George Washington was so essential to the founding of our country that historians have called him “the indispensable man.” His courage, leadership, and deep convictions about freedom, honor, and self-government sustained a revolution that seemed on the verge of failure more often than not.

Another George, last name Floyd, earlier this year died as a Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck. The brutality experienced by Floyd should never happen in America. His killing provoked rightful outrage and many peaceful protests. In Norfolk, Virginia, for example, nearly 100 area churches, both predominantly black and white, joined together in June to march, pray, and listen to messages about the need for racial justice. The city’s police chief joined in the march. As Pastor David McBride of the area’s New Life Church said, “Today, I’m filled with hope.”