Exodus 29:43-46 (46) And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the Lord their God.
Following the death of George Floyd in Portland, Oregon in 2020 when police officer, Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck and back for 9 minutes of 29 seconds, protests broke out in the city which would continue for many months. What started out as a legitimate peaceful protest turned into something extremely ugly as extremist groups took advantage of the situation to further their political and ideological cause. There were many instances of arson, looting, vandalism, and injuries during the nighttime protests as the people trashed the city. One person was shot and killed in the aftermath of a clash between protesters. Vandalism and property destruction continued to be an ongoing problem over a year after the onset of the first protest.
In the midst of the riots and violent protests Rev Aaron Bennett of Garden Church in downtown Portland stepped up to the challenge facing his community. He said, “Don’t give up on Portland. This is a place filled with people that Christ has died for.” He went on to say that he desired to establish a calming presence in the midst of the unrest because that reflected the presence of God.
We can be assured of the calming presence that God brings in our times of turmoil. As the Psalmist said, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. “ (Psalm 46:1)
By Dr. Gayle Woods