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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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

333 thoughts on “Take a Knee”

    1. Thank you so much Suzette. I agree – not at all how He would have it done. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  2. I felt your fear and intimidation. In all, you didn’t let it define nor cause you to change your sweet and loving heart. Unfortunately, for blacks trying to make a difference and bring us all together, actions like those of Sanchez can set the cause backward rather than move it forward. It’s like the black guy who got in the face of a guy looting and vandalizing, telling him, “You are not our ally”. Had you been a different person, you might have walked away and turned this event as a justifiable reason for why things are as they are. Instead, it is a reminder to, not only as Christians but as human beings we need it to be our goal to get past the hate and defenses and unite us as one people. We need to put our pride aside to move forward.

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    1. Hi Jolie, thank you so much for this heartfelt response. You’re so right, this man’s actions sets the forward motion backwards. amen – unite us as one people. i love that so so so much!! amen! stay well my dear friend. Hugs and love xox

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  3. I’m sorry to hear this. I wish someone was there to stop that bully and put him in his place. Though I agree with the statement “black lives matter”(because they do obviously), the organization with the same name is very unbiblical. They are for abortions, destruction of the biblical family(male and female). They are also for the homosexual lifestyle(don’t hate them, just disagree with their lifestyle and so does the Bible), also they’re for defunding of the police.
    That’s why I don’t use the phrase because then people think I support that organization.
    I do hope you are doing well now and your parents have a little peace and not freaking out about their daughter possibly being in danger. Stay safe up there.

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    1. thank you so much Pastor Clark! yeah, that’s what a couple friend and my father said — that they wish they had been there. Yes- i feel the same — i wasn’t aware of a lot of the militant undertones involved in the organization, which i certainly do not support. So i’m with you on that!! thanks for stopping by and for this powerful perspective 🙂 big hugs to you xo

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    1. thank you for your encouragement and prayers. Definitely joining you in that prayer for peace!!! Hugs and love xox

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  5. Dear Carolyn,

    I also support the African American brothers and sisters, but this is only possible without violence, luting, rioting – Ghandi has shown the passive way of how to fight unjustice. It is very much understandable that our black brothers and sister are very angry about what has happened, but any kind of violence, loting, rioting will not solve this problem, it will make it worse…

    What the US and of course all the other nations really need is that they don’t put barriers between skin colors, between different religions and cultures, that they don’t build walls in people’s heads and think that they are right, that they are better, smarter, first class people. All this must be taught in schools from the very beginning, because that is where our future lies and starts. These children must be educated above all with ethics and morals, starting also in their parents’ homes. If the parental home passes on prejudices to the children, the seeds of violence will always be sown. People in general must learn that we are all in the same boat, that there are no first, second, third class people. We must learn to deal with each other more consciously and lovingly. When violence, crime and hate are instilled in children through films and the media, when young people and adults are given violent games to get a “kick”, then this is also a sad story for which the whole of society is to blame. From violence only violence will come, but from love comes love and it can be multiplied in the hearts of the people.

    We should all broaden our horizons of the heart and the head and not just think in small terms, but that we are all one in Him, because we are one human being, not two or three, we all live on a one planet that we should all share justly and in a loving way.

    Enlightenment instead of hate speech, community instead of division, generosity instead of narrow-mindedness is needed, is really needed to bring about a change in society, a postitive change in which our children have a secure future and do not have to suffer from fears of all kinds.

    The evil at the root is in each and every one of us, it is up to us how we deal with it. When we have recognized deep in our hearts that we can never solve problems by violence, but by good qualities: such as patience, kindness, genuine teamwork, respect for others, honesty, dignified behaviour towards each other, humanity and mutual help, then a loving cooperation in harmony is possible. For this we also need “new ideals”, common religious ideals, which all speak of love, which must be put into practice through our lives, we ourselves must become a living example, so that others can follow, take an example by example…

    Not an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth leads to peace, because that is nothing else but: violence sows new violence… It is the non-violence that already arises in the head and accordingly shows its effect. From good thoughts come good words and deeds, and we should not forget: we are a unity, one humanity, which is in the same boat…

    It must have been hard for you to have experienced such life-threatening situation, dear Carolyn, but it opens also in you some doors to see the whole situation from different point of views.

