Ferguson Verdict

The city of Ferguson, Missouri has become a common news theme since the shooting of unarmed black, 18 year old Michael Brown from a white officer Darren Wilson. Their encounter on August, 9, 2014 lasted 90 seconds and forever ended Brown’s life.  

Differing accounts of the event has led to protests and unrest in Ferguson and other cities. The question whether Brown was surrendering or charging the officer was presented to a county grand jury on August 20 and their verdict was reported yesterday. Their decision in this case was not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for any crimes related to the death of Michael Brown.  

Reactions resulted in vehicles lit on fire, businesses looted and buildings set ablaze. Flights were diverted from the St Louis airport and a no-fly zone over the area was enacted by the FAA due to gunshots fired into the air.   President Obama called for people to work constructively with their disagreement to the verdict rather than through violence.  

My thoughts consider what Martin Luther King Jr would have said and done over this situation. How would Jesus react? How does He want us to react?  

A family has forever lost a son and an officer may be forever hated. We have much work to do in this nation of reconciling color and class truly into one nation under God that provides liberty and justice for all.