Speaking of Ferguson

I'm sure that if you have been following the national news at all, you know that a city is tensely awaiting a ruling that keeps getting delayed. You are probably aware of the debate surrounding this hotly divisive case. You know about the two sides of this issue and that strong feelings exist on both sides. And you know that, depending on what is decided in this case, the repercussions can be severe. And a decision can be made and announced any time; it may have already been announced since this article has been published.

I'm talking, of course, about a city I live very close to, Ferguson, in my lifelong home state of Missouri.

I'm aware of the two sides of this heated controversy.

A cop is facing serious allegations about killing a teenager. As this teen was of another color from the cop, his killing is racially charged. The decision on whether to charge him or not drags on and on. He is in hiding. His family, who did not ask for any of this, are dealing with all of this along with him. He faces the loss of his career and reputation. This has huge implications for all those in his profession. Supporters on this side of the debate fear that if Officer Darren Wilson is charged, all cops will fear using force if they fear for their lives. One such person, a family member, declared, "If he is charged, all cops will be afraid to police." They wonder, what will this mean for our safety if cops fear doing their jobs when force is involved in protecting us?

A family is devastated over the loss of their son, who had just graduated from high school. Instead of going to his high school graduation, they must bury him, attending his funeral. As their son's killer is both a cop and a Caucasian one, it's not just this family that are devastated. An entire Black community is up in arms. Whatever happens in the grand jury ruling has implications for the entire Black community. This community can't forget how cops have traditionally gotten off scot-free in many killings, especially in the killings of their own people. One 18 year old teenager, Michael Brown, has become a household name. Like another teenager, Trayvon Martin, who was killed by a private citizen with social ties to law enforcement, Michael Brown is being criminalized and his case is dividing an entire country.

We have all no doubt seen the many images of protesters, mostly Black, angry protesters, being arrested. This has been day after day. These many arrests have done nothing to improve the reputation of St. Louis, which the embattled Ferguson community is part of. To their credit, the national media have pointed out that the violence protesters have been people coming from other states, using the killing of Michael Brown as an excuse to unleash their violent tendencies. Most of Ferguson's own protesters are peaceful and have been carrying out their protests in peace. Michael Brown's parents have called for peace, just as Trayvon's parents did when emotions were running high in his now "old news" case. And if you have never thought that any place in the US can look like the Middle East, embattled Ferguson has been looking like that since one 18 year old teen has been killed. Think of it.

One Missouri Governor calls out the National Guard to curb violence in a city, and declares a state of emergency in case a grand jury decision does not go the way many in the community want it to go.

Members from two racist hate groups threaten violence.

Police officers are all on edge and ready themselves for one grand jury ruling, prepared to call in cops from other departments just as happened on the night that Michael Brown was killed.

Social media blow up with rants on both side on this case, some racist in tone.

Businesses shut down or make preparations, and gun sales rise dramatically.

On a more personal level, I have contemplated appealing to my small group to let us attend the candlelight vigil in response to the announcement of the decision the night that decision is reached. It is sad that racism is still so alive and well that we must hold these dialogues. But hold them we must. This is not just about Ferguson, and it is not just about Michael Brown or the Black community. When this is published an announcement will very well have been made. This case, like the case of Trayvon Martin and with all the controversy, passion, and even hate they have ignited on both sides, show us that we still have far to go when it comes to living at peace with one another despite differences.

Whatever side you most identify with, I hope you will try to see the other side with an open mind. As for wanting peace in Ferguson and in the world, we cannot hope for peace until we turn to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and welcome Him as Head of our lives.