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OK: Onto tonight’s post!
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I was sitting on my best friend’s fire escape last night around 8pm. It’s one of the things that we like to do: enjoy some conversation and cocktails while watching the sunset over Manhattan. A scene that, sitting with my bestie-since-birth, feels like a scene out of a movie — an early 2000s rom-com starring Kate Hudson or Katherine Heigl.
But last night, that movie scene was different.
You see, my friend’s apartment overlooks one of the main Avenues in Greenwich Village, and last evening — around 8pm — thousands and thousands of protestors marched down that Avenue. They were shouting, “I can’t breathe.” They were chanting “George Floyd.” There were chanting “NYPD Suck My ****.” ((Footage available on my Instagram stories))
They were angry. And rightfully so.
My friend and I watched in silence for close to ten minutes as they marched on. Floods of people – young, old, black, white, people carrying signs, people wearing masks.
At one point, my friend and I started clapping – much like the notorious “7pm Cheer” for the health workers. It was as though we knew that we were witnessing something historic. Something important. Something that mattered.
But there was a small part of me that was uneasy.
Because I knew that sadly, this peaceful demonstration now, would most probably turn violent, once the sun went down. And it did.
I don’t need to spell out for you the degree of violence exploding across the country right now. Cities up in flames. Looting, rioting, burning cop cars and police precints and garbage cans.
New York City is particularly combustive right now.
Living just a block or two away from Union Square — the epicenter of the violent demonstrations — I spent the night tossing and turning to the constant drone of helicopters overhead, to sirens wailing throughout the night, to the sound of unrest — clanging, shouting. I watched on the news of live pictures of my neighborhood, up in flames. My grocery store, my subway station. My walking route — now breaking news on every cable news network across the country.
Soho is completely ransacked. Chanel and other luxury stores with busted store fronts, and empty shelves. And my neighborhood is bracing itself for tonight. I was walking through the Meatpacking District today, and 90% of the store fronts were constructing ply-wood protective coverings for their storefronts. The Apple store was completely shuttered. And rumors have been circulating about whether or not the National Guard will be called in.
This is what my father warned me about.
I always thought he was exaggerating to spook me into coming home — but here we are, and it’s happening.
There is a difference between peaceful protest: — demonstrating for justice, speaking out against racism — and the criminal activity we’ve witnessed in the past several days from rioters torching businesses, looting storefronts, partaking in violence, defacing property. I mean, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC — covered in graffiti.
There is a difference between the two. The former is a justified response to the horrific and gut wrenching murder of George Floyd. It is a warranted expression of anger. A cry for justice. For reform. For change. And is part of our First Amendment rights.
The latter, is taking advantage of George Floyd’s death, and capitalizing on a tinderbox situation to steal, break the law, vandalize and destroy the livelihoods of so many through the destruction of property and businesses, and frankly cities at large. And that criminal activity has no place in our society.
I spent a lot of time this weekend researching and reading up on how to be an ally during this time of intense hurt and anger.
And after sifting through resource after resource calling for extreme resistance, I found myself truly resonating with the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
His movement was one of non-violence, and I pray that in the coming days, or weeks, or however long this lasts, that the movement follows MLK’s initiative, rather than the looting and burning of cities we have seen.
“Nonviolence is not sterile passivity, but a powerful moral force which makes for social transformation.” – MLK. ‘Nonviolence acts. Nonviolence resists. Nonviolence challenges and speaks truth to power. Nonviolence is love-centered, justice-pursuing, strategic noncooperation with evil.’ – The King Center.
What a powerful truth. These protests began as demonstrations for justice for George Floyd. For standing against evil. And the greatest antidote for those such things — and the most simple solution in all of this — is love.
Love for neighbor. Love for those facing oppression, hardship, persecution.
Love. And the greatest example we’ve ever seen of love, is Jesus: Love Incarnate.
“We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.” MLK
Soul force.
There it is.
I pray for all those demonstrating for justice for George Floyd. I pray that their actions be peaceful, nonviolent, and be a response born from an overflow of love for their fellow man. Love for their brothers and sisters who are hurting right now. Who have been hurting for generations. Who are tired of hurting.
May we all rise with soul force to demand change, so we all can live free from fear and oppression.
And in the spirit of nonviolent action for change, I want to share a few resources that I found really helpful and articulate.
First, Benjamin Watson. He’s a former NFL player who has written a book called: Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race. I just ordered it today, and look forward to learning from such an inspiring man. He is able to articulate difficult realities in an inviting way that foster honest conversation, while not shying away from hard truths. (This article was also really powerful.)
Next, The King Center – is a nonprofit organization that offers insightful resources about MLK and his movement for nonviolence. Plus, they have a really great Instagram.
This was a really powerful interview with Bishop TD Jakes that opened my eyes to an unfamiliar reality – in a calm, articulate and passionate way.
Finally, though this video is full of profane language, it candidly captured the raw emotion and plight caused by the looting in NYC, and the toll the destruction is taking on inhabitants.
