It’s something I wish wasn’t an issue.
It’s something I wish would go away.
And until you personally experience the pain, I’m not sure we can fully comprehend. I’m still am no where close to relating. What am I referring to? The great divide that still exists in our workplaces, our schools, our neighborhoods and yep…right here at the place I call home. I don’t think I can fully wrap my arms around the hatred…but this I know
Racism. It is real.
My three-year old son was playing on a playground when obscenities were shouted at him by a four-year old. Four. By the age of four, this child said words he should not even know. It makes me mad.
But then I dig to find forgiveness.
As a white family raising a black child, we knew we would face some criticism. I just don’t think we expected our critics to be so young. And even in a city that promotes itself with the motto Keep Austin Weird, there is discrimination.
I am writing this blog because I want others to know…and I think we can help answer the problem.
We can..break the divide. How many friends do you have that don’t have the same skin color? Convicting, huh? My family moved from Houston four years ago and one of the things I miss most is the diversity. My kids grew up experiencing all kinds of cultures. They learned languages from varying people groups. They ate things we never heard of before. And as a result, they embraced people who didn’t have the same skin AND THEY LOVED IT! And guess what? You can too. You can begin to break down the barrier by getting to know someone who looks nothing like you.
We can..love others as ourselves. Personally, I think people are beautiful. I love to sit in the mall and stare as people walk by. I am awestruck by all the variety. Why? Because it directs my attention back to God. We all look so different. Not a single person alike. It blows my mind! God is so stinkin’ cool! He is a masterful, creative, original, detailed and yet organized painter.
Learn to love God’s unique design.
We can..forgive. We can. And rather be part of the problem, we can be bold and take a stand. We can stop projecting past hurts and bitterness on someone we don’t even know. We can get to know people for who they are. And if we are really brave, we can dig. We can dig to uncover the reasons for hurt and beg Jesus to heal the deepest of pain.
Jesus heals. Jesus forgives.
Jesus came to break the great divide. He came to set the captive free. He came so we have life. Eternal life. Glorious life. Freedom and life. Hallelujah! Let’s go ahead and praise Him.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28
As a believer, we have been given new life (John 3:3). We have one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). We are “one in Christ” (John 17:20-23) and as a result, our differences are to be celebrated. Despite our race, culture, wealth, gender…the diversity God created is good.
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” John 17:23
How do you appreciate God’s color book?