to earth for political purposes; not as a humanitarian to save lives. Consequently, both had too narrow a view when it came to the purpose of Jesus stay here. Unfortunately, it’s the same today. 

Some say he was a great moral teacher, but many ignore his hard teachings such extending forgiveness when they have been wronged, even betrayed. 

Some say he represented love; but forget Jesus said it was expressed in obedience toward him

Some say he always showed grace; but they omit the “Sin No More” clause that followed the transgression. 

Some say he died for our sins; yet they have been persuaded by outside sources that there are other roads that also lead to heaven

What Jesus is saying to Cleopas is basically, stop listening to Fake News. If you want to know who I am don’t rely on what you think. Don’t rely on what others think! Instead, Read the Scriptures, it's all in my work manual.  

In the first book of Genesis, Jesus is involved with God in creation. In the Book of Exodus, he is the Passover Lamb that has been killed and his blood on the door saves God’s people’s lives. According to the Prophet Isaiah, he is the son born of a virgin, who is sent like a sheep to his slaughter, which foretells his death seven hundred years before it happened. In Daniel he is also the “Son of Man” who will return in the clouds at the end of the age, bringing his followers the the final finishing touches on glorification. From Moses to the Prophets, Jesus is present. What a study that must have been. One for the ages. Seven miles worth! 

If you want to know about me; read your Bible. This is God’s revelation. The main source. Always go back to the main source. Okay, Let's keep walking with the Undercover Boss and his workers. 

Scene 5: Open Eyes 

We read, "Their eyes were opened!" The first time that phrase was used in the Bible was just after Adam and Eve had sinned. We learn, “Their eyes were open, and they knew they were naked.” Now, on the third day, that phrase would be forever redeemed into something beautiful. Jesus is alive.  

Jesus had taught that he was the Bread of Life, and after he passed some to eat, on yet another memorable meal, their eyes were opened. The Undercover Boss had come clean and revealed himself to his company.  

Maybe you’ve wondered why Jesus suddenly vanished. Perhaps he didn’t want to be interrogated with questions; preferring they read his manual, the Scriptures. Or maybe Jesus just wanted to give them what they needed most, assurance that he was alive, and then be on his way. 

Today, we live in a time where COVID-19 has made us ask questions about what is truly important. And to be honest, that is a good thing. Without the many facets of our life being stripped during this period; we may understood this issue only in theory. COVID-19 has forced us to be without things in life that take up our time, and may even be an idol in our hearts. 

    For those that are sports fans; Live Sports and the stadiums have been shut down.  

    For those who invest their time in musicians, actors, entertainers, the concert halls and theaters have been shut down. 

    For those get their identity thru work and money; unemployment is at historic heights, and the economy has taken a big hit. 

   For those get their identity from academic achievement; the schools have shut down

What’s left? Your family, your loved ones and Jesus. It’s time to pick up your Bibles and get to know Jesus. You know, with people dying every day because of this pandemic, the best investment you can make is placing your faith in Jesus. You see, accepting the gospel is REALLY the only essential business the coronavirus will never infect or kill. Because He lives; you can live! 

Scene 6: Proclamation

Proclamation! That’s all Cleopas and his unnamed partner of Jesus could do on that resurrection Sunday over 2,000 years ago. “The Lord has risen.” 

So, for those of you who have been social distancing from Jesus for some, most or all all of your life, I am here to proclaim, Jesus is alive! 

 For those of you who are wearing gloves at the grocery store; the next time you pick up a loaf of bread, if you're lucky, remember that Jesus is The Bread of Life. The Lord has Risen!  

For those of you are washing your hands for twenty seconds at a time; the next time you wash, think about the blood of Jesus that washed away your sins. You can now be without blemish or stain. The Lord has Risen! 

For those of you who want to preserve life by "flattening the curve," the only way to truly flatten it is through placing your faith in Jesus. You see, people will die long after this COVID-19 pandemic. So, I invite you to flatten the curve now, this Easter, this Resurrection Sunday morning. Jesus is Alive! 

Whoever you are. Wherever you are. Jesus is calling. He wants to draw near to you and walk with you like he did those seven miles with Cleopas and his friend. I pray you will as well.