12/24/2014- There is a lot of unrest in the U.S. today.  There has been an undercurrent I suppose for years.  The unresolved issue.  But really what is the issue-? And why are the most undesirable & undeserving on either side the views we are bombarded with?  I am Black.  That is my race.  So I guess I'm supposed to be on the "black side" of this issue.   But I don't support lawlessness.  Only no one can hear me because the loudmouths in the media are blocking the way.  We ended up staying home, so  I served at Kid's Check-In for our Christmas Eve service.  There are normally six  people who do the checking in & a couple of police men too.  I hate to say it,  but I can feel a tension now, a not knowing what to say or do between us.  Between any police & my race.  I wanted to go up to them & say " I love policemen.  I am glad you serve & protect.  Don't allow the acts of  a small group of people  color your view of the rest of us.  And I won't let a small group of people color my view of you. " The service was great & funny.  I came at 4 to work the 5 pm a& 7 pm services.  When it slowed down, I grabbed a cup of warm coffee and slipped into the sanctuary.  As usual it was magnificent!   And while I was aware of my color & the issues that have drawn a line in the racial sand- I put that out of my mind.  Listening & singing the Christmas favorites brought tears to my eyes.  Deep within I  prayed for  "peace on earth,", peace in the U.S.  & I know if it is to come now- it will be up to the church.  Starting with myself - I hugged all my team members- ignoring the temptation to curl up within. On the way out to my car I held my head high & met eyes to show kindness, not to defend.  A small token toward a big problem.