Take a Knee

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I’m going to share something that happened to me this week in New York City. An alarming incident of sorts.

And before I begin, quick shoutout: mom and dad, please don’t freak out.

As you all are very well aware, over the past week, NYC has been rocked by protestors, and completely brought to its knees by looters/rioters.

And please note the distinction: the one group is not the other. Protestors = good; looters = bad.

But shops, restaurants, banks, retail, everything – is boarded up. Meanwhile, every New Yorker is glued to their phone, with one eye on the Citizen Neighborhood Crime Alert App, and the other eye looking out the window, canvassing the street below for violence or suspicious activity.

Or maybe that’s just me.

But it is a New York I have never known before. One of anger, distrust, and defiance. Nevermind the fact that everyone is pissed about being under curfew.

So: On Monday or Tuesday of this past week, it was 7:45, just a few minutes before curfew began at 8, and I had just stepped outside for literally 5 minutes to sit in the park across the street for some fresh air before I had to be locked up in my stifling hot apartment for the night.

And I had stopped to take a photo by the flowers, when out of nowhere, this young man ran up to me with a camera. He was filming.

And – nevermind violating social distancing, and not wearing a mask – this young man got right up in my face with his camera, and started yelling at me.

He shouted, “Excuse me, Miss. Miss. I’m with Black Lives Matter, and if you don’t take a knee like Kaepernick right here right now, you are a racist! Take a knee! Take a knee!”

Terrified, I kind of fumbled for words.

And noticing my hesitation, he continued the rant, yelling that I have white privilege and need to acknowledge it and apologize for it by taking a knee, and some other rhetoric, that to be completely honest, I have no idea what else he said because my mind was racing.

I was absolutely shell shocked and scared in that moment. I was alone. I had no idea who this man was, filming me. And he was so angry and being so derogative towards me. Was he going to hurt me if I didn’t take a knee?

This wasn’t me being quick-to-judge, but rather acting from the fact that the past several nights, the streets of New York were truly dangerous: rioters setting fire to cop cars and trash cans, looters breaking into stores and stealing, lawless behavior running rampant. I was scared for my life.

And so I quickly took a knee and then got the hell out of there.

Obviously, I was completely shaken. I called my friends, but decided not to tell my parents, because they already couldn’t sleep with all the violence going on in Manhattan.

But I shook it off, because at the end of the day, I wasn’t really in danger, and I just chalked it up to some guy trying to get a viral instagram video.

Until Friday.

I was listening to a podcast, and one of the headlines was how this viral YouTube “LiveStreamer” named ‘Smooth Sanchez’ was going around Manhattan, making caucasian women get on their knees and apologize for their white privilege, and then livestreaming it for the masses on the internet.

They played a clip of it on the podcast, and sure enough — this Smooth Sanchez guy — was the same guy who got in my face just four days before.

Upon further research, I learned that he’s been doing this “On Your Knees” stunt all week, with every 2+ hour video upload getting more and more views and comments.

I did not watch them, because I didn’t want to know if I was, in fact, depicted on the video — without my consent, I might add.

Now, if you could – table that for just a moment. And allow me to bring up a really powerful, one-line message that a I heard this weekend during one of Fr. Mike Schmitz’ homilies. He was addressing the topic of racism, and it can all be boiled down to this one, very simple and profound statement: “As Christians, we are called to carry each other’s burdens.”

Which finally put into words what was so unsettling about not only that isolated incident in the park, but also the state of the world at large.

We are called to carry each other’s burdens. Every single person was made in God’s image and likeness. And because God is love, our deepest identity is to love.

And by that very fact that we are creations of God – each one of us has a dignity that cannot be taken away.

But sadly, throughout history, and devastatingly even still today, our black brothers and sisters have had that dignity oppressed — either outright, systematically, or underlyingly.

And that is a terrible terrible stain on humanity. One that is unforgivable. And one that needs to change, immediately.

And as one family in Christ, we are commanded to seek justice for the oppressed, and love and stand by our hurting brothers and sisters.

And that’s where the confusion comes in: yes – protesting peacefully and nonviolently for my oppressed sisters and brothers — that is what we are called to do as Christians, and where I personally stand on this issue.

But I do not support violence or looting or rioting.

Which is also why this Smooth Sanchez situation is so upsetting.

This man was going around touting that he was with Black Lives Matter — a movement that I respect, and support. But that was the first thing he shouted at me. ((And I fully acknowledge that this man is not representative of the entire BLM. This man was a lone wolf, I’m sure.))

But that bullying and harassment isn’t going to solve anything. What good does it do to publicly shame — or scare — people into genuflecting at the alter of “wokeness”? That’s not how you solve things. That’s not how you change hearts. You change hearts through communication. Through awareness. Through love – working together, as one family.

And you find resolution through taking on one another’s burdens, in love.

