God Loves Black Lives Too

By Madalyn McKnight

First of all, let me start by stating something that doesn’t need to be said. Black Lives Matter. Every single black life. Heterosexual, LGBTQ+, Light-skinned, dark-skinned, able-bodied, handicap-able, old, young, near and far. You matter and I speak directly to YOU.  I find myself waking up mad and going to bed mad as hell. I find myself voicing my point in the face of those who burned Lebron James and Colin Kaepernick jerseys and sec fans who tear up cities when they love. Those same people try to shame protestors who are sick and tired of being treated as second-class citizens and being killed by those who are paid by-weekly to protect people for a living. A white lady told me today she has been screamed at by cops for something trivial a number of times. Girl, save it. It was so deplorable it almost made me laugh. The level of delusion running rampant in the hearts of people who have added stock to the phrases, “black-on-black crime ”free-speech” “first amendment and oh, my favorite, “Martin Luther King would not like this” CHILE PLEASE. Martin is not here because he was killed for using that first amendment you love so much. Willful ignorance is sad. And it’s not my job to argue with white people who have to answer for their own salvation. I am so glad I only have to answer for mine.

In Take Me To The King, Tamela Man sings, “Truth is I’m tired, options are few, I’m trying to pray, but where are you? Truth is, I am tired. Tired of people downplaying the plight of black people. NOT people of color. BLACK PEOPLE. Options are few. When you live in a country with leadership that does not reflect the citizens who toil every day, negotiating is impossible. I’m trying to pray, but where are you? I pray every day that God creates in me a clean heart and renews the right spirit in my soul. I look at people hurting, racists laughing, and I look to God for answers, though I know with my limited knowledge, that’s where faith activates. I keep in mind that God is still in control. But I will not back down.

God does not dwell in confusion. Plenty of biblical figures revolted and protested conditions that were not fair. Joshua marched around the walls of Jericho. David fought wars. Gideon and his small army conquered bigger armies. Moses fought against the oppression of Pharoh and led God’s people out of the clutches of slavery. His love for everyone is clear and as can be. Why does His creation not believe the same?

I have, however, shifted my focus to the families of the fallen brothers and sisters I will never meet. Their friends, associates, those who have encountered these lovely men, women, and children, and my heart mourns. Nothing I feel can be compared to the pain they will forever hold in their hearts. I think of those who do not get media attention or have not seen so much as even an arrest. I think of Breonna Taylor, shot like a criminal in her own home as the result of a no-knock warrant. Even more, I think of the trans men and women who receive little to attention at all like Tony McDade, a black trans man who was killed by Tallahassee police. I say your name. I hold you in my heart, and I will continue to fight for you. I won’t forget you.

Madalyn McKnight is a Contributing Writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. A rare blackbird who has the range and a young black professional with impactful words! Follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @singsongblackbird and twitter @singsongblckbrd