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Beth Moore speaks out on tragic George Floyd police killing

By Danielle Jarvis

Not long after police were slow to act in the brutal killing of Ahmaud Arbery, shocking new footage has emerged of a black man suffocating while being arrested in Minnesota.

As people pleaded with the white officer to stop placing pressure on his neck, George Floyd was being arrested outside a grocery store for allegedly trying to pass a forged check.

Police also believe Floyd was under the influence of alcohol or drugs and resisted officers. The disturbing footage shows that he is unable to breathe, before passing away after being taken to hospital.

He can be repeatedly heard saying, “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe.”

Popular Bible teacher and author Beth Moore tweeted in response to the killing, stating, “Fellow whites who want Black Americans & PoC to receive equal justice & for egregious white supremacy to be dismantled, speak up. Don’t be fragile. You know what’s right. Expect:

“You’re causing division!” Eye roll. “What about abortion??” I’m pro-ALL-life, conception to coffin.

In supporting both black people and those willing to stand up to authorities, she also commented, “What I’m trying to say to you is this: be brave. This is about human decency. Dignity. Fairness. Rightness. JUSTICE. Toughen up and accept you’re going to be disliked for something. Make it something that counts. Let’s be the generation the intimidators can’t silence or tire out.”

Four police officers have been fired and his death is being investigated by the FBI. His death is drawing comparison to Eric Garner, who was killed after being put into a chokehold. Garner’s infamous pleas of “I Can’t Breathe” became a rallying cry against police brutality.

In an iPhone and social media age, incidents like both that of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery no longer allow authorities to get away with justice not being served.

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I used to sit back and see videos like this and think to myself, “Let’s wait for all the details to come out.” Now after seeing too many videos like this to name I’m beginning to wonder if my response should have been, “Maybe I should try to understand their pain.” Sometimes we can be so blinded by our experience and reality that we invalidate someone else’s. Today our black brothers and sisters are experiencing another trauma that communicates to them that their lives aren’t valuable. Centuries of reoccurring trauma takes its toll on a people group. Today I choose to lay down my preconceptions to learn from my friends of color. If we are truly the body of Christ one pain affects us all. We aren’t just the body when it’s convenient. We are the body when it’s hurting and broken. No more than the leg can disconnect from the arm can I disconnect my pain from that of my brethren. I’d like to share what I’m learning with you. On Thursday evening I’m going to do an Instagram Live with my friend Dr Anita Phillips and I invite you to join us. This has to change.

A post shared by Christine Caine (@christinecaine) on

The Ahmaud Arbery incidence showed just how passionate the public is about justice, with over 1.6 million people signing a petition for his killers to be arrested. A father and son have since been arrested and charged with murder, including the man who took the video footage.

Meanwhile, thousands of people took to the streets of Minnesota to protest Monday’s death.There has been a second night of violent protests.

“Murder charges are not going to stick,” said one protester at Tuesday’s demonstration. “They pulled that trick on us too many times. We want these people to be prosecuted for manslaughter, because them charges are going to stick. And that sentence is going to be long, still.

“This man can serve 15 years in prison, and still get out and still be able to continue life. It’s going to be hard, but he still can breathe. He can still talk to his family. George can’t. So some change needs to happen.”