A recent rash of violence has erupted in our community leaving teenagers dead and families and friends in mourning.
Three youth have been killed this month and on June 24th headlined as a “DEADLY DAY”, six were shot, three were killed in 24 hours, in four separate incidents. Many have also lost confidence in the justice system in the wake of the Trayvon Martin verdict and racial tensions are high.
In the current climate, it is very easy to feel anxious, perplexed, and troubled. Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
Paul was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, shipwrecked, threatened, hungry, thirsty, cold, and naked but he stayed in the game because like Sabrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin’s mother) he knew God was in control. God never puts more on us than we can bear and he always provides a way of escape. Paul knew it was not “game over” but “GAME ON”.
Despite the Trayvon Martin verdict and the continuous violence in the streets of Indianapolis, we cannot throw in the towel. In the words of Ted Kennedy, “the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
“Game On” signifies you are ready for the challenge. Sometimes we think we can’t make a difference, we are frustrated by our limitations and crippled by fear but what is impossible with man is possible with God. We often feel helpless when reading headline after headline of a youth gunned down, but God’s excellence is in us. Now more than ever, we must activate the power and stir up the gift.
Be like David and say “game on” to Goliath. David was considered the underdog but he was resourceful in conquering the giant. Find your five smooth stones and a sling shot: Be an involved parent, mentor a youth, join your neighborhood crime watch, write letters to your elected officials to overturn Indiana’s stand your ground law, donate time and resources to youth-serving organizations, say a prayer, or support others doing so. We all have a part to play.
Now more than ever, faith based organizations must stand as David and go beyond the church walls. This weekend (July 26th-28th) the House of God Church, Inc. (3224 Schofield Ave.) is saying “Game On”. We are sponsoring a Youth Empowerment Symposium (YES) to ignite an attitudinal, structural, and spiritual process whereby young people gain the ability and authority to make decisions and implement change in their own lives and the lives of others. Several other organizations have or will hold events to prevent youth violence. Please show your support. It is one stone of many needed to conquer Goliath. But we can and we will. GAME ON!
Tammy Buter Robinson is Senior Pastor of the House of God Church, Inc. Follow her on Twitter at TammyBRobinson, or visit Tammy Butler Robinson on Facebook.
