Message from Executive Director
Just when our city was beginning to reopen from COVID-19, we find ourselves facing a more grave situation. The very neighborhoods hit hardest by the virus have now been devastated by rioting and looting. We literally have staff and families in anguish and outrage, left even more under-resourced and isolated than before.
We at By The Hand Club are grieving. We are grieving the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the loss of far too many Black lives to list. We are grieving our long history of systemic injustice that too often extends dignity and opportunity based on color and class. We are grieving because our children, families and staff are hurting and afraid. We are grieving because of violence of any kind, including the violence of those who are deliberately taking advantage of this tragic situation to loot, riot and harm others. Some of the actors are simply wicked and others are just plain angry by a system that has failed them. Our prayers go out for both.
Thankfully, we do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We know that God knows, sees, hears and is coming again. Through his prophet Isaiah, God calls us as his followers to: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed” (Isaiah 56:1).
Pray that Jesus will help us to live our lives knowing He is coming again soon. Pray that He will help us shepherd our children through difficult times while we work toward bringing educational equity.
Created in the image of God, Black lives are invaluable and worthy of our utmost love and respect. Please pray that God will help us know how to speak out and work for justice for all as the people of God.
Donnita Travis
Executive Director