For those who have not met me, I am Asian American. I was born in South Korea and came to the United States when I was two. We actually arrived in America on my birthday, April 5th. We called the United States our home for the last 47 years, and I don't think that will change anytime soon.
Sadly, the last few weeks have left me nervous about being identified as Asian. I have read more Asian hate crime articles than ever before. It angers me to see the brutal attacks on one of our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly, who in our culture is the most respected and honored. To read about innocent Asian men and women be sucker-punched because of their nationality is infuriating.
The increased violence in our nation forces me to pray with more intensity. The evil that is killing our freedom is unacceptable. Instead of living with boldness and courage, we cowered in fear. The hate we're reading about divides us instead of unites us.
But God told me that we are all called into the restoration business. We are to operate in love and kindness. We are to roll up our sleeves and work hard in building one another up instead of tearing one another down. Increase compassion for the wounded, who are the victims of the painful violation, and mercy for those who are doing the crime. Maybe they were never taught the value of life. Perhaps they experienced hostility themselves. Possibly their home life was disruptive and painful. We will never know the seeds of pain that were planted in their life long before they acted on their hatred.
If we are to lead with love, we have to love our fellow humans from the fullness of who we are, not from who they are. We have to cross-pollinate our cultures. We can't remain one-dimensional. All are made from the same fabric and thread but maybe a different color and texture. Let's stitch up those loose pieces and present a diverse tapestry of solidarity.
Maybe, just maybe, there is less hate than what the newscasters are disclosing. I sincerely believe there is even more kindness that goes under the radar. You may never know what your act of kindness can do, but it's contagious. Our kindness shifts like wildfire, and the beauty lies in its potential to spread. The spark has to begin somewhere. Let it start with you and me.
Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
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