This week I thought I might write about something light-hearted or humorous. It’s the last Monday of 2015 and since life is filled with challenges and comedic moments, I thought it would be good to spread some laughter at the end of the year. And, who doesn’t need a little comic relief every once in a while? But, then today happened and I had to revisit Rachel’s weeping. Again.

Another grand jury. Another decision not to prosecute. Another African American murdered without consequences. Another case of justice denied. Another, another, another…

“Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.’” Matthew 2:18 (NIV)

I’m with Rachel.

Rachel is in despair. Rachel is inconsolable. Sack cloth and ashes just won’t do. The text in the Book of Matthew actually says that she refuses to be consoled. It is as if she makes a decision not to let go of her grief or stop lamenting until a change comes. Until there are policy changes. Until the hateful rhetoric ends. Until there are no more mass shootings. Until mass incarceration is replaced by mass investment in our children. Until 12-year-olds playing at parks, even with toy guns, are no longer seen as a threat. Until grand juries indict law enforcement officers who follow their own rules and kill without cause. Until gun laws are changed. Until God’s children are no longer collateral damage of racial hatred. Until routine traffic stops don’t end in death. Until Bible studies and prayer meetings are not the site of massacres used to spark race wars. Until those who seek to harm others just because they do not look like them or have the same world view ends. Until we are no longer silent with good intentions. Until justice rolls down like a river and righteousness like a mighty stream.

Until…!!!!

#justice4tamirrice #justice4trayvonmartin #justice4michaelbrown #justice4ericgarner #justice4sandrabland #justice4johncrawfordIII #justice4freddiegray #justice4amadoudiallo #justice4seanbell #justice4aiyannastanley-jones #justice4ramarleygraham #justice4rekiaboyd #justice4bettiejones #justice4quintonioleGrier #justice4thosemurderedunjustly