The contrast between those two episodes, gave me a real juxtaposition in thought that, frankly, I probably haven’t done a very good job at articulating, but then you know what? I think another important thing to do these days is to extend one another grace, as we’re all navigating these eggshell-waters to the best of our abilities.

One last thought. I want to close with a quote from the Friars of the Renewal: a brotherhood in the South Bronx here in Manhattan. They released this statement this week, in response to all the violence, which succinctly articulates exactly how I feel.

“We stand in solidarity with our African American brothers and sisters who desire to speak…We recognize that passivity in the face of racism is a sin of omission for which we are accountable before God and is in direct contradiction with an authentically prolife worldview….’Solidarity is an eminently Christian virtue.‘” – Franciscan Friars of the Renewal 6/3/20

“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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333 thoughts on “Take a Knee”

  1. I read and read and then I found some solace and trying to understand what it must have been like for you…not fair…but Christianity and the messages and what must be done! Unfortunately for many you cannot even begin to write what it must have been like for the slaves of America…it has been like over 400 years and yes it is still here and so unfortunate that many do not know their history as to who they are today and all that they claim. The fact that the term “taking a knee” has been used so selfishly…
    Goes to show the state of the humans in this world in 2020 and I don’t believe many understand what “practising what you preach means”? A man died with someone taking the knee…and all that is happening right now, probably wouldn’t be understood for another 400 years! Very sad for those that are targeted just because they have the skin they have! Ignorance is never bliss, and God must be so disappointed in humans!

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    1. Thank you Becky for this powerful response. It is unfathomable to try an comprehend the suffering, oppression, dehumanization and mistreatment of African Americans throughout history. It is the most heart shattering thing in the entire world, ever. And I pray that our nation can transform into one of respect, empathy and love. Hugs and love xox

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      1. Amen and Amen! Totally to be unified as humans not by race would be a lovely thing. Positively looking at life with pain intact is the best way forward. Hugs and love to you too x

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    2. Was it better for the 300k British slaves in America, or the 1.25 million white slaves raided from Europe by black Muslims? Why is there no pain, no anger about the ten million slaves that Atabs bought from African chiefs that caught and sold their own? There are many more sides to the story. People should first establish the facts.

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      1. I don’t know Pete which is better as none is good. Your facts are established for you and all the stories wouldn’t fit into my domain. As I can only speak for what I definitely know! The fact the “racism” against black people is sooo common in 2020 is a sad truth for the whole of humanity! People are all born and die the same way….if you dwell on what happened to others and not to you, you can never be well informed. Therefore facts or lies can’t be established!

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      2. Racism from white to black ain’t the only racism about. I live in South Africa where I, as a white guy, has not even been allowed to APPLY for a job for the past 26 years! There are some 550 new racist laws that marhinalise whites, Asians and the Creol-type Cape Coloured people, some of which are from the only truly indigenous KhoiSan people. The acute racism that I had seen as a small child, even, oftentimes was blacks hating whites, killing whites, raping white women (among others.) If I walk down the street, despite my own poverty and obvious disability, I am the one that get accosted by beggars. They never will approach a black man; as their racial bias tells them that I was born with some imaginary privilege and a mythical pile of cash under the mattress. Once they change their tune and bloody stop playing victim at every corner, we can maybe start building a future for all. But even their present-day failures through sheer incompetence and the most vile acts of corruption, of course gets blamed on the white man. Oh, the hypocrisy. While our President be,moans the death of Floyd, his own government had killed, in similar manner, several other blacks during lockdown. yet he wants to riot for Floyd. When these people one day will see in their own blind spot, the reality check will be much of a shock. I am tired of getting told that me, who really was innocent in the evils of the past, now have to bow to a lesser God than Jesus Christ, to “repent” of something I never was guilty of. Having said that, I have travelled to a few countries halfway around the earth, into the Pacific and also up north to where that aunt where the stiff upper lip lives. In several other ciountries, I have seen the crudest racism, blavks vs white and white vs black. Both were guilty in ways that would have ended up in jail in South Africa, where we have strict anti-racism laws, laws that only protect blacks. See, there the bias and one-sidedness is again. Fix that and we’re on the same page.

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      3. Wow Pete your story is so heart wrenching! Honestly I do feel for your plight in having to deal and face such issues. I can only say in my positive way of living and treating all as humans, this is what I will advice. Regardless of how others are, you can’t live by what they do!
        Rather than by race, it should be all by love. Indeed so much self reflection needs to be done, by so many but unfortunately not in this lifetime. In South Africa the problems are so bad, I hear!

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      4. We can’t live by race but we can’t live if the communist black race had prohibited white males since 1994 to even APPLY for jobs. The country is failing fast, not for the blackness of parliament but for the neo-Marxism in there. Thank you, Britain, Europe, Peter Hain, America, for giving us an atheist, socialist oppressive and corrupt corporate dictatorship.

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    1. Of course you would have been scared….”anybody would have” and how many times have people done that to you? You see, this post will surely bring out the “racists”

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      1. The point is I don’t need someone randomly getting in my face if I’m sitting alone in a public place and yelling at me. I like my privacy. No disrespect.

