That blessed family
Saturday, June 6, 2020 at 11:35AM 
The Trinity is that blessed family into which we are adopted. Austin Farrer
The poster said, “Nonviolent Commitment.” The boards said, “we are afraid.” There’s a “March for Black Lives” in West Seattle today.
This morning I was walking along California Avenue. It’s my usual route. More stores were boarded up then yesterday. A week ago, none had boards over the windows. I took a few pictures.
I have seen violence and strife in the city (Ps. 55)
There was a woman out watering the hanging plants. She asked me, “What do you make of it?” I said, “They’re afraid." She thought that was correct. She added, “I wish they had put signs in the windows that we’re welcoming and supportive.” Fair enough!
There were such signs in some windows with messages of support and love. There were also a few signs that tried to identify with the protesters in one way or another, they cried, “Please don’t hurt me, I’m one of you” There was one that said, “You’re on camera. No cash here, only dresses, call if you want one.”
The march organizers were working hard to ensure that it would be non-violent. The poster said, “Please join us in this peaceful march as violence will not be tolerated.” and "To be very clear: the organizers of this event do not support any destruction or violence towards people or businesses.” My Anglican heart was enlarged to see the poster had a quote from Bishop Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead
We are told that “perfect love casts out fear.”[i] And we know that such love is in the life of the Blessed Trinity. The life of mutual love, which is the Trinity, is expressed in microcosm in the life of each parish church, and even more deeply in the life of the church’s religious orders. We are baptized into that life and love.
Today I will hold on my heart before God those marching for justice and truth. I will also include others—the woman watering the plants, the police officers who are worn out and on edge, the store owners who have already lost so much. There is fear in the city. There is also much hope and love. Today I will strive to align myself more fully with the life of the Holy Trinity.
rag+
[i] There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. (1 John 4:18)
Later in the day - pictures of the protest
