When You Really, Really, Hate the Haters
This was the scene at Charlottesville, Va. this afternoon. People came from all over America to show how much they hate people. More people came to stand against hate, so more people came to show how much they hated the people standing against hate.
Not long after this photo was taken someone took that hate into his own hands as judge, jury, and executioner. He drove headlong into pedestrians, dealing out death and destruction with a two-ton instrument of war.
All of this took place on the very streets I know so well. When God chose to save Barbara's life against incredible odds, God sent us to Charlottesville for healing. People from all over the world bathed her in constant love and prayer, not just for hours or days, but for YEARS.
During that journey we walked those streets day after day. Charlottesville was a place of healing and hope for us. How DARE they shed blood there, of all places? That place is like a chapel to me!
Punish them, Lord! Better yet, let me do it for you! Just give me Thor's hammer and stand back!
But wait... isn't that exactly what the guy in that car thought he was doing? Didn't he think he was God's thunder? Surely there is nothing in my heart that is anything like him... is there?
So I am deep in prayer today. I'm praying for those who stand up to evil... and for those who think it is only the "other guys" who are evil. I'm praying for those who resisted violence, and those who embraced it.
It's not easy, but I'm praying for people who live in fear and hate, and wrap it in a flag. I'm praying that God will teach me to change their hearts instead of rearranging their noses. It seems impossible to me that even God could love them enough to change their hearts of hate.
But that is exactly what God did with me... so nothing is impossible.
Still, I'm praying for the hate I know best: the smoldering wick that I carry in my own heart. I pray that I'll let God remove it from my own heart before I try to tell anyone else how to do it in theirs.
And I'm praying for Charlottesville. I believe God has chosen it to be a place of peace, and healing, and hope. I know that is still true tonight, because I know God's gonna win.
There you go again, Larry. Getting past all the stereotypical human wisdom and exposing the truth about the inner hatred in all of us. God help us and God bless you.
Prayers for you, me, and the rest of the sinners, John.
Very wise and soothing words. Let it be so for all of us.
Thanks, my old storytelling friend!
Larry, God heard your prayer and I know, too, He will win…..this is my prayer, also! Many blessings to you and Barbara 🙏🏾Jean
Thanks for your prayers, Jean!
Larry … wow you Words touch and move me so much because this is not only the very essence of our Christian faith but the way we are to live as warriors on the Red Road. I am honored to hear your words and humbled by the as well. Going to share with my pastor as I know he will appreciate this. I stand with you in prayer. Wankentanka opeya ni un (Great Spirit Bless and be with you)
And with you too, Maria!
Larry, You make sense of the senseless and remind us that it is first our own hearts we must change.
Glad you’re in the struggle with me!
I cannot think about hate so close to home without hearing the hate in my own heart. i am not a member of a hate group or scream hate on the streets, i don’t wield a bat….but I remind myself God doesn’t judge us by our actions but by our hearts. I pray that God will forgive me and I will continue to seek the love of God in my heart always.
Thanks, Patti. Glad to know you’re in this with me!
Thank you Larry, for your powerful words.
Thanks for your witness, Susan
Thanks for your witness, my brother. May God move us and lead us through to be ambassadors for reconciliation. Peace to you and yours.
Thank you, Larry, for giving me hope.
Thank you, Cheryl!
And peace to you my brother!