In my life, I can never remember a time in which racial tension was as visible as it is now. I do not doubt for a moment that this tension has always been there, but I have always been completely naive to it. But there is so much anger and strife that is underlying in our culture.
The last year or so, I have been appalled to see the emerging prevalence of reported news stories that tell of white police officers who have killed black civilians. Many of these killings involve the cop using excessive force, leading to unnecessary deaths. For most of my life, I would have likely overlooked these occurrences, but as I have grown in my friendships with black friends, I am increasingly frustrated by these events. One such event was the killing of Eric Harris in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
On page 132 of his book Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges says that "Strife describes open conflict or turmoil between parties, usually between opposing groups as distinct from individuals." There is so much strife in our country. As much as America claims to be a country of equality, reality does not reflect that. I long for the day when blacks and whites alike will be outraged over such atrocities. Something needs to change, and the hearts of people need to be changed.
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