I Prayed have prayed
Father, protect our nation. Let us find refuge in You. Give our government officials strength and wisdom to fight against this violence taking place.
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A demonstration that began Monday evening in the District to protest the shooting of a Black man in Wisconsin wound its way through two of the city’s entertainment districts, targeting diners in a tactic that has triggered backlash online.

The crowd of protesters confronted a woman seated at a table outside a restaurant on 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan and demanded that she raise her fist in a show of solidarity.

“White silence is violence!” protesters chanted, many with fists in the air.

“Are you a Christian?” a protester demanded, yelling into her face.

But the woman, Lauren B. Victor, refused, even after her dining companion complied.

“I felt like I was under attack,” Victor, 49, an urban planner and photographer who lives in the District, said in an interview afterward. . . .

The Black Lives Matter rally, which began about 6:30 p.m. Monday at Columbia Heights Civic Plaza on 14th Street NW, drew several hundred people. They engaged in a call-and-response as protest organizers with bullhorns told how Kenosha, Wis., police had shot and critically injured Jacob Blake. The police shooting, which is still under investigation, has reinvigorated protests against police violence and triggered outbreaks of rioting.

In D.C., however, protesters wound their way up 14th Street, chanting, “No Justice, No Peace,” and, “Fire, fire, gentrifier — Black people used to live here.”

Near Quincy Street, the crowd gathered outside restaurants, alternately accusing diners of enjoying “White privilege” and encouraging them to show support. At one table, a young man who objected to the intrusion tried to explain that he worked for a nonprofit organization committed to addressing mental health care for Black people and other underserved populations. Protesters crowded in further around the table, shining video lights in the diners’ eyes and exchanging angry words. . . .

On Columbia Road, a young Black woman who was leading the protest explained the importance of engaging White people in the struggle for justice and encouraged White protesters to take the lead in confronting diners on 18th Street NW.

Several diners at other tables went along, standing or raising their fists, until the crowd homed in on Victor and her companion in front of Los Cuates, a Mexican restaurant.

“I wasn’t actually frightened,” Victor said.

Victor said she was a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and had marched in previous demonstrations. But Victor said she also felt that it was wrong for hundreds of people to surround a small group of diners, approach them with their hands raised, and try to cow them into making a show of support.

“It just felt overwhelming to have all of those people come at you. To have a crowd — with all that energy — demand that you do this thing. In the moment it didn’t feel right,” Victor said.

“They like to think because I raise my fist it means something or other.”

As the crowd moved on, Chuck Modiano continued to yell at Victor.

“Good for you — you stood your ground,” Modiano said, demanding to know if she had seen the video of Blake’s shooting. “We’re not going to change this [expletive] for people like you.”

Modiano, who identified himself as a “citizen journalist” who writes for Deadspin, said he wanted to understand her resistance.

“What was in you that you just couldn’t do this?” Modiano asked. “They all did — all the other tables. You were literally the only one of 20 other people. So there was something in you that was different from all the other people.”

Victor explained that she just felt coerced and somewhat threatened — although she also said she wasn’t afraid.

“I didn’t think anyone was actually going to do anything to me. I appreciate their anger,” she said in an interview. “On one level, my best guess was no one was going to hurt me. But those things turn on a dime.”

Editor’s Note: Below is video footage of similar harassment and attacks to people after not raising their fists or simply being silent.

(Excerpt from The Washington Post. Article by Frederick Kunkle. Photo Credit: Flickr.)

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Kathryn Kopka
August 28, 2020

Father,
We lift up our nation in this hour of deep need. This anarchy and volatility is unacceptable and I pray that you would give people strength and courage to stand against the coercion. I keep thinking of the passage in the OT that refers to you as a wall of fire around your people. I ask that you would grant that those who stand for free speech and the ability to have meaningful conversations regarding issues would stand together. And help us to live in your strength and courage if faced with confrontation. Help us to live out of your truth and love.

3
ROBERT VALKANET
August 27, 2020

IT SOUNDS LIKE THE BLACK AND BROWN SHIRTS OF THE FACIST AND NAZIS . YES ITS TIME TO GET RID OF THESE EVIL ANTI AMERICAN GROUPS. NO BLM ANTIFA YES YOU GOT TO GO BULLIES. EVIL MAXIST YES NO JUSTICE NO PEACE TILL WE GET RID OF YOU.

4
Barbara
August 27, 2020

Here’s an abbreviated history of what is behind
making a fist and raising it in the air as a sign of support for radical militant activism.

In 1966 an organization was formed calling itself The Black Panther Party in Oakland, California, led by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale.
“The party’s original purpose was to patrol African American neighbourhoods to protect residents from acts of police brutality. The Panthers eventually developed into a Marxist revolutionary group that called for the arming of all African Americans, the exemption of African Americans from the draft and from all sanctions of so-called white America, the release of all African Americans from jail, and the payment of compensation to African Americans for centuries of exploitation by white Americans.” – Britannica.com

BLM touts itself as “a global organisation in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.” – BLM Website

The organization’s founders
are occultists and Marxist by their own admission.- AFA Journal

Although they call themselves Black Lives Matter, their actions exemplify The Black Panthers.

