It's been a heavy week here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I honestly don't have the words for what has happened to my city. My heart is so, so broken for this tragedy. Another innocent life was taken in such a brutal way. I don't understand it. I don't feel the same pain that the family and friends and acquaintances of Terence Crutcher are feeling. I cannot fathom the pain they are suffering from right now. But these shootings have now become real to me. I'm going to be honest. Up until last week, these shootings were just horrific events that I never thought could happen in my city. And sometimes, I just brushed them off.
Let me tell you though. It doesn't seem real until you live minutes away from where a shooting like this happens. It doesn't matter what race is responsible for the action. It feels real now. This is a huge issue in the United States, and probably around the world too. I don't know how it is for some people, but for me, this all seems too real now. Overbearingly real.
Students at ORU were warned of Ferguson protesters arriving in Tulsa and shutting down the main street that runs by ORU. We were warned to not leave campus and to stay away from the areas we were told that they were coming to. Did any of this actually happen? I honestly have no idea. But the fear I felt when I received this message from several different people was too much to handle. That's when this tragedy really sunk in for me.
I'm proud of my city. I realize that's probably the weirdest thing to say after this event, but it's true. There's a headline going around that says "Why Charlotte exploded and Tulsa prayed." My city is praying. It's beautiful in the midst of this darkness. Tulsa could have easily exploded just like Charlotte, and I would've completely understood if that's what happened. God is hearing the cries of my city.
God, You are so loved by my city. We are leaning and depending on You during this horribly rough time. It's such a beautiful thing to see. It's scary...what's going on out there in the world is scary. And I hate to say it, but I can't help but live in fear sometimes. This can happen to any race. It does happen to any race. Lately, I find myself scared for what could happen to me or my family because we're Native American. We have a history that no people group should have ever experienced.
God, we need You. Tulsa needs You. The world needs You. God, I ask that You provide Tulsa with peace and protection. I know that You've got Your hand in all of this. But we still need peace and protection. I ask that You comfort this city. Heal the broken hearted. Reveal Yourself to those directly affected by this tragedy, that they may see You and not abandon You. Or that they will come to know You if they didn't know You before.
God, I pray for Betty Shelby. I pray for her. I pray that You stay with her through the process she is going through. Protect her. Yes, even though she shot Terence Crutcher, protect her. She needs the prayer as much as everyone else needs it during this time. I pray for the Tulsa Police Department. Lord, they didn't know that they were going to be dealing with this until it happened. They do so much to protect our city despite this happening.
God, You hear my unspoken prayer. You hear those words that I don't have just yet. You hear the words and the cries of every single person in Tulsa. Be with us. We welcome Your presence in this city. Holy Spirit, You are welcome here. Come flood this place, and fill the atmosphere. We want to be overcome by Your presence.
We love You, God. The city of Tulsa loves You.
Amen.
