Where do we go from here? