How To Respond to a Harmful Situation
Last week, there was another shooting by a cop in Madison, Wisconsin. I was curious what would happen afterwards. Would riots break out? Cities burn to the ground again?
It didn’t - and I was pleasantly surprised. I watched the footing of the shooting and still don’t understand why the man was shot. Even if he had a knife, there were many officers surrounding him. I’m not saying their actions were intentional. The situation is confusing however.
This goes back to all the other shootings. It goes back to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Today, I don’t see a lot of movement or progress that came out of this. I don’t see black lives infinitely improved and, clearly, there are still police shootings. As a matter of fact, when I talk to people who were involved in protests or riots - they regret their choices.
The fact of the matter with the Kenosha riots, for example, is that it was a very bad man that was shot. It does not mean he deserved to be shot. However, he should not be heralded as a hero. I read the police report. You know what? That man had raped his children’s mother in front of them and had them in the car while he was resisting arrest. I personally know one of the people who were first on the scene to help those children who were placed in foster care. Imagine the trauma those kids went through.
Sometimes, we see the bad in one situation and paint another situation as good - when it’s still wrong. I am for racial reconciliation. Police do need better training in de - escalation because there have been incidences where shootings have not occurred. But, imagine for a moment, you are a black man who has lived a good life. You have done incredible things and led your family well. Suddenly, people are rioting for your rights while celebrating a man who raped women. Does that represent you well?
My point in all of this is to point us back to the Bible, specifically back to Proverbs. When we read hard news, what is our response to those situations? Here are a couple of Bible verses to ponder on how you should handle harmful situations when they come your way: