Social Injustice

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have given out food bags to families in our community every Tuesday night. After the murder of George Floyd, we wrote this letter and included it in every bag given out that night.

June 9, 2020

Dear Friends,

I am sorry from the bottom of my heart about the challenges you and your family face each and every day (and have for way before this week). It’s NOT okay. Let me say that again… IT’S NOT OKAY. I can’t stop thinking that George Floyd could have been one of your sons or your family members and how tragic that would be… and how tragic it is for the Floyd family. It’s heartbreaking, as well as the hundreds of other injustices happening across our nation as we speak. I am sorry.

As you know, we are a white family, living in a predominately black neighborhood for the past 15 years and we LOVE you. We choose to live here and be neighbors and embrace the culture and lives around us, as well as share our own. But sometimes we get it wrong or hurt you and I AM SORRY. I am sorry for the times that we haven’t understood or haven’t asked enough questions. Please forgive me. I am open to learning more and invite those conversations.

Thank you for your friendship and your graciousness in being willing to walk in relationship with us and our family over the years. We’ve always considered it an honor that we can do that. We have always felt so loved and felt cared about…. But we invite you to challenge us and talk to us when we “get it wrong.” We trust our relationship to handle the truth. We can handle the truth.

We are sorry for the burden you carry by the color of your skin and that not all people believe that racism exists. I believe you, I see you, and I want change. I want to be a part of that change… because I truly love you and your family, and I want you to live with the same justice and privilege that I do on most days. 

Please let me know how we can do more to bring about change or to hear you better. I am listening and I am using my small platform with Front Porch Ministry to strongly encourage my white friends to LISTEN and ask questions to understand from your perspective, instead of our own.

We love Jesus and believe with all of our hearts that we can’t be reconciled to each other (and of us) unless we are reconciled to HIM. God is for us and sent his One and Only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sin. He wants a personal relationship with each of us and wants to change our hearts to Love like he Loves. If you don’t know Jesus, we would be happy to share more with you about what that means. We will also gladly give you a Bible, which we believe is His Word to us.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 
(Genesis 1:27)

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
(Psalm 139:13-14)

With Love and Respect,
Michele & Thom Hazelip
Front Porch Ministry

Black Lives Matter to us / You matter to Us / Your Life Matters to Us / Your Voice Matters to Us

Front Porch Ministry / “Impact Begins With Relationship”