And for more resources, check out my own Instagram, where I’m reposting enlightening articles and posts.
What are some resources you’ve found helpful? Please leave them in the comments section!
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A
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BeautyBeyondBones 
Thanks for sharing the resources. I’ll check out some of what you listed -trying to learn. Currently reading “How to Be An Antiracist ” by Ibram K. Kendi….can’t imagine what some people are going through.
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Thank you Teresa, I’ll ahve to check out that book – thanks for passing it along. Please stay safe! Hugs and love xox
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It’s raining here in India
I think that’s The Heavens weeping due to Mr. Floyd’s demise and what’s happening in the USA
🙏
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I think youre right about that. I certainly believe that’s not a coincidence! stay well! and thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
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Having read Black Like Me in the late-60s last century, it still resonates today. As the African-Americans I know are mostly upper-middle class or higher, they would not experience many of Howard Griffin’s reasons for outrage; being dissed by a white woman to whom you tried to offer your bus seat; finding a men’s bathroom that is not segregated; waiting in an unadorned separate Waiting Room in a doctor’s office.
BUT even upper-class blacks, as soon as they drop the trappings of their economic advantage, are victims of the “hate stare” sometimes called the “white stare.” Only Jesus can change the heart from hate to love. It must come from inside as we submit to Him.
See https://capost2k.wordpress.com/2020/05/31/what-is-it-like-to-be-black-in-the-time-of-the-wuhan-virus/ and https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/capost2k.wordpress.com/16825 for how to love even the vandals.
Praying for you, Carolyn, as you live in the epicenter of such racial tension.
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Thank you for your prayers and for sharing your heart. Gosh that just makes me so sad. I will have to check out that book, and read your posts. i appreciate you sharing. Hugs and love xox
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In our world today so many things we thought could never be is happening before our eyes. We as believer must pray as it can reach more people and places than we humanly can. Also we must get involved as God leads us to be involved.
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It really is surreal, and is so heartbreaking. Amen to that – those prayers are powerful and hit God’s ears, we can be sure of that. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox
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Haven’t been here for a while. Been writing a lot. You’ve been on my mind, though, first with Covid-19 then this. Andy Stanley said recently, “Never underestimate the power of a measured response” (as opposed to an unmeasured reaction). Thank you for your measured response to what must have been a disturbing thing to see in your own neighborhood. When white people talk about Martin Luther King’s nonviolence, so often it sounds self-serving. I don’t feel that here. I feel your compassion George Floyd and black victims of injustice, so big tip of the hat for that. These are great resources you point to at the end.
A couple of things I think people should know. First, I’ve seen reports that say looting and rioting are being instigated by people coming from outside the community. So if anyone is wondering why protesters are tearing apart their own community, it’s because it’s literally being imported. I don’t know who’s doing it, but would love to know who they are and what their agenda is.
Second, it’s tempting to say, “look at those black people rioting.” Just google white people riot, and you will find many examples. We can’t turn this into an excuse for more prejudice than already exists.
So you’ve done a marvelous job again. And of course, I pray you stay safe through all this.
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Hi David, so great to hear from you!! Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughtful response. Yes – you’ve brought up really important points. The looters are coming from outside the city – they’re plants to instigate violence and it makes me so angry. They’re taking advantage of George Floyd’s death, and it is yet another injustice to Mr. Floyd. And you’re right – all people are rioting, may we not forget that. thank you so much for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
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We see a lot of such unruly behavior in my country here in Africa, but it’s very sad and unfortunate that this is happening in a developed country, super power, more so New With all the development people can’t behave?
I hope the violence will end soon and everyone will be treated the right and accepted way.
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It really is so sad, Stella. I pray the violence ends soon and that justice and peace may prevail. Sending big hugs to you, thank you for stopping by! xoxo
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Big hugs to you too dear ❤️💗💗
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🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
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Well said my friend! Well said. And I love your quotes from Dr. King!
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Thank you so much. His position of nonviolence really struck a chord with me. Praying for our country and hurting brothers and sisters! Hugs and love xox
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Yes, amen!
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xoxo
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I hope we can get through this. My doubt come from so many people don’t know the heart of the matter. God “said if my people who is call by my name will turn from the evil, wicked ways and pray, then I will hear from heaven and heal their land”. The world need a heart change, It needs Jesus Christ- the Messiah.
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I do too – it makes me so sad. Amen to that – It needs Jesus!! thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox
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first off be safe, I actually thought of this when I read your post:
https://nypost.com/2020/06/02/worse-than-war-my-night-besieged-by-looters-and-thugs-in-nyc/
Union Square… one of the nicest, cleanest places in NYC for anyone who knows (and busiest)…. I am surprised nothing has happened around park/23rd in grammercy, hopefully since tonight seems better maybe we are on the other side of this.
