When Crisis Comes to Your Backyard

Our family has only called Charlotte our home for a few months, but when events unfold like they have this week and it affects your neighbors and not just your newsfeed – it changes things. It becomes real.

I don’t plan on giving another opinion about Charlotte, or Tulsa, or any other incident – I don’t think I’m qualified to do that and nor do I have all of the details about each situation. What I do know is that there are people across this nation that are hurting, as well as police officers who are being hated simply because of the uniform and badge they wear.

The enemy wants to divide and destroy our nation, and if we fall victim to his schemes, we’ll do his job for him. At a time, when arguing seems natural – here are a few things you can do instead, that will actually help solve the problem rather than make it worse.

 1. Listen

When hot topics like racism, police brutality, and politics are brought up it’s tempting to try to do all the talking. When tempers flare and our emotions begin to get out of control our default reaction is to dominate the conversation, when in reality, we should be listening. Whether it’s a person who feels oppressed or a police officer who feels misrepresented, the best thing you can do for them is to take the time to understand them. If you’re not willing to listen to the other side, you’re voice will never be heard by the other side.

2. Offer Your Love, Instead of Your Opinion

In the age of social media, it’s never been easier to offer your opinion and become offended. And unfortunately, when a crisis occurs, both usually happen. Everyone has an opinion but rarely does an opinion change anyone. Love does that. Loving our neighbors isn’t an option, it’s a commandment. And while it isn’t easy, it’s the only way that we will truly change anything.

3. Pray

Praying may sound like a “cliché” thing to do during a crisis, but there is a promised power behind it that we can’t afford to forfeit. Praying invites God to do what we’re unable to. It changes our perspective, it softens our heart, and it opens us up to be used by God.

4. Give

Giving is a simple way to make a real change. If you truly want change, then support the change you want to see. Donate your time, your money, and your resources.

5. Serve

Serving in response to tragedy is love in action. Instead of calling out the other side, try serving them. When a crisis occurs and there are hurting people, our arguments and opinions aren’t needed – our help is.