Today, while running, I had a moment where a white van started, and then started to follow. There has been death, talk of death or reading of death, what seems like, on every corner of this city I love and its surroundings. There is so much more good than that. And even more, I refuse to live in fear. I refuse to put that on my kids. We are wise and we use Godly wisdom. There is a difference. But as I approached the lake, I saw parish patrol driving across the track, the open beauty in front of me. I felt relief. And it got me thinking. I've been dreaming a dream.. A dream, that relief is what any officer of any kind would bring to any person. Of any age. Of any color. Of any sex. Any person. Including my sweet 11 year old Rylee Claire. Why have we resorted to using our officers as threats even in our elementary children? But that's another story. Relief. Safety. Assurance. Trust. That's my dream. A dream that has been burning in my heart. A dream that means that God's church acts and looks like He wants it too. Some will say it's a stretch, but I don't believe so. I have this Hope. It's my anchor. I have a dream that it will no longer be death that makes the headlines about my city. There is SO much more. So much that outweighs. In my dream, it will be headlines of unity. Headlines of grace and of what God is doing. People being the move of God that will sustain throughout whatever time we have. I believe it when I watch my kids. I believe it when there is Thursday night growth group with the youth. Our future. I believe it because I know of how hurt and pain can wrap right back around to God making all things good. I've felt it. Experienced it. Watched it. I believe that for this city. For this world and the people in it. I believe in a dream where Love will win. It is winning. It has already won. I have this Hope. It is my anchor. Sure and steadfast. It is Jesus.