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    2. Thank you Derek – it was definitely a scary encounter given the current state of violence in my neighborhood. I appreciate you stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  3. From your narrative it sounds like you were accosted by a bully who was only out to make himself look intimidating and powerful. I’m not shocked that you chose to kneel and then run because of the situation that jerk put you in. As for me, I kneel only to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No other. Glad you’re safe.

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    1. Thank you Rollie – yeah, I cannot know what was in that man’s heart, but I was certainly shaken by the interaction — if for no other reason than to have had a camera shoved in my face. thanks for your kindness. Hugs and love xox

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  4. You had me at “mom and dad, please don’t freak out.” You can never go wrong opening a blog post like that! 😀

    That guy sounds like a lowlife cretin. I would’ve told him where to shove it. I’m not saying you should’ve. You’re rather petite, and I’m rather heavyset, and I’d use that to my advantage in two seconds. It gives me the appearance of muscles. (I don’t actually have any muscles, but people don’t know that.) That guy violated you, and if I were you, knowing that you do his identity, I’d consult with a lawyer about it. (My dad’s a lawyer, so I know that legal consultations are often free.) It sickens me that you’ve experienced this.

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    1. Meg, She has no legal recourse. She consented to his threat. It’s on video. Besides, these terrorists are swarming cities en masse around the nation. No lawyer would take this on. Heck, lawyers are struggling just to keep up with umpteen lawsuits due to wrongful injuries and losses. Cases like hers are small potatoes indeed. Fact. Legally speaking.

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      1. My dad disagrees with you. She has the right to have him threatened by a lawyer to take the video down, for one thing.

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    3. Thanks Meg – told him where to shove it – oh gosh, that made me laugh. i appreciate your compassion – yeah, filming without consent for public broadcast — there’s got to be a legal stipulation there. glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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      2. thank you Meg 🙂 Yeah – needed to take a breath after posting this – i didn’t know how this would be taken, and i needed a breather to just decompress. sending you so much love! thanks for checking in!! 🙂

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      3. “yeah, filming without consent for public broadcast — there’s got to be a legal stipulation there” … Patently untrue. when you are in public, it is legal to record someone, video record or audio record, as long as they don’t have what is called, “an expectation of privacy,” or rather a reasonable expectation of privacy. And generally in public, you do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy and so you can record people.

        Think about what you said. “Filming w/out consent for public broadcast” … would mean EVERYONE filming w/ cell phones parades, hikes, in cafes, at tourist attractions, the list is endless — be it 2 or 200 people in the vid, then posting it on Facebook, Twitter, youtube — is violating the law? Because “consent wasn’t received from all those people? Insane.
        And what of reporters? I was one. Did I get consent from EVERY person who appeared in a story that was aired? Inc. those peripheral. No. It’s NOT a legal requirement. It’d render the job of reporting IMPOSSIBLE.

        And, by your thought, filming terrible situations, as in Minneapolis, is illegal. So everyone who posted that vid should be taken to court?!

        (This is why you have no legal recourse in your own far less destructive situation btw. That dude might’ve been unpleasant but he broke no laws.)

        Once again, for the final time; particularly in your generation of Live and Die by the Cell Phone and Vids, it is required knowledge:

        There are very few laws which prohibit video recording of any kind, but that being said there are some laws prohibiting video recordings in areas of expected privacy without consent.

        These may include areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing/dressing rooms, adult bedrooms, and other areas where a person should expect a high level of personal privacy.

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  5. It sounds like one of they many opportunists who are out there these days — some want fame, some want sneakers — who are bastardizing this amazing moment in history. They’re always going to be out there. Carry pepper spray and don’t think twice about using it.

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    1. Hi Joshua – you brought a great point – that’s why the looting is so sad — becuase it’s taking advantage of the horrific murder of George Floyd for personal gain to steal. it makes me so sad. thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  6. You articulated yourself perfectly

    Your words are some of the kindest, I’ve read from a white believer, regarding the state of our natio: Adn I say, “Thank You”.

    As an African American man, I’d like to apologize to you for how that idiot ran up on you. What this Smooth Sanchez guy is doing is completely wrong, and clearly he has no self respect.

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    1. Hi Marques. Thank you so much for your kindness, and I really do appreciate that. I just wish the country could focus on bringing about change through nonviolent ways, and through communication and cooperation. Because at least in my limited perspective, that’s how we can actually reach a solution! sending you so much love! xoxo

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      1. I was going to offer the similar advice. There is a difference between the words black lives matter (of course they do & racism is a real problem) & the organization Black Lives Matter (not something I can fully support for lots of reasons).

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      2. Thank you so much Gina – yes, I have definitely learned that through the response to this post – which i am very grateful for. I’m right there with you – the monicker really diverts from the militant undertone by being something that everyone should fully support. Thank you for stopping by and please stay safe!

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    1. Thank you so much Renee. Yes – there are “bigger fish to fry” than to focus on the behavior of one individual acting out. sending you so much love xox

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  10. Oh sweet friend! I’m glad you’re safe. This world has some sick people.
    All I can think of when I hear George Floyd’s name spoken is him calling for his Momma and my mind and heart and eyes flashed to my son and I just cried and cried. We are all precious people with souls and hearts. Why people choose a lifestyle of hate is beyond my comprehension.
    As for your attacker…(yep, I said it)…I stopped and prayed for him too just now. What brings a human to act like that toward another human?
    I want to stand in his face for you and say that making someone kneel isn’t going to bring about love or change; it’s going to bring about fear and distrust.
    I’ll keep praying for and loving everyone I meet. Change starts when one person chooses love and passes it on. Especially when disdain or disinterest or pride would be easier or make an ego feel better. Love humbles us all. It is the connective tissue between human hearts.
    I sure love your sweet heart.
    And to your parents – gosh y’all raised a lovely young lady.

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    1. Oh Melissa, thank you so much for your kindness. I am right there with you. It absolutely breaks my heart to think of how Mr. Floyd was completely dehumanized – it’s barbaric. And thank you for prayers for that man. I’m joining you in those prayers! thank you for such a beautiful note of encouragement. i am so touched. big hugs xo

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  11. Thank you so much for getting raw, vulnerable and brave so much as to share your heart and experience as this movement progresses and the lines between righteous anger and plain evil begin to blur! What happened to you is WRONG and I am sorry, and I appreciate your love and care for our pain as Black people. ❤️

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    1. Thank you Mauriel, I really appreciate that. I don’t want this isolated incident to take away from the good the movement is doing, and its fight for justice. Sending you so much love! xoxo

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  12. I am so sorry, Caralyn, that you had to experience that frightening encounter. But, you did just what you needed to do to defuse his anger … and your blog explains beautifully just where you are coming from. I agree with you wholeheartedly, “You change hearts through communication. Through awareness. Through love – working together, as one family.” I am in God’s family – our One Family – with you and everyone else in the world. If only everyone believed that!

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    1. Thank you Jan, I appreciate that. and yes!! we are all part of His family, and I pray that we all realize that, and start to act accordingly, with love for our fellow brothers and sisters! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Dear Beauty, I’m trying to see the humor in this situation, but this just leaves me speechless. And sad, that so many factions are using this solemn occasion to subvert and denigrate George’s memory. Glad you’re safe. All the best.

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    1. thank you Dennis – yeah, I’ve looked long and hard for the humor to, but to no avail. thanks for your kindness. Hugs and love xox

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  14. Thank you for shining the Light of Christ on this disturbing, violent “solution” to a centuries old problem. Most of us loathe terrorists who blow up innocent citizens around the world to make someone pay for their so-called injustices. I have a question: how many hundred thousand policemen and women are there in our country. Now, how many police have been arrested or accused of personal violence against anyone, regardless of color? Another question: In the face of this terrible, unsolved pandemic where many Americans wear masks, stand six feet apart, etc, how is it just fine for countless thousands of protestors to gang up and rant and rave across the land? If lives matter (and they all do) why is this tolerated?

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    1. Thank you David for your kindness. You raise some very powerful questions. Wow – really makes you think. thanks for the food for thought. Hugs and love xox

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  15. For you to be intimidated like that was abusive, no doubt about it. As a dad who is protective of his four daughters, I would want to go after him.

    I’ll take a knee for Jesus . . . nobody else.

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    1. Thank you Jack, I appreciate your kindness and protective spirit!! amen – for Jesus! And I hear you – my dad was so angry — and so was a particular gentleman in my life. They both wished they could have been there. I appreciate you stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  16. Thanks you for sharing your experience and your well said thoughts about it. I especially love the quote from the friars about solidarity being a Christian value. Hope the cameraman eventually learns (without hurting anyone) than you build more allies with listening than you do waving camera’s in someone’s face freaking out on them.

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  17. Gee Carolyn you seem to be taking it in your stride but this is horrendous.Too many people are exploiting the current situation for their own ends. I too have always supported Colin Kapaernik’s protest and feel that this would probably break his heart. Have you thought of somehow reaching out to him. I feel sure he would speak against this sort of behaviour. You have a great platform. I am glad you have used it to speak out now.

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    1. thank you friend, what an interesting and potentially powerful idea to reach out. I will definitely look into that! thank you for your supportive and encouraging words – it really means a lot. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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      2. yeah i just learned this within the hour as well — NOT COOL. NOT A JOKE. It is bewildering that someone would think that funny. BEWILDERING

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    1. thank you so much Paula, I appreciate that 🙂 hope you’re having a nice week, my friend. Hugs and love xox

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  20. I am glad you are okay. I hate people who get in your face like that. It is not the way to win friends and influence people. I am not “white” nor “black” I am a Eurasian and I have experienced discrimination. Still that kind of aggression is very distasteful to me. Sending you prayers of Love and Peace.

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    1. thank you so much friend. I’m sorry that you have experienced discrimination. It saddens my heart whenever anyone is not treated with the dignity, respect, and love that every single on of us possess. Thank you for the prayers. Hugs and love xox

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  21. I am mortified and truly sorry that this has happened to you. Wow…we’re in the midst of evil, now more than ever. You’re right, there are legit protesters and other undermining factions at work – despicable lot. (I’m off to go look for that guy and give him a piece of my mind. That’s how I’m wired, lol.) Stay safe!!!

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    1. thank you so much, friend. Yes – there are two very very distinct and separate groups! thank you – yeah, my dad and a couple of my friends felt the same! stay well!! Hugs and love xox

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  22. The most important thing I could say would be to say that you should read the BLM “What we believe.” They want to destroy the family. You want a husband and children. It is a group that is funded by George Soros. His goal is to bring down the United States by causing internal division. You should also read Archbishop Vigano’s letter to President Trump: https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/archbishop-viganos-powerful-letter-to-president-trump-eternal-struggle-between-good-and-evil-playing-out-right-now. You may be comfortable with that. I am not. Not sure if you should post my comment, because the haters will immediately attack me for my suggestion. I am sorry you were forced to kneel. I have already decided that if I am forced to kneel, I will say I only kneel before Christ. I hope I have the courage to do it, because I will probably lose my life. We may disagree on this issue, but I’ll keep reading what you write, because you are for the most part wise and you can change hearts. I wouldn’t give BLM a dime. If you want to help blacks, go and help rebuild a business. Blacks will never get ahead until they look in the mirror. Read Shelby Steele and Robert Woodson. (I support Woodson.) A big hug to you. Keep up the good work. Read Thomas Sowell.

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    1. Hi friend, wow thank you for this eye opening comment. I will definitely be reading that article. sounds scary and destructive. I think that’s another tricky undercurrent with this whole situation is that a lot of people are latching onto the “love your fellow man, stand up against injustice” rhetoric of the BLM movement, and are overseeing the truly radical positions they take. I will be mulling this over and reading your suggestions. thank you friend. Hugs and love xox

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      1. “is that a lot of people are latching onto the “love your fellow man, stand up against injustice” rhetoric of the BLM movement, and are overseeing the truly radical positions they take.” This makes no sense. You knew nothing of their radical positions until commenters (inc. moi) raised red flags & brought that to your attention. Still don’t. You support them. Sorry, I’ve read you a long time but can’t get (or stay) on board with a BLM supporter. All the best to you & family. Be well stay well.

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  23. I’ll start with two words. PEPPER. SPRAY. He assaulted you. Didn’t touch you? Doesn’t matter. That sort of aggressive approach constitutes assault. When I learned a little self-defense, my friend told me that whoever believes in a fair fight deserves to get his ass kicked. Practice using it in your mind like preparing for a role. Next time it happens, no hesitation, OK? Hose him down! Then walk calmly away. No cops. Next time you might not be so lucky.

    Next: so many groups use language very loosely. Black Lives Matter has varying degrees of militance. To say you agree with that fluid label puts you in a position of being compromised and having to defend yourself.

    Preach nothing but Christ crucified. His mercy and love for all regardless of skin or uniform colors.

    And being Christian doesn’t mean being a patsy. Even Jesus checked to see if someone had a sword when they went out to Gethsemane. Yes, be willing to bear each other’s burdens but only insofar as they don’t contradict your faith.

    I know you know these things but espousing any movement may have you end up looking like something you’re not. Only Christ needs no excuses.

    Sorry to go all soapbox on you, but I continue to worry about you…especially after this. Remember how I told you I sat us at that restaurant, so I had a clear view of the place? Unfortunately, that’s the kind of thinking and awareness you need to practice these days. Offered in love and concern.

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    1. Hi Jeff — thank you for this. I think you are spot on. nothing but Christ crucified. very wise. very very wise. i think the tricky thing about this whole situation is that people – myself guilt – have seen the whole BLM movement, and only latched onto the “love your fellow man” and stand up against injustice rhetoric. Some people have even used the “leave the 99 sheep to go rescue the one” rhetoric. But we’re missing the underlying radical militantism of the movement. that’s exactly what my dad said too. It’s hard to know what to say or do — especially since, by not being in total and complete support of the movement, you’re seen as someone harboring racist thoughts. ((((I’M NOT SAYING YOU ARE!!!))) Just saying that that is what, especially so many millennials are not just saying, but shouting from the rooftops. So it’s been a really challenging thing to navigate. You’ve offered some really powerful advice, that I am truly grateful for: especially: preaching only Christ. When you share His message, the rest speaks for itself. Grateful for you, Jeff. Thank you! Hugs and love to you and your girls! xox

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      1. Thank you for the feedback on the pressure millennials feel themselves under. It helps to make sense of what’s going on. I know you’re not saying I’m racist (although my daughter in Columbus thinks I am). Allow me to offer a solution to your problem. Number one – scripture interprets scripture. When someone trots out a biblical passage like the one you mentioned, you need to either already know it or re-read it to understand whether or not it is being misapplied. Get a trusted commentary, and always read those critically. Study the entire bible to start to see connections and definition. For example, I wrote something a while back about being judgmental after reading through a variety of biblical references. It gave clarity. I used a bible app to search the topic…which is something I do frequently. You need to establish your own Christian position on issues and thus be prepared when challenged when, for example, someone calls you a racist. I know you’re not a book person, but I suggest you get a book on debate. Learn the fallacies of logic and how to challenge the framing of an issue. Learn to listen to someone critically instead of accepting their premise. Challenge word definitions; people often use language to confuse issues. Like calling abortion health care. I’d be happy to discuss any issue with you. I often do that with people to challenge my thinking, to find out what I might be missing. If not me, debate your dad. Just get someone outside your peers who are succumbing to the pressure you describe. And keep that pepper spray handy!!!! If someone gets aggressive with you, spray him into the ground and keep going until empty. That’s how you give yourself time to clear the area without the aggressor seeing where you’re going. You know I experienced a lot of violence growing up. Believe me that I know what I’m talking about. STAY SAFE MY DEAR FRIEND!!!

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      2. ordering pepper spray off of amazon right this very moment. And thank you Jeff – I really do take your wisdom to heart. You are absolutely spot on: BE PREPARED. that’s the army’s motto, isn’t it? And technically, that’s what we are: God’s army? we need to be fully prepared with how to respond when put on the spot about important issues. Such wisdom. thank you Jeff. You are one of a kind 🙂

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  25. I’m glad you expanded on this incident. I wished you would have done a police report. Harassment and assault victims were always, tough. I would think of my daughters. I believe, we have left behind the stage of normal decency and policing to a stage of police light. Which is almost just a militia. You know. Arizona. Nothing happens. You could probably rent your apartment for a small fortune and live here and stand in front of cars as a model or something. Recite the weather. “Its sunny. Again.” I kid. I kid.

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    1. lol “It’s sunny. Again.” that made me laugh. Thanks friend – yeah, we need human decency at the very VERY least. stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox

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      1. There was, a near Broadway show. Off-off-off Broadway one person thing a lady presented about Colonialism. It ended with her choosing three or four White male hipsters to kneel on the stage. She attached a device to her hips and a large burrito. She ordered the men to eat her burrito in reparations for Colonialism while she moaned. It was, performance Art. There’s a line definitely in exploring feelings and perceptions of different cultures.

        There have been court cases about camera uses. It is a bit like the second amendment, in that there are already so many smartphones it’s beyond the capacity of regulations. Although, you can pursue something in “likeness” with the web address of the video as defamation. He may call it Art. Art does push buttons but, within a frame and an audience. Any Art audience does understand they are an extension of the Art form itself. Like, the off-off-off Broadway show.

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      3. I kind of have enjoyed the physical expressions of dissent more than the fire and brimstone speeches. I saw Aztec dancers in DC. Reggae drummers. They are becoming the example of real life unity. Now they just need to pressure their constituents in their houses of government for legal change.

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      5. Sorry. I feel like I “mansplained” Art to a theater person. That wasn’t what I meant to do more to everyone else. Expanding on what you offered. Uhh. Yeah. This one was good.

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      7. I’ve enjoyed the musicals and ballets I’ve saw. As far as Art and film I’ve just been attracted to asymmetrical, “how Human can this be?” “How un-pretty?” My family’s the total opposite, math-y constructs, perfect forms. Off subject but, yeah. Art is cool.

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      11. We do focus our attention on law enforcement. That is one branch. Trump, appointed 200 judges. That, is like a vacuum fighting a hurricane for any equality in the Justice system. I can’t see that being a positive step towards equal rights, can you?

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      13. I don’t blame Trump. I mean, it was Nixon and before that Hoover who insisted that minorities needed a firm hand. It was Clinton who pushed for a quarter million more police. It was Roosevelt who said, “The only good Indian..is a dead Indian.” If anything, Trump is reminding us what made us great. The judges will only force us to face this in the next generation.

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      15. It is. I think, the trending word of systemic racism is too generic. I’m not the smartest man. These incremental steps for separate American experiences started since the birth of America. It’s always been too vast and too broad for legislation. Don’t be mad. Enjoy, your American experience but just realize that it’s not mine nor may ever include me. That’s all.

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      16. it is definitely the “trendy word” of the moment, and I pray that people truly understand its meaning, implication and magnitude

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      17. Quality of life is never an equal thing. I’m sure your grocery delivery guy would rather be playing than thumping fruit. Is it racism that he delivers groceries until he dies? Meh. 🤷🏽‍♂️ I mean, I can argue he never had many choices to market himself for better compensation. The market itself, does create biases. If Walmart can get cantaloupes from Guatemala Amazon will get Mexico to sell them for cheaper. So nobody, really gets a fair compensation in food, service, or labor.

        I think we hope our kids somehow, do better. Although, nothing changes generation to generation. Besides the feigned anger at a system that we can definitely dismantle if we wanted the temporary suffering. Five dollar beans and rice. Ten dollar gas.

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    1. oh wow! i didn’t know that. what garbage, if you ask me. NOT funny. Not edgy. What an awful thing. thanks for digging into this. Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you Lisa – yeah, especially given the current climate in NYC on that day — right after the night of looting and violence. it was unnerving to say the least. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  29. I’m so sorry you had to face that. It’s right for you to make a decision just so it can be proven whether or not you’re racist. I’ve been following you for a while now and you’re good at being transparent about your faults. Keep bringing your heart before the throne and he’ll continue to grow those who come to him. I’m praying for you and hope that you’re able to process what happens. Much love to you

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    1. Thank you friend, I really appreciate your support and encouraging words. Amen to that – bringing everything to Him to redeem is the only way to get through this life. thank you for your prayers. know i’m praying for you too! Hugs and love xox

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  30. Heaven’s mercy, that is a terrible experience. You are a smart person, but most people would be hurt by just the suggestion to do that kind of thing, especially if she were white, and Godfearing. Nightmarish.

    I was watching the worst of what went on in NYC, thanks to TV, and to guerilla broadcasts. It was maddening. I could think of you watching the streets and being in danger, I could, and I could see a little of the damage, and I could see the NYC businesses.

    I could see Times Square in the daytime, looking as busy as the downtown of the town where I live, thanks to the madness. I am just so sorry that the incident happened to you. God bless you.

    One last thought: I know you have to write because it’s so you, but you should dismiss comments about white privilege, as long as you demonstrate appropriate support. Forget all about that.

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    1. Thank you Odell – i really appreciate this powerful perspective, and support. A nightmare to say the least. Yeah – to think of what this nation, and NYC in particular has been through in the last several months – it is truly mind boggling. Lots of prayers. stay well friend Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Eric, I am too!! And thank you for your prayers! Know that you and your family are in mine as well 🙂 sending so much love and hugs xox

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  32. You did what was right with Sanchez. Let him have his five minutes of fame; he will soon fade off in the mists of time. You, on the other hand, will continue to do your thing, standing strong for the betterment of us all. Hugs and love from Kentucky– Mike

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    1. Thank you Mike. Yeah, it especially makes me sad to think that he is taking advantage of this season of pain and outcry of injustice for George Floyd’s death for his own personal gain — it frankly makes me sick. thanks for your encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  33. As sorry as I am that you had that experience you were able to look within and discover our duty as children of God. This post is so touching and contains some harsh truths. It’s important that we talk about these matters and push for change to occur. For ALL of us, not just a certain group of us and definitely not based upon our skin tone. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad you are safe. Sending you so much love my friend❤

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    1. thank you so much, friend. I agree – there is dignity and value that each and every single one of us possess no matter WHAT, and that is what needs to be remembered and on our lips today and every day. grateful for you! Hugs and love xox

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  34. Cara you may want to listen to a couple of Candace Owen’s videos why she doesn’t support this BLM narrative.

    Racism is an equal opportunity employer, anyone can be racist, ethnocentric, xenophobic or whatever, its a vice of human nature. In NYC you have 4 blocks of Russians, 10 blocks of blacks, 3 blocks of Jews, 4 blocks of orientals, people CHOOSE to be around people like themselves.

    Riots in 2016, now in 2020, both election cycles, its unseen leaders know how to play the race card, and the mindless masses follow.

    You got PLAYED just like thousands of others….. Listen to Candace Owens and others in the black community who say BLM is bull***p. You have that freedom and liberty to search for varying opinions. Even Scripture says to standfast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set you free, keep your mind and spirit, don’t let idiots like SandCheeseforbrains play you. Next time smile say Jesus loves you and walk away with your integrity.

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    2. Hi friend, thank you so much for passing along this information on such an importnat perspective. I will definitely look up Owens. I love that answer: “jesus loves you” and walk away. DANGGGGGGGG what a mic-drop response!! i wish i would have had that response ahead of time, because I would have absolutely done it!!!! big hugs xox

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  35. Thank you for sharing this. I can’t imagine the feeling of that time in the park for you. You’re a brave soul and so kind in the spirit to bring it around to grace. God has filled you with kindness and light. You inspire me.

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    1. thank you Reid. I appreciate your supportive words of encouragement. Gosh, I am touched. God definitely was watching over me that afternoon, and for that I am so grateful. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you Alice, I appreciate your encouraging words. I hope so too, I really really do. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  39. I am so angry for your behalf. What an a-hole. I’m glad that you are ok and I hope takes a knee to that guy’s groin. People like that are just out for attention and I hope he gets knees with a little sweet karma. Take good care!

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    1. Thank you Ab — I really appreciate your care and concern! That was the exact response my dad had, as well as a particular gentleman in my life. They were so ticked. SO ticked. Glad you stopped by!! thanks for the smile and laugh! Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you friend, for your prayers and kindness. Yes – i absolutely have. I am still weary to fly post-corona, and the solo drive seems daunting at 10+ hours when I haven’t driven a car significantly in many years. But yes – it has definitely been something I’ve been thinking about. Praying for you too! Hugs and love xox

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  41. Big hugs and love!! While this guy wasn’t smashing windows and taking goods, to me, he was still looting. He was emotionally looting your space and your safety, as well as those of the others. It’s one thing to be in a discussion or what about the issues one stands for or against but this guy was just out to abuse. He wasn’t with Black Lives Matter. He was with “he himself is all that matters”. I’m glad in my heart you weren’t hurt. More hugs and God Bless!!

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    1. Thank you Migueltio! oh gosh, you are such a great friend – I’ve never thought of it like that, but you’re absolutely right!! He was emotionally looting — wow what a powerful perspective. Sending you so much love and hugs! stay safe! Hugs and love xox

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  43. So sorry to hear about that. I can’t imagine. I admire that you choose not to be bitter with the whole movement despite the negative experience. We can all learn from that.

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    1. thank you friend, I appreciate your kind words – there will always be outliers, no matter the group. And we can’t let that filter how we feel about the whole. Stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  45. Hello Carolyn, I hope this message finds you well and I am not sure if anyone has already mentioned this. I just wanted to say that with regards to the gentleman that approached you in the street you might want to consider making the police aware of him and his blog site. The reason being is what he is doing might be known as Coercion, which is the practice of forcing another party to act in an involuntary manner by use of threats or force. … In law, coercion is codified as a duress crime. It is not only about what he could have done to you but what might happen to a future female if what he does goes wrong. Best wishes and Cwtches to you.

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    1. thank you so much for this powerful advice. I have not thought about that, but you’re absolutely right – what he did could be against the law. very sad indeed. I will definitely take that advice to heart and look into options. Hugs and love xox

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  46. Hi Caralyn, So glad you are OK. what a frightening experience for you. We have had marches here, about 20,000 I think in Melbourne this past Saturday, but no looting it was quite peaceful. Only time will tell if there is a Covid19 surge because of it. I am so thankful to know that God is taking care of you.

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    1. Hi Veronica, thank you so much for your kindness. Oh wow – that’s a lot of people! i’m glad it was peaceful. I know — that’s the thing that people are forgetting — the threat of COVID19 of still very very VERY real! yikes. I pray there’s no surge too. stay well! Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you so much Michael, i really appreciate your support and encouraging words, really means a lot. God bless you too my friend! Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you so much Brad. Yes – i was definitely being watched over that evening, and for that I am so grateful. Stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox

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  49. I seen a picture on Facebook of a woman on her knees. There is something primal in me that wanted to scream at her NNNNOOOO! Now I realize that there is so much fear that she did not make the choice but was bullied into it. Its okay to support peaceful protesting and human rights but not bowl down and apologize for being who you are. No one can help they were born a certain color in a certain place…. Sorry this happened to you and I hope you are okay!

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    1. Thank you friend – yes – that image is so a) triggering b) derogative, esp a man forcing a woman into that position and c) just downright wrong! amen to that. thank you for your supportive and encouraging words. means a lot. Hugs and love xox

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  50. To see the power structure in major cities allow the criminality but in the same time decry protests by people who wanted to worship or questioned the quarantine is staggering to me. Mob rule seems to rule the day. And I feel like I can be attacked for saying/thinking that as if ANYONE … I mean anyone supports what happened to George Floyd, that is what makes this whole thing strange, no one disagrees, no one needs convincing, we had a national snuff film (I really worry about what impact that will have on children honestly). The guy who ran up to you was not interested in asking you your thoughts, just tacit support in a way that he deemed appropriate, through the use of fear. In a way that is racism as well… the assumption that because you are white you are guilty member of the system, regardless of your ACTUAL life story or path. I wonder how long you have been in NYC… I remember the Dinkins years and the city was not a safe place at night, wash square park was a drug den, times square might as well have been sodom with neon, we were able to buy beer as 16 year old kids @ every bodega after hopping on the path from Newport/Pavonia, I literally say NYC transformed in my lifetime and now it seems to be slipping back. Sorry for the long post, I am a writer by nature! Be safe, keep your faith, all we can do is lead by example… we fall, and fail but we are still here for now, so … keep up the effort until the end.

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    1. Thanks David for this thoughtful response. It’s staggering to me too – literally 10s of thousands can go to protests, but we cannot gather for religious services or hold a funeral for a loved one? truly makes me angry. wow, what a powerful perspective about NYC. yeah, i fear that’s happinging too. thanks for this food for thought. Hugs and love xox

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