“I’m not racist.”
“I don’t see color.”
“I love all people.”
Stop.
None of these comments are helping.
Now before you continue reading, let me just say that I will probably say something to offend someone. I do not have it all the way right and I won’t pretend to. But what I’m asking is that our hearts begin to turn and that we start to learn from our brothers and sisters of different colors together.
In light of the tragedy of George Floyd this week, we have seen an uproar in our communities, states and nation. An uproar to defend the lives of those in the black community and to find justice for the actions of white privileged Americans who believed their actions were justifiable.
Some may say that the rioting and protesting is unnecessary; and while I will NEVER condone destruction of property and violence as an act of justice, I also see where these actions are necessary *to an extent*.
For too long, protesters and those who are seeking the equality of the black community and the #blacklivesmatter movement have been shut down and told to stay silent. It has been exemplified that their voices, emotions, rights, and opinions do not matter.
The men and women in the black community are judged on their skin color and what society has led us to believe before the character of the soul underneath the skin color.
And I am ashamed to say that I am included in that category. I have been that person. And I am ashamed of it and deeply sorry for it.
My heart is shattered in the light of another soul lost to the privilege and mistaken supremacy of white Americans. I’m sorry that it took one more lost life to wake up America. To wake myself and my family up. To realize that #blacklivesmatter is more than just a catchy saying or trending hashtag.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER is to say that the soul of a black male or female is just as important to God as my life.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER is to say that a black man or woman’s voice DESERVES the right to be heard as much as mine.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER is to say that YOUR COLOR MATTERS and is not to be “unseen” to justify the actions of those around you or those that “support” you.
My husband made a good point to me with the statement, “If we can live in a world where God created so many different colors in different seasons and call it beautiful, why can’t we say the same about the humans He created of different colors in His image?”
I will never have the words to comfort you. I will never have the history to fully understand what you’ve been through. I will never be able to cry the way you cry.
But I will forever listen to you.
I will empathize with you.
I will support and stand by your side.
I will SEE your color and I will ask questions to understand better.
No man deserves death at the color of his or her skin.
Pastor John Gray and Pastor Steven Furtick carried a dialogue this Sunday about racism and being the bridge to bring equality to all people. I was awakened by it, but more than that, I was educated by their talk. Pastor John Gray brought a perspective of what #blacklivesmatter truly means and why it’s so important. I am beyond grateful to begin the process of coming out of my ignorance bubble and stepping into the light of reality that is the racism travesty in our nation today.
I have African-American friends, Indian friends, Hispanic friends, and Asian friends. My heart is hurting for them.
When will it stop?
When will we see through the eyes of Jesus?
Your color matters and is IMPORTANT. Your color is a part of who you are and where you come from. Your color is a statement that God made all people groups different and uniquely in order to represent the way HEAVEN WILL LOOK.
I am taking a seat in order to take a stand with you. I am here to listen and I am here to heal the generation curse of racism. My children will grow up different. My family will respond different. My husband and I will love you differently. The way that you deserve.
I am sorry for the oppression you’ve been under and are under.
Let’s end this.
#blacklivesmatter
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:2-4
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Prov. 3:27
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Prov. 17:17
