Well it would be out of place if I didn’t address it. The Trayvon Martin case. But I promised myself I would be brief on these blogs for myself and for the readers (we just don’t have time these days to read dissertations. Lol)

I fall in the category of the mildly informed bystander who passively paid attention. So what do I know in my narrow scope of knowledge? A young black boy was coming home from a store with some food and drink in his hand, somebody profiled him as a criminal of sorts and followed him, he got wind of him and a scuffled ensued which resulted in gunshots and the death of a young black man.

Details from both sides conflict. One pointing out that it was self-defense. The other saying this man started it by following him and eventually killing him after the scuffle. Something happened and again, a young man is dead. A 17-year old. Immediately I saw pictures of Trayvon placed in the spotlight with intentions to paint him as a thug who probably deserved it. Well that’s not right. Zimmerman continued to scream self-defense.

So the case begins. Then the case ends. The jury says there is not enough evidence to prove against Zimmerman’s plea for self-defense. It’s over. Zimmerman wins. Trayvon loses.

There are now several ways to look at this right? The justice system is flawed. The self-defense law is flawed. That was my take. Something didn’t and still doesn’t feel right. In my narrow view of things, I don’t think Trayvon had a fair shake. Perhaps his prosecution team was weak. They couldn’t build a strong enough case. Perhaps, the jury was swayed to believe this young black man was in the wrong. I didn’t see that. Perhaps the defense was just too good. Maybe. But where does the media and the public go?

RACE. COLOR. RACISM. Perhaps…

But the media have jumped on it like ravenous wolves. People are taking the streets. But Zimmerman is Hispanic…right? But he looks white – wait! No, this can’t be a racial issue could it? As far as we’ve come?? Nah! Could be. But if it wasn’t, would somebody still try as hard as they can to make it one?

YES.

Let’s me pull this all together. To Trayvon’s parents. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray that some resolve can come to you in some way. It’s not fair. You raised a child and love a child only to lose him this way. To Zimmerman, dude you didn’t look too concerned about what you did — whether on accident or on purpose. I pray that you are sorrowful for taking a life under whatever circumstances and take into consideration the magnitude of what you did. Remember, I’m an outsider, but this is how I feel. To the outsider, if you are uninformed and Black, don’t picket and post comments on twitter to incite racial tension.

What we need to do right now is pray. Pray for Trayvon’s family, pray for this society not to become volatile and ready to fight for something that they barely have knowledge of. There are people who simply want a reason to act up. Let’s pray for peace.

Don’t get sucked into a “fight the power” situation if you DON’T KNOW JACK!

Our work is to teach Jesus. Teach the Word. Teach peace. Teach us not to show partiality. Teach society not to get to this point. I guess I’m worried. I guess I am uninformed and scared that I will be an uninformed picketer. What Trayvon Martin became was yet another victim of many things– for sure gun violence. Let’s pray and make efforts to curb this epidemic. Let’s be sorrowful for that and let’s be smart. Only heaven knows what truly happened that night.

As I posted when I first heard the verdict, we have a righteous Judge in heaven that will make the right decision, who will examine all the evidence, who will not be faulty and there will be no one to dispute His judgment.

I leave you with two scriptures regarding living peaceably and not showing partiality…

Romans 12:17-18 NIV

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

James 2:1, 8-10 KJV

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

I think this song by Lecrae from his album “Gravity” really captures the crux of this situation…violence should stop.

Blessings,

Christian Music Pusher