The Problem with Our Response to Controversy
I think there is a problem with our responses to controversy. It isn’t that we respond, though many could argue reasons why our responses aren’t helpful. Rather, it’s that we move on so quickly. Just a few weeks ago, I couldn’t open up a social media site without seeing the words Ferguson. I knew in my heart then that many of us would write about it and call attention to the tragedy and then we’d move on. Right now there continues to be a mother mourning and a community healing, but the rest of us have moved on.
Obviously, we can’t carry the weight of every sorrowful and burdensome situation that makes headline news. Our sites and conversations will naturally move on to other things—normal life must resume. And only Jesus can truly carry the burden of all the tragedies in the world. But in all our uproars and emotional responses, I sure hope we remember that real people are involved in these situations. If we feel that the tragedy is important enough to write about, speak about, or share on social media, may I suggest that we also tuck away in our private lives and pray about the person.
I wrote this for The Gospel Coalition when the Trayvon Martin verdict came in:
Before long another confusing and dreadful situation will become a national news story. Most of us will know details only secondhand, though we’ll be expected to offer an opinion. So we must look first to the Word to be informed by God’s timeless guidance. And we will mourn with those who mourn as we pray without ceasing.
Before long it would happen and it did and it will again. Mourn with those who mourn. That is what I hope we do as we hear the devastation all around us. Pray without ceasing. That’s what I’m now praying we would do after the noise settles and as we wait for the next controversial story to respond to. Even if the nation moves on and the news outlets no longer report them, we don’t have to. Remembering reminds us that we are a part of humanity. Remembering will help us to not be shocked by the next event and instead be ready. Remembering reminds us daily of our great need of the Savior.
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