We should show the great things happening in many places, but we should also show the wrong, truth is truth. NJ has been very calm, Newark has had big protests but no violence, I wish people would see the history of Newark (1969) and realize that riots like this can set cities back decades
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Thank you so much David! I’ll have to read that article – things are definitely dire. I pray we are on the otherside. i pray with all my heart. you’re so right. stay well and thanks for stoppin gby. Hugs and love xox
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Thank you for this! I’m so sorry you’re witnessing your world fall apart around you and pray that you are able to find peace and stay safe during this crazy and sad time. ❤️
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thank you so much Jess for your kind words and prayers. Yes! i will join oyu in that prayer — may our country find peace, and may the violence come to an end! stay safe friend. Hugs and love xox
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The protest is justified, but the looting and acts of vandalism are not. I pray the latter does not becloud the spirit of the former.
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You’re so absolutely correct Victor. I will join you in that very important prayer. We need peace. We need Jesus’ mantle of healing. stay safe my friend. Hugs and love xox
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[…] via NYC: Streets on Fire — BeautyBeyondBones […]
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Thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
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Thank you for your uplifting, enlightening and encouraging thoughts, Caralyn. And thank you for the good and helpful resources. This is what we need – encouragement to step out positively and peaceably, creating change in ways that actually work. Violence never solves anything, instead, only creates more pain, anger and violence. However, who is brave enough to lay down their bricks and step up peaceably, to speak with a soft voice, but deliver a loud and clear message? Who is willing to peaceably give from their own hearts whatever it takes to finally pierce this American darkness, revealing uncensored truth to the American heart? And who is willing to step into the war room for as long as it takes to wisely but peaceably brainstorm, create and affect the change needed to eradicate this darkness once and for all? Who? May God bring them forward and anoint them now!
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Hi MIndy, thank you so much for your thoughtful response. you’re right! we need peacemakers and we need to support those working for peace. The world is so broken right now, and I pray that God heal this deeply hurting nation, and heal the hearts of our hurting brothers and sisters. Jesus is weeping. stay well! Hugs and love xox
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Yes, and I join you in that prayer. Hugs and love back to you 💗
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🥰🥰🥰🥰
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An excellent commentary on the nature of peaceful vs. violence. You have taken us to the very heart of 2020, the pandemic as well as George Floyd in New York city. Many years ago I lived in a city neighborhood that was where George Floyd’s life was taken in Minneapolis. I grieved for him and the neighborhood and Minneapolis and over a hundred other cities that took the scourge of racism out of the neighborhoods and to the country. Your eloquence is admired and your post will move the hearts of all your readers. Good Going, Kid. me
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Hi Dennis, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Oh wow — yes, my heart is grieving for our hurting nation too. And my heart is grieving for our hurting brothers and sisters. Thank you for stopping by, and stay safe! Hugs and love xox
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Oh God!
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I know, it’s so incredibly sad. thanks for stopping by, Sommy. Hugs and love xox
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Thank you so much for this post. You said exactly what needed to be said.
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Thank you Kristen for taking the time to read it. Praying for our nation! Hugs and love xox
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Living in Columbus, Ohio, I have witnessed similar images as seen in NYC. There is a rightful place for peaceful demonstrations. We are guaranteed peaceful assembly as one of our First Amendment rights. At the same time, there is no place for out of control anger and outright violence to overshadow the significance of peaceful protests. Thankfully, peace is overcoming violence on the streets of Columbus. At the same time, city government and law enforcement are beginning a worthy dialogue. Let’s pray these small steps lead to giant leaps in our this city faces its future.
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Amen – small steps to giant leaps. I should have guessed from your name you were an Ohioan! I am too!! Cincinnati represent!! Stay safe my dear friend. Hugs and love xox
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It was so wonderful to read your post – to know that you are safe and not only from the coronavirus now – and to get a true insight and perspective on what is happening. Too many tweets out there, and I’ve read that not all of them are ‘genuine’ (in the sense of reposting stuff from way back as if it’s current).
As you rightly say, love is the only way – to act with love, to speak with love, to listen with love. At our marriage service 47!!! years ago we chose the hymn Gracious Spirit Holy Ghost – ‘love is kind and suffers long, love is meek and thinks no wrong, love than death itself more strong …’; your words brought that to mind.
From over the pond in North Wales we think of you all, sending our love and prayers for a mindful and meaningful resolution. The time for mere rhetoric is way past.
Lots of air hugs to you and yours. X
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Hi Marilyn, thank you so much for your prayers — you’re absolutely right – love is the only way! sending big big hugs xox
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Big hugs. Please stay safe.
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xoxox thank you xoxo
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You are so wise and so right. May God bless you and keep you safe and send His healing wave across the land.
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thank you so much Stephanie, I am humbled by your kind words. very grateful for your prayers, know that you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox
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Stay safe friend! Your blogs are inspirational! 👏🏻♥️
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Thank you 🙂 that means a lot! Hugs and love xox
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