KKK

For the past few weeks, I have really not liked living in the South. Let me back up and say, thanks for putting up with my sabbatical from blogging. I have been focused upon school work so I haven't had the chance to blog, but I'm back for better or for worse. (You can thank Pete for the constant kicks needed to get blogging again.)

Now, for the real post: the image used here was printed in the Huntsville Times a couple of weeks ago. Apparently the KKK held a rally in Northern Alabama, where I live, protesting the current imigration issue. I couldn't believe it, the KKK is actually calling for Black and White people to ban together to kick the "Mexicans" out. The protest itself, or rather the very fact that it happened, was enough to tick me off. What pushed me over the edge however, was the image that I have placed above. That is an eight year old kid that is wearing the official dress of the KKK. Does this fire anyone else up?! Eight years old and the kid is already being taught a form of hatred that is so dark many of us will never be able to comprehend it. What's worse, is that the kid will be taught that the hatred inside of him is actually based upon scripture.

I wish that I could spend enough time, and knew enough words to express the feelings I have for these people. Still, I am forced with the fact that the gospel of Christ must be the good news for even those hiding behind their white masks. I recently faced this issue on an even more personal basis. Our former neighbors were not necessarily the neighborly type. He was a former Marine that got a kick out of spitting his chewing tobacco on my support peace sticker on my car. The day finally came for this family, who lovingly screams obsenities at each other, to move out. Why did they move out? Well, apparently the city of Athens, which is close by, is 87% white. Finally, they can let their children and grandchildren play in the yard again. I struggle to love people like this. But still, the way of peace means peace in all situations. I am learning what this means and what it looks like in practice. Until I have an answer for my reaction to such hatred and prejudice, I have a proposition: let's deport the KKK. Just a thought.

Shalom.