    May God always protect you, my friend!
    Didi

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    1. Hi Didi — thank you so much for this heartfelt and powerful response. you touch on such an important truth: we are all One in Him. And we need to remember that. That is the root of where any peace, reconsiliation and resolution will come from! you’re right – a new horizon indeed. stay well my friend! Hugs and love xox

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  6. I’m so sorry you had to go through this frightening experience. Shame on those weak people who take advantage of situations and innocents people for their personal advantage. I’m glad you are well. You are divinely protected. Blessings to you💕

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    1. thank you so much friend – I know, it makes me sad that some are taking advantage of George Floyd’s death. amen – i was surely watched over that evening. Hugs and love xox

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  7. I’m so glad you’re okay, Caralyn, but you must have been terrified at the time. Having been caught unaware like that, your instinct led you to do just the right thing.
    I appreciate your good Christian outlook on the matter and the gentleness in which you expressed it. Lots of love to you. x

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    1. thank you Lesley! I really appreciate your support and encouragement. lots of prayers for peace for this country and its hurting people. sending lots of love and hugs xox

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  8. Thanks for sharing your story. bullying and harassment will never make a positive change! “That’s not how you change hearts. You change hearts through communication. Through awareness. Through love – working together, as one family.” Totally agree with you!
    Take care and stay safe dear!

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    1. thank you Chloe! that means a lot. i so agree – those are no way to reach people and create change! Amen! its through love! stay welll! Hugs and love xox

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  10. Another mysognist making out he’s a real cool good guy. Incensed is too small a word for what I feel about that liar sanchez. Here in Ireland racism is growing steadily but the mysogny has always been with us. I know exactly what I would do to him & his ilk in such a matter.

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    1. thanks Frank, for your concern and for sharing your thoughts. both have no place in this world!!! Hugs and love xox

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  11. Thank you for sharing your personal story. I am a Christian, and also UK born of Indian heritage and have suffered from racism my whole life, and have felt the pain so deeply over the years and am recovering from complex PTSD, anxiety and depression because of it. It is a real problem and often a hidden one, and while I so think ‘white privilege’ is a reality, I also think the way you were treated was shocking and totally unacceptable. I am sorry you had to go through that by this bullying individual, and I hope you are ok. While this is the kind of treatment many of us have faced at various points in our lives as non-white, it is not excusable to treat anyone else that way, as like you say we are all made in God’s Image. So I want to say two things: 1. Thank you so much for being an ally and standing with us, and 2. I am sorry for your difficult experiences in these times, especially this incident and pray for your peace and your protection and that of your family. Love and Peace in Christ. x

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    1. thank you friend for sharing your story. Gosh, I am so sorry that this is something you’ve experienced, and it just breaks my heart to think of what you’ve gone through. You’re right- there is no excuse. I appreciate your prayers – know that I am praying for you and yours as well. Hugs and love xox

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      1. Thank you so much, sorry this is a late reply – been busy surviving the pandemic, lol! love and hugs and prayers to you and yours too – I hope things are improving where you live. x

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  12. I do not have a problem with engagement, even confrontation and controversy, sometimes. But, these must come with a respectful attitude and consent (to the interaction as certainly to any on-line presentation). Shame does not bring understanding nor progress. Take to the streets. Take a knee. Take a stand. “Without love it ain’t nothing” (Larry Norman, paraphrasing St. Paul). – Oscar

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    1. you’re so right about that, Oscar – respect and consent!! without love it aint nothing — i like that! thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Oh m goodness Caralyn! How scary for you! I’ve been thinking how strange it must be for you to go from unprecedented empty streets now to violence in the streets. Stay safe!

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    1. thank you so much Susan! yeah NYC has seen some incredibly surreal times here in the past several months. Just wow. Thanks for your encouragement! Hugs and love xox

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  14. So thankful you’re safe!! I can’t even imagine the rushing adrenaline in the moment and knowing how to respond…prayers over our nation❤️🙏…heartbreaking!

