Good news has not been 2020’s strong suit. In addition to Covid and job loss, civil wars, and a typhoon in India, we’ve had more racially motivated shootings.
I have heard racism defined as prejudice + misuse of power.
I am a racist. I have exhibited prejudice and have benefitted from the misuse of power in our systems.
I want to listen and learn from my brothers and sisters of other colors. I NEED to repent and join them in lament. Even in writing this I fear I’m going to use the wrong phrase, or further hurt or offend.
There is so much I don’t know. In this post I just want to pass along some resources and ideas that are guiding me, in the hope that some of you, like me, want to get better at loving our brothers and sisters who have a very different story than we do.
Ahmaud Arbery lost his life on February 23 during his run. Most of you are probably aware of the call to go for a run/walk for 2.23 miles in solidarity. I thought this additional suggestion from National Community Church was really helpful:
The run becomes powerful when we make it reflective.
- Consider how Ahmaud felt on his run? His family afterwards?
- Consider how communities of color are feeling now?
- Consider your own feelings. Where can you be vulnerable? Who can you lean into?
I highly recommend this insightful conversation about racial reconciliation with Mike Kelsey on Annie F. Down’s podcast (the meat of it starts at the 20 minute mark)
Some books I’m reading that have been recommended by people of color:
Check it out! 1619 Project
Consider following some accounts on Instagram that may stretch you.
Maybe this song of confession is an appropriate first step.
Frail and broken, blind to what You’ve spoken
This is my confession
I am guilty, complicit in the action
This is my confession
But You’ve accepted me, despite the things I’ve done
You’ve acknowledged me, as righteous and beloved
My confession, Lord change me
My confession, Lord make me more like You
I am rude and heartless, speaking words that harm love
This is my confession
Proud and selfish, consumed with how I finish
This is my confession
But You’ve accepted me, despite the things I’ve done
You’ve acknowledged me, as righteous and beloved
My confession, Lord change me
My confession, Lord make me more like You
Grow in me love and peace and a joy that won’t cease
Grow in me faith and kindness and goodness
Grow in me gentle speech, grow in me long-suffering
And the courage to die to myself
This is my confession
My confession, Lord change me
My confession, Lord make me
My confession, Lord change me
My confession, Lord make me more like You
(c) 2020 NCC Music
– Written by Daesha Cummings, Joel Buckner, Josh Coad, Mark Alan Schoolmeesterss
I hope you’ll join me on this quest for deeper understanding and more authentic love. Feel free to add your own resource suggestions in the comments.
