Taking a Knee

The present protests in response to the death of George Floyd have resurrected the gesture of “taking a knee”. This was first introduced by Colin Kaepernick during the National Anthem at one of his games in protest of police brutality. He received a lot of backlash for it, and rightfully so, about his choice of venue and platform. For the life of me, I can't understand why so many couldn't see that this was wrong.

Recently, groups of police officers, Mayors, and the like also made the gesture in front of the protesters to signify that they two were in agreement against brutality. The ritual has caught on and people from around the world are now following suit. "But the most blatant use of the symbolic act for the purpose of political pandering came on Monday when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi led House and Senate Democrats in a group kneel at the Capitol’s Emancipation Hall." (Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz - Breaking Israel News)




All of this (the last demonstration by Speaker of the House excluded) has caused me to reconsider the value of the original intent of the gesture, and I am beginning to understand a little more the heart of the man who made it famous. I still believe that it was wrong to associate it with the National Anthem, but see where he might have thought it to be the best way in his power to make a national statement - AND IT DID!

And then there is the debate over “taking a knee” being a form of 'bowing' in honor of someone greater. As a Christian, I will bow to no one but God. When I look at the posture however of the one knee, I see humility rather than a subservient gesture. I know that in the book of Esther we have Mordechai who would neither Kneel or bow low (“All the king’s courtiers in the palace gate knelt and bowed low to Haman, for such was the king’s order concerning him; but Mordechai would not kneel or bow low.”) Esther 3:2 (The Israel Bible™)


So, the debate continues, and we all have to draw our own conclusions, based on our own beliefs. Some will take it to extremes.  Others will use it out of context, etc.  I personally am grateful for God giving me insight that helps me to form a better empathy and greater compassion for others through this and other events happening in our world today.