Dear Hayley,
Each day, I remind you of these truths, “You are loved by God. You are created in His image. And He is particularly fond of you.”
We remind of these truths because we hope to instill your value and worth in the good news of the gospel. We also remind you of these truths so that you can see every person you encounter loved by God, created in His image, and someone who He is particularly fond of.
Over the last two weeks, George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery lost their lives due to despicable violent acts. America, in the course of its history, has failed to live up to the ideals of all men and women created equal. These two latest brutalities confirm many experiences of our black brothers and sisters.
As a family, we weep, lament, and grieve at yet another unnecessary tragedy. The killings of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery run contrary to our family values rooted in the gospel. Jesus created these men in his image with eternal value and worth.
Heaven will be a celebration with Jesus of people from every race and nation. Your Mom and I want you to experience that reality right now. Our dinner table becomes a meeting place for people to experience the gospel. The books we read and music we hear invites us to cherish our black brothers and sisters. It moves us to empathy to acknowledge their painful struggle.
Never forget behind every headline is a name of a person God created. Behind every headline, we have friends who are angry, and in despair, at the prejudice, they have unfairly experienced. Jesus calls us to move towards the weary and exhausted. Not with answers, but with presence.
Sometimes, we sit with listening ears. Other times, we spend time with our black brothers and sisters for no other reason than to reaffirm this message – you belong, and you matter to us. We call for justice amid injustice. I pray by the way we live out the gospel we communicate the hope of Jesus making all the sad things untrue.
Our hearts break for George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Jesus’ heart breaks far more than we can ever realize. When it comes to dismantling racism, our family values call us to love like Jesus—bringing those near who feel far away. Rebuking the sin. Pursuing peace and reconciliation as Jesus did.
Never forget the truths of the gospel that we remind you each day. Today, we stand with our black brothers and sisters because the love of Jesus compels us – individuals created in God’s image, loved by Him, and people He is fond of.
Love,
Dad
Photo by Gyorgy Bakos on Unsplash
Many thanks for sharing how Hayley is being raised with/through the Gospel; you and Robyn are amazing parents and strong role models. As Jesus loves us, so should we love others. And, I can hardly wait to learn more about “dinner table becomes a meeting place for people to experience the gospel.” The topics are endless. Hugs, Cynthia
Thank you so much Cynthia!