You are filled with hatred. Hatred can destroy you. Don’t hate white people just because they are white. If you hate make it count for something. Hate the humiliations we are living under in the nation. Hate the discrimination that eats away at the soul of every black man and woman. Hate the insults hurled at us by white people and then try to do something about it or your hatred won’t spell a thing.

These are words spoken to Daisy Bates, one of the architects of the Little Rock 9 who would help integrate public schools, by her father as he lay on his death bed. His words remind me and all of us who are still challenged by the darkness of racial discrimination that in our effort to fight our way through life we must never give in to the power of darkness.

                        Juneteenth, Ken Wheeler, Living Lutheran, June 20, 2014

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son. Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred that infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and, through our struggle and confusion, work to accomplish your purposes on earth; so that, in your good time, every people and nation may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.