Time to Cry Uncle

There have been so many articles and editorials written about the death of Trayvon Martin and the trial of George Zimmerman that I hesitate even to write about it. However, this week, while pondering all the rallies and protests in support of the Martin family, I found myself wondering some things. If George Zimmerman were to go to the Martin family and apologize, what would happen? If he were to tell them that he acted out of irrational fear, that he overreacted, that he was wrong to do what he did, what would happen? If he told them he was sorry and asked for their forgiveness and for the forgiveness of all whose dreams and hopes he killed, what would happen?

Such contriteness rarely happens. It is hard to admit wrongdoing, especially when it is so heinous as this one. And even when, in the heart, one feels remorse, it still is a huge order to ask for forgiveness, to admit wrong, to admit hot-headedness, to accept the self-denigrating notion that prejudice ruled when self-control did not.

And what if the Martin family stood in public and said that they forgive Zimmerman for taking the life of their son? What if they acknowledged his flaws, his bad judgment, and all the other things that made him a self-proclaimed “protector” and still forgave him? Would that be a show of weakness or of strength? Would they be suckers for forgiving, or would they be towering examples of dignity in the face of unmeasured pain?

Sadly, remorse and forgiveness are not commodities we can purchase at will.  And if they were, would they be as precious as they are when they arise from our hearts and souls?  And because they are from within, can we ever be completely sure of their existence?

My answer to all these questions is “I don’t know,” but I am perfectly willing to say that I am praying for repentance and forgiveness to happen. Our country is aching. Our black communities are retching with “one more time” as they perceive a lack of justice for one of their precious own. Our white communities are lining up on opposite sides, both sides certain that they are right. The legal system is being called to task at a time of gross cultural division. 

Instead of wondering what would happen if there were some kind of grand gesture from both sides, I am praying that there will be one. I am praying that all the George Zimmermans will acknowledge what has happened as a result of the murder of a precious child. I am praying that all the Trayvon Martin Families will acknowledge that there is no benefit in everlasting hate and fear. The only light in this tunnel is at the place where people’s hearts change and become willing to approach one another in faith --- faith that reconciliation is possible and that the benefits of reconciliation are too great to ignore. 

Will it ever happen? Are we brave enough to lay down our arms and sit down at the table together? Can we take those risk-filled, life-changing steps? Can those faces, in their several colors, stand before one another with hope? I know only one thing for sure: it will not happen until we decide it can. Not until we want it to. Not until we have broken so many hearts that the rhythm is gone. What a foolish people we are. It is time to cry “uncle.”