Everytime I log on to WordPress I am instructed to enter my username, password and a little sentence at the bottom that says Prove Your Humanity and requires me to complete a math equation in order to continue to log on. See, it requires me to prove my humanity in order for me to have access into the account so I don’t inadvertently cause chaos as malware or a computer-bot.
Today, this little instruction means so much more in light of the recent shootings throughout our nation.
Prove Your Humanity.
We try to keep things non-controversial on the site, and we choose not to talk politics here because we do live Intentional lives and we want to inspire intentionality in all things, including our language, and not choose words or topics that would incite flaming or heated debate. (Not that any of those things are wrong, however online debate can get out of hand and we try to maintain a conservative approach to that sort of dialogue.) All of this being said, we cannot remain silent on something that deeply affects so many people across the nation and also should deeply impact our actions as humans, as women and most importantly, as Christians.
Prove Your Humanity.
As humans, we see the struggle to reconcile in our minds the nature of the violence surrounding us. The senseless acts of racism and the retaliation at a protest that serves no purpose on either side, whether you’re taking side of law enforcement or the general public in #blacklivesmatter. In the face of these actions, what is our role?
As women, we are by instinct and creation nurturers. While we are all born in sin, it isn’t inherent in our nature to be violent – we tend to err on the side of compassion and warm feelings. We are by nature the guardians of the home and family, the caretakers and keepers of the home. In the face of these actions, what is our role?
Prove Your Humanity.
Why do I keep restating that point? Because we should choose in this moment, with emotions running high and hearts burdened with fear and heaviness, to prove our humanity by sharing love.
As Christians we are not only human and women, but we are called to a higher standard that gives us clear direction on what our role should be in the face of violence and a hurting world:
We are called to love people. The “root” command in John 15:11-17.
“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father…You didn’t choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. “But remember the root command: Love one another.”
John 15:11-17 MSG
The greater question then is how do we love people best in the face of tragedy?
Wherever you live – within the US or outside of it – your love is best shown by being sensitive to those around you. To monitoring your words even closer (Philippians 4:8) especially considering the context of what you’re about to say. Do the words you speak add to someone’s grief or are they bringing peace?
Are you a vocal person and do you generally post on social media? Use your platform to proclaim something that matters and choose to fight on the side of love. Make a stand that says you’re going to be intentional and sensitive on your social media posts during this time. We all love shoes – but is a #shoefie really the thing to post today when we’re considering the broken families all across our nation today?
I encourage you sisters to start conversations with your families, with your loved ones, with your children and friends, that encourage love and inspire intentionality in relationships with people of all color. I encourage you to spend some extra time in prayer asking God to lead you to love someone who is hurting.
I encourage you today to Prove Your Humanity through love.
Because LOVE lets the Light in.
And Jesus is the Light.