I am writing these words some 10 days after George Floyd died by trauma inflicted during his arrest by four police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As we know, thousands of persons have gathered to protest, to demonstrate, to remember, to call for justice and reform, and to celebrate the life of George Floyd and other black Americans who have died as a result of encounters with police and civilians in circumstances like George Floyd died.
What I have noticed most are the faces in the crowds. Faces of every race and many nationalities. Angry faces. Tearful faces. Masked faces. Somber faces. Loving faces. Staring faces. Pained faces. Children’s faces. Aged faces. Determined faces. Sad faces. Smiling faces. Gentle faces. Scarred faces. Anguished faces. Hopeful faces. Faces, faces, faces…so many faces.
Faces like mine…perhaps like yours too. Somewhere in the sea of faces…I see my face. Faces are mirrors to the world. Yet, also somewhere in the sea of faces I see faces of persons who appear very different than I see myself. Faces can be windows to the world too.
In whatever face I see…I see the Face of God.
God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature…” Genesis 1:26 (The Message)
Or do I? That is the question I catch myself pondering in this moment. Why does this have to happen again…and again…and again…and again…and again???
Why God? Why?
Is it because I fail to see in every face I see—Your Face—the Face of God?
Would we for a moment allow to happen what happened to George Floyd and all others if we for a moment stopped to see Your Face in theirs? And Your Face in each other’s faces?
Faces—our faces—are both mirrors and windows to the world…and we need both to see you Face-to-Face.
Prayer...
Thank you, God, for all of the persons who have taken part in the marches, demonstrations, and protests seeking justice and mercy. Thank you for many others who have joined them in thought, spirit and prayers. Thank you for all our faces. Help me each day to see your Face in every person I encounter. Amen.
Keith Hammer
Retired ELCA Pastor
This Post Has 2 Comments
Thanks Keith. Good words here. You implicitly challenge us to see the face of God in every human face we see. Doing so, I think, would result in the healing and transformation of the human species.
Thank you, Keith. I am grateful to be reminded that all our emotions are held by God and in all faces we may glimpse God.