The other radical-left, anarchist movements were:

* Weather Underground Organization, aka, the Weathermen, was a radical left militant organization that began in October, 1969 and headed by Bill Ayers.

* Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) 1973-1975 led by the late Donald DeFreeze

People need to remember history for the simple reason of measuring success or failure of movements and to embrace those measures which led to success and reject those measures which have failed.

BLM would be better off if they gathered in groups to help clean up black poverty-ridden neighborhoods
and become mentors in children’s civic organizations in helping the youth instead of promoting thuggery and violence which have been unsuccessful in the past and have actually set back any advances the black community has recently made.

With so many living examples of how poor black children can grow to be successful and respected professionals and leaders, why would BLM choose the failed model to follow instead?

I pray for the people who with pure intentions have linked themselves to the BLM movement to have their eyes open to see the dark evil which is at the root of their discontent and in the hearts of it’s founders. The spirits of hate, envy, unforgiveness, discord, chaos and rebellion are always seeking people to cooperate with them to carry out their mission to destroy humanity which is God’s special creation, made in His image and likeness. In You, Lord Jesus Christ, may they receive forgiveness of sins and become “new creations” where in You, “all things are possible for those who believe.” Amen.

13
Virginia Douglas
August 27, 2020

Putting an end to this coercive abomination is foremost in a free nation that perverts free speech. The greatest gift to mankind from Father God was the gift of his son Jesus Christ, who willingly lay down his life as the only atonement for the sin of mankind. One comes to Jesus by his own free will and God allows those who are unbelievers to go their own way. But to pretend that there is no consequences for contempt, deception, and self worship is not the assignment that we have received from our King, Jesus!
To condone or ignore this perverse rebellion is not only UNCHRISTIAN but it is leading many young souls to Hell. 2 Corinthians 10: 1-6 The revenge of disobedience is obedience. Lord I pray that you teach us, Your Church, Your light in this decaying world, how you would have us boldly proclaim Truth in response to this unprecedented attack on your nations, your plan for our children. Glorify Your Name, Jesus, bringing us to
Spiritual Maturity in this crisis. Teach us to use the weapons of our warfare masterfully, casting out fear and every vain argument.

6
Debra
August 27, 2020

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

Lord, thank you for those who are slow to anger. Thank you for those who rule their spirits. Let these 2 qualities spread throughout our land. May the good be admired instead of what is evil.

Make your people in this land United in Love to stand strong against those who are United in Hate. Make your people like the Gadites who defected to David in 1 Chronicles 12:8 They were brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains. In Jesus Name, Amen.

7
Barbara Hesch
August 27, 2020

I just can’t watch the videos because I have to curb my anger right now. I will say one thing. This is all about mob intimidation, and mob violence. I’d like to see just one person enter a restaurant where there are many people dining and call for them to raise fists. Any fist raising might just hurt that lone ranger. I guess mob rule works on the unsuspecting public. Cowards!

11
Denise
August 27, 2020

Holy God, forgive us when we fail to stand firm and when we cave to fear. Give us courage, strength and discernment to be light in the darkness. Protect and give us guidance as we present the gospel in and through our words and actions. Let us glorify Your Name and the gift of Jesus Christ as we go about our days. In Jesus Name

22
Jim Lorch
August 27, 2020

I agree with Deborah Cannons comment below, it is just beginning.

What scripture predicted is upon us now…Jude 1:17-21 says “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

Also Proverbs 21:2 says “A person may think their own ways are right, but the LORD weighs the heart.”

Additionally Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

The solution to the problem is from 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Lord I am very thankful that you work through IFA to organize and present what is happening in our nation so that we as the body of Christ can unite, stand in the gap and pray for our nation.

Lord I pray for the leaders of our nation that they do the job they were elected by the people to do. To protect citizens and put an immediate stop to the rioters and now persecution of people who chose not to agree with them.

Lord I pray that you give the believers in this land strength to stand for Your truth. And as this article points out, others will see that their is something different about followers of Christ and what it for themselves. Lord use this time of darkness and turn it for good, sparking a revival, healing our land as Your word tells us and that You Lord are glorified.

I pray this in Jesus mighty name.

32
Deborah Cannon
August 27, 2020

I’m just horrified at the bullying and IN YOUR FACE confrontations …these poor diners (regardless of their nationalities or race)…what a frightening thing.
I believe this is only the beginning!
CHURCH …ITS UP TO US! WE MUST PRAY !! WE MUST!!

30
    CHERYL HALL
    August 27, 2020

    Does anyone have advice for those who may find themselves in this difficult & frightening situation?

    Just asking….

    3
      GO
      August 28, 2020

      In response to Cheryl Hall–

      These so-called protesters should be made to watch hours of footage of the Civil Rights Movement demonstrators–how under duress (water hosed and dogs sicced on them) they maintained their dignity. Hence, the CRM demonstrators led the way as to how one should conduct himself or herself when one (in this case, a bystander/diner) is under attack.

      1
      Elaine D
      September 1, 2020

      Cast the demons out of them, in Jesus’ name!

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