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    1. thank you so much Ali! oh my gosh, yeah there was so much adrenaline. At least now I know I have a deodorant that works! hhahaha jk jk — but in all seriousness – yes — so so many prayers for our hurting nation. Sending you so much love and hugs xox

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      1. Deodorant that works!!😂😂😂

        Had to read this post to my family (as I have some others of yours over the past few years) …always love how real you get in your post..and my little 14 year old daughter simply admires you❤️…ummm especially the video of the “cream cheese foul” on the kitchen floor 😉

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      2. Oh gosh this seriously made my day, thank you Ali – I am humbled that you’d read this to your fam! Awww your daughter is so sweet!!! And hahahh the cream cheese foul!! Hahah that was epic. Still cry a little on the inside thinking about dropping that! 😩😂 sending so much love!!!!

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  15. It’s scary to think something like this could happen to you when you just stepped out to get some fresh air. You did the right thing by complying with this bully and getting out of there. God is the ultimate judge, anyway, and I happen to believe He has more than one angel protecting you. Having said that, I agree with the commenter who suggested you leave NYC for awhile until things calm down. You can do what you do from almost anywhere, right? Take Caralyn on the road! May the peace of God be in your heart.

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    1. thank you David for your concern and kindness – you’re right – I was definitely being watched over that evening, and for that I am so grateful. That’s very wise advice that I’m defintiely prayerfully considering. haha take caralyn on the road! that made me smile 🙂 thank you my dear friend, may His peace be with you as well! Hugs and love xox

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      2. hahha you’re welcome! the way i see it, if someone is going to take the time out of their day to read and respond to my article, the least I can do to show my thanks is to reply!! 🙂 plus! i learn so much from the wisdom and perspectives people share! it is truly a blessing!

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    1. oh my gosh, you’re so so right!! it’s spelled out plain as day!! LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU!!!! there is it!!!! stay well, and thanks for this!!! Hugs and love xox

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  17. As a mom, my first thought is, “PLEASE don’t leave your apartment anymore!” Second, I am thankful you are ok.

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    1. thank you Stephanie, that’s exactly what my mother said! she wants me home ASAP! Thank you for your concern and kindness – truly means a lot. stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  18. Hang in there, Caralyn! Wondering what my daughter roughly your age and living alone in DC hasn’t shared. This is why I wrote in my blog post yesterday that All Lives Matter. God isn’t color. Doesn’t look on the outside as we do. He looks inside. And as God is love, He looks inside at the heart. Ted

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    1. thank you so much Ted – oh my gosh i love that, yes – God looks inside at the heart. that is the bottom line. the aboslute truth. we should follow His example. praying for your daughter! Hugs and love xox

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  20. Oh, Caralyn, How frightening. I’m twice your age with years of experience standing up for myself, but I would have been scared to death. May we all find a way to find comfort and healing and love in this situation. If only we all treated people according to Jesus’s command, the world would be a much better place.

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    1. Hi Amy, oh gosh, thank you so much for this heartfelt response and for your concern. Amen to that – we all need to share His love and love one another as He first loved us. that is my deepest prayer for our hurting nation. stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  21. Could hardly breath reading this. Lockdown with its good intentions, has brought a lot of injustice, and your experience is one of them. Feeling safe is a human right, that many of us are robbed of in the current situation. I’m happy you know that the only true refuge is in God. Stay safe!

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    1. aw, thank you for your care and encouragment! you’re right – He is our true refuge! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  23. This is sad. He was not looking to see if you cared about the people. He wanted to bully you. He was determined to permanently destroy you. God created you the way YOU are. Do not apologize for that.

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    1. thank you JB – amen – God has created each of us special and in His image! Hugs and love xox

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      1. You are very graciously welcome your Caralynness. You are special, and you are very wonderfully made, and there is no mistake. Too many hugs and too much love to YOU!!!

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      2. hahha you’re too funny! You never cease to bring a smile to my face, JB! thank you!

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      3. Hahha. You are very graciously welcome your Caralynness. I enjoy bringing a smile to your face, and you look for more gorgeous while you smile.

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  24. I thought your post might lead to that as I read about guy. Unfortunately he is framing it as getting people to virtue signal and conveniently leaving out the bullying and harassment part.

    Screw that guy, just another loser looking for his viral moment.

