RIOTS IN SYDNEY

I was reading from Proverbs chapter 17 and it reminded me of the riots and uprisings that are happening in various places around the world. Isn’t it funny that when you’re planning a trip, so many of the places turn out to be hot spots or dangerous places. We have on our list, Paris and Rennes in France. We HAD on our list, NEW ORLEANS. Even a plane accident today at Miami where we arrive from South America.
In the Sutherland Shire (a part of Sydney) there have been such clashes between locals and young people of Middle Eastern backgrounds. I can’t say too much because I don’t know all the facts. But some of the footage we have seen on TV shows young men who appear to be just focussed on wreaking havoc and causing mayhem. They appear to be enjoying the fighting.
The wicked live for rebellion; they shall be severely punished. Proverbs 17:11.
Our daughter Debbie and her husband used to live in “the shire” where this fighting has occurred. I also have many cycling buddies in Sydney and they nearly all come from this part of Sydney. It is very sad. It appears that the fighting in France is also race related. Maybe we need to go back and watch Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with Sidney Poitier, Spencer Tracey and Kate Hepburn. I remember the maid saying, “All hell done broke loose!” But there is a stirring speech from the father of the girl who loves Poitier (the black guy.) Maybe I’ll rent the movie and check it out again.
Isn’t it great that there is an alternative – and there are a couple of great verses also in Proverbs 17 that talk about brothers:
A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17.
There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 17:24.
There has been some heartening news from Sydneysiders as people have come out to show they have no bitterness between such racial groups. It’s been great seeing blokes on TV embracing each other as a sign of respect and love for one another. I believe very strongly that love and friendship are extremely powerful things and it’s great to see them in action.