Saints’ Benjamin Watson’s Viral Message on Baltimore Riots: Christ is Needed to Fix Brokenness
Benjamin Watson, tight end for the New Orleans Saints, posted some poignant thoughts on the Baltimore riots Monday which have gone viral. He went right to the root of the problem, which is the lack of Christ in our lives. More clever government policy initiatives aren’t going to fix the tension and rioting. If anything, they often stoke racial fires. Watson provided the solution in a few short sentences:
Tonight I see “smoke,” but we must address the fire. The response that we are watching is just “smoke” from years of hopelessness. After each situation the more I am convinced that the love of God for our fellow brothers and sisters who were created in His image, is our only hope for reconciliation. But the only way we can even see him that way is if God illuminates our view and changes our thought process. I’m not talking about holding hands and singing. Love is an action that compels one to treat another with dignity and respect even if they don’t deserve it. It pushes for education and opportunities for those in poverty. It gives identity and self worth. It administers justice without abuse. It honors authority and promotes peace. It is not weak, but strong for what is right!
Tonight I see a brokenness that only Christ can give us the wisdom and power to mend.We pray for every disaster that happens to us. Bombings, natural disasters, cancer and outbreaks. What we’ve seen in our country lately deserves that same attention. Our attempts to fix this have fallen short.
We, and most importantly, the body of Christ, must stand for justice in all areas, for all people. We must set the standard for the correct way to treat people.Tonight I pray for the pastors, leaders, police and community of Baltimore.
Tonight I #PrayForAmerica.