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    1. thank you James – that’s exactly right – virtue signaling at its finest, but done through bullying tactics. just wrong on so many levels. stay well. Hugs and love xox

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  25. What a scary experience for you! I know your parents must be horrified to read about it, but it seems they raised you well and will take comfort in knowing that you’re sensible, and that God’s got your back ❤
    Good article, well said. Thank you for pondering and sharing your deep, God-laced thoughts with us. May God continue to bless and keep you well ❤

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    1. thank you Mindy! yeah, they were not pleased to learn of this. thank you for your kindness and prayers. know that you’re in mine too! Hugs and love xox

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  26. Lots of comments, as I suspected there would be. First, I am glad you are alright. While we have never met, I am a father, and I have tried to teach my children how to take care of themselves (defend themselves), so I know what it’s like to be concerned for my children and have them tell me, “Dad, I’m fine.” When my oldest had a terror situation, I was at first angry that my teaching were ignored. Later, when I was calm—my daughter was attacked, I remembered that fear is powerful.
    I say all that because, from what I have read on your blog, you have faced fear many times, in different forms. I know God allows mankind’s free will to be one of the methods for which we will be judged. I know you are here for a reason. You have been through things, to help teach others. You have been—and may continue to be—in hard situations, to help teach. If we allow Him to, He will guide us, and use us to help watch over His flock.
    When you ally yourself with Him, you will be saved. He will watch out for us, in this life and the next.
    You are strong, you can endure, He is with you. He provides the way.
    I chose to dress myself properly everyday. Do not forget to do the same. Ephesians 6:11-18 KJV.
    Be safe, be well, God bless.

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    1. oh gosh, William, I’m so sorry to hear that your daughter went through something so horrific. breaks my heart. Amen – God will use everything for His will. Amen to that. thank you for this beautiful encouragment. Hugs and love xox

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  27. What this guy is doing verges on sexual assault… at least harassment. Sorry it came your way. Forcing women to kneel to him? Nobody’s calling that out for what it is?

    Meanwhile, part of something I shared on FB this morning:

    “From the sanctimony herd I’m hearing plenty of braying about ‘You can’t call yourself a Christian unless you (support/ascribe to/agree with) X.’

    Today I read a chunk of Luke 22, and found great peace in what Jesus tells his church. While sharing the ‘Last Supper’ (really the First Communion), he knows that one of his own is about to betray him. Yet he speaks encouragement and comfort, even as his closest followers screw up:

    • They start arguing about which of them is most important. He tells them to follow his example and serve, but then, despite their pettiness, he says ‘I assign you a kingdom. ‘Nothing contingent there, not ‘Straighten up and you can have a reward,’ but ‘I bless you in spite of yourselves.’

    • Although Jesus points out that Peter will deny knowing him when pressure is on, Jesus still encourages Peter with a promise that his (Jesus’) prayers will sustain Peter’s faith and position him to be a source of strength to the other apostles.

    • Jesus asserts that his mission is to identify and be identified with us at our worst – ‘He was numbered among the transgressors.’

    When the sanctimony herd is barking and howling at us about our faults, real or imagined, we can say, ‘Yep. True that’ and move along. We need not justify ourselves or have the last word. ‘He was numbered among the transgressors.’ He identifies with us and gives us his identity in spite of our sins, the ones we actually commit and the ones others make up in their neediness to accuse and tear down.”

    Peace be with you. I hope you don’t lose those precious moments to get out and get air.

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    1. thank you so much for this powerful powerful response. You’re right – He givies us His indentity in spite of our sins. wow – what a powerful perspective to remember. love that. thank you for this!! Hugs and love xox

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  28. I’m so sorry that this happened to you and feel this represents situations happening across our great nation. Words cannot express emotions felt by individuals as we all are hurting in many ways. Thank you for your christian viewpoint and supporting the BLM movement with compassion as Christ instructed.

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    1. thank you so much Mrs. B – I really appreciate your words of kindness. I so agree – there are so many who are hurting and as Christ instructed, we are to carry one another’s burdens, as we are one family, children of God. stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  29. Thanks for sharing…..Thank God, you were alright and God used it to turn something bad into a message for good. That is is our God, isn’t it. God Bless, Alan

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    1. thank you Alan! Yes! God will always find a way to use our situations for His purpose. stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  30. I think part of the blame goes to social media. People have become obsessed with trying to get as many views and likes as they can, and many will stoop t stunts such as Smooth Sanchez. I would have been frightened as well – glad you are OK. I like what the Friars had to say at the end…

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    1. Thank you so much Jim for your thoughts on this! you’re so right about that – it’s the viral culture, that’s obsessed with self promotion. yeah the friars are spot on!! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  31. Thank you for posting about this awful situation. There was no call for what this person did to you; he was completely out of line. I’m sorry that you had to go through this; it was as unjust as the injustice this Sanchez clown claims to be fighting.

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    1. Thank you J, I really appreciate your compassion and kindness. I know – that’s what is so sad is that he’s taking advantage of what we really should be focusing on: fighting injustice, and working towards peace. Hugs and love xox

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  32. Live in His Peace Sis. The Love of God will continue to allow you to see the way in all situations. Stay strong in the Love of God. Strength in Joy. Strength in Joy.

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    1. Thank you so much for this powerful perspective. yes! strength in joy! i love that so so much! Hugs and love xox

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  33. Dear Caralyn
    I’m glad you’re safe; that must have been a scary experience. I’m glad you took the knee – you might have been harmed if you hadn’t and it’s close to where you stand anyway. I agree wholeheartedly that violence and intimidation will be counter-productive. As you say, the only solution is love, expressed by bearing each others’ burdens.
    With love
    Penny
    xx

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    1. Hi Penny, thank you so much for this beautiful encouragment. amen – when I heard that quote about bearing one another’s burdens, it just clicked. That is what jesus wants us to do! we are one family in Christ, made in God’s image!!! 🙂 stay well! Hugs and love xox

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  34. So glad you’re okay! Although you had this frightful experience, you are strong for sharing your story and even stronger for still sharing a message of peace. We are all human and deserving of a peaceful life in unity and not in division as we have seen. Thank you for sharing and continue to be safe!

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    1. thank you so much Papa Hannah! Amen to that — every single one of us deserves that peace and to live in the dignity and value that each of us possess. Hugs and love xox

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  35. I’m sorry to hear about your horrific experience. The whole BLM movement is very dangerous. Please do stay safe, and perhaps carry a pepper spray with you, especially this crazy times. May God keep His Angels charge over you to protect you from the evil ones.

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    1. thank you so much friend – yes, I’m learning that there’s a lot more to it than just seeking justice for all people and striving for equality. Lots of underlynig militant undertones that I don’t support. Good idea. Yes I was certainly protected that night, which i am very grateful for. Hugs and love xox

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  36. Excellent post. I’m sorry you were accosted like that. Unfortunately there will always be people who will hijack a worthwhile movement for their own selfish reasons. After all, there were those who tried to hijack the movement of our Lord, yes, even some that walked with him desired that he become a crusader against Jewish oppression. But that was not his mission. Fortunately you are too sophisticated, and more than that, too Christian to be lured into a Black Lives Matter backlash. Stay safe and strong.

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    1. Thank you so much, friend, i really appreciate your kind words and compassion. you’re right- it’s so sad that he’s taking advantage of george Floyd’s death for his personal gain. makes me sick to be honest. thank you so much. Hugs and love xox

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    1. thank you friend! oh gosh, i appreciate your comment and am grateful for each voice! 🙂 sending lots of love and hugs! xoxo

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  38. So glad you are okay! I pray the violence and hatred stops. Nobody should be shaming or blaming white people, and none of us need to get on our knees because of our race. All lives matter and I don’t support racist leftist hate group BLM. I do support police reform and I support the black community in their peaceful protests, but BLM & Antifa are radical leftist hate groups that need to be held accountable for the violence and destruction they’ve caused. Social justice is just a disguise for leftist anti-American & anti-white hatred. Stay safe & stand strong, God bless!

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    1. Hi Ryan, thank you so much for your kindness. amen – i am joining you in that important prayer. I pray that we can come to resolution, peace and unity in a nonviolent, respectful way! And I’m with you there – I support their peaceful protest! and i’m learning that there’s a lot more to the BLM movement than the “love your fellow man” and “fighting for justice” rhetoric that people are latching onto. I am against violence and destruction as well!!! stay well my friend. Hugs and love xox

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  39. I’m glad that you are “okay.”

