"The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion." -Paulo Coelho, Brazilian novelist and lyricist
"Obama can't save us. Mrs. Clinton can't save us. Mr. Trump can't save us. The only one who can change the heart of man is the Lord." -Benjamin Watson, Baltimore Ravens tight-end
Where to start? Every day, more innocent lives are claimed, more hatred is brewed, more division is created. I know that our country is desperate for some sort of solution or remedy. Whether peaceful or violent protests, these will not be the ultimate answer for our country. No amount of Facebook posts, whether angry or calm, will change our nation. Any president, male or female, black or white, will not be our saving grace. Each of these may provide awareness or progression, which certainly should not be overlooked, but they will not change the heart of our nation. As Benjamin Watson said, a true transformation will only come from the Lord. We are divided over almost anything and everything. We are quick to point fingers at anyone other than ourselves. We criticize others for either supporting or condemning someone like Kaepernick. We yell and scream at each other even though no one is truly listening.
I truly believe that social media has its purpose, time and place, and advantages. Having said that, when a controversy or tragedy occurs, many of us often turn to social media and hide behind our accounts to make bold (and often accusatory) claims about different races. What good does this do? No amount of comments, likes, and tweets will break the barriers, tear down the walls, subdue the fire. What needs to occur is a heart transformation followed by compassionate action.
Do we understand just how much more significant and momentous our actions are than our words? We debate with one another over which race is actually "at fault" or "to blame" for this mess we've made. Back and forth, back and forth. Would you claim that this is moving us forward? No matter the color of your skin, no matter your gender, no matter your profession, change needs to occur from the inside-out. Change starts with each of us, through our transformed hearts and influential actions. And this ultimately comes from our Lord and Savior.
To put it bluntly, are you doing anything to spark change in our nation or are you just complaining about it? If you are making a difference, then keep it up! Let it spread like wildfire. We don't need more Facebook posts or tweets; we know that there is division, unjustness, prejudice, so why continue to fuel this fire through social media? Instead of focusing on what everyone is saying, debating, and arguing, focus on what action you can take. Never underestimate the power in acts of kindness. Where there is darkness, overwhelm it with light. Where there is hatred, expose it to love. Where there is division, bring harmony.
This divided nation will not be changed by endless rants, arguments, and debates. It will not be changed by pointing at others, but by pointing to Christ. No matter how much this country tries to eliminate God and suppress the name of Jesus Christ, He will always remain the answer.
