I watched the emotions form and bubble. I knew the man reasonably well, however the events unfolding had touched a nerve like no other. Each comment, nuance, and gesture was observed, analyzed, incorporated into the conversation. On normal days, he is a big guy. Today, he seemed even bigger! I watched in wonder. What was going to happen next?
Even as I replay the scene in the silence of my reflection, I wonder. His physical and emotion reaction to the situation was tangibly visible to everyone in the room. A few reacted with fear, almost as if they knew what was coming next. Strangely, most reacted in silence. I knew these were alpha males, weathered and shaped by battle, ready to go again if it was the right cause. Today they stood motionless. Whatever they were feeling they were keeping to themselves.
As the verbal warnings on injustice and the cry for a just and compassionate response continued, I waited for something. I continued to wait. As time slipped by, I realize that this was the crescendo. There was nothing to follow this peak. The wind had blown, the injustice remained, and nothing was going to be done.
Since then, there have been a few developments. Although positive in small ways, the majority stayed on the sidelines. They watched and continued to wait. The non-action has been their reaction. The initial stand for justice has morphed into a singular flailing in the wind. There is no resolution. There is little progress of addressing the missteps along the way.
At times it feels like I have watched an attack on God. I find myself crying out, standing with David; “On your feet, O God – stand up for yourself! Do you hear what they’re saying about you, all the vile obscenities?” (Psalm 74.22)
I reflect, wondering about the emotions and injustice. Two thought linger. Learning how to go to battle is critical if you want to realize change. Compassion is more than fighting. Compassion includes touching and supporting the ones suffering. Bravado needs ongoing action to live.