    A few verses came to mind whilst reading this; Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.1 Peter 3:9 NIV

    And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Matthew 5:40

    Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.Luke 9:23 NIV.

    I appreciate your candor in this article. It’s when we encounter issues like this in our lives that the prayers we’ve lifted up come back to us. Staying “prayed up” as people say. 🙂 Hang in there, trust in the Lord and He will continue to guide you. Meanwhile, I continue to pray.

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    1. Thank you Jason, I really appreciate that. And thanks for passing along these powerful verses! Yes let’s stay prayed up! Thanks for your prayers. Know that you’re in mine too 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  40. Although we’ve never met I think you know from my comments how genuinely fond I am of you. I’m very sorry this happen to you and am glad you are ok.

    I think the Christian response to all this is love and serve all, but I now to God alone.

    Take care and stand strong!

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    1. Thank you so much Louie — That truly means so much. And you’re absolutely right – that is the Christian response. Jesus’ entire life was an act of love and service. We are to emulate that. Hugs and love xox

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  41. “You change hearts through communication. Through awareness. Through love – working together, as one family.” And those are exactly what we lost! 💝🙈 Hope you are doing fine and glad you weren’t hurt! Stay safe sister! 🌹💝

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    1. Yes! I agree – we need to find those things again. Thank you Yiena! Same to you! Hugs and love xox

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    1. You’re right about that, Joseph. It is the most essential. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  43. Thank you for writing! Really sorry you experienced that situation. Reading what you write your heart is for the Lord therefore you are for all people. Thank you for being you.

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    1. Thank you friend – I appreciate your encouraging words. I was really nervous to post this because that’s exactly how I feel: my heart is for all people. And I did’t want this story to take away from that. Hugs and love xox

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      1. As long as God is your guide you are in the right place. Not that it will be easy but letting God you no matter what it looks like to others you have done the right thing

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  44. Wow! So glad you are okay Caralyn after that encounter. This is certainly a time of love pain hurt and revelation. My prayer as yours is that we all come to see the value of life on earth through Gods eyes in the current events and matters like it. Stay vigilant and safe.😊

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    1. Thank you al, I really appreciate that. I will join you in important prayer. Sending big big hugs x

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  45. Wow! I can’t believe that happened, most importantly is that you are okay and were able to share the story! One thing I dont understand, and please correct me if I’m wrong. Isn’t making white people bow the knee actually being racist by acting superior to them? Is it not also an indication that all white people are being categorized by some black people as being white provelaged? I certainly have not had white privilege if people knew my life, my black fiance could vouch for that. To me, the movement has took a sinister turn. Please if you have time read the blacklivesmatter.com website and see what the movement really stands for. I hate racism but the movement is not only about that. God bless

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    1. thank you so much for your kind words! I agree – there is no gain to that behavior. And thank you for that heads up — i have learned through the replies on this post that the BLM movement stands for much more than just loving your fellow man and standing up for injustice. I have definitely been made aware!!! so thank you! stay well! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Emma, i really appreciate your kindness and prayers! Know that you’re in mine as well! sending you big big hugs and love xo

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  47. It is violent conduct by the last settlers to the Cape, the blacks, that had caused the British to install segregatory laws, the start of Apartheid in South Africa. Karl Marx, the embittered atheist communist, then lived there and instigated violence. He exploited the then very basic, illiterate blacks, using them as unpaid soldiers. Ever since, blacks conducted themselves in this mindless, destructive way, proving they held no power over themselves.

    To force a defenseless lady to kneel to any other than Jesus, is just rape in another format. I have never been a racist, but recent conduct makes me consider the option.

    I discriminate freely on the basis of conduct, regardless.

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  49. Stay safe, especially when you’re all alone during this unpredictable time. May God give you the protection and covering as you endure this time in NY.

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    1. Thank you Ivan, I appreciate your kind words and prayer. Know that you’re in mine too! yes – what a time in NY right now, goodness. Hugs and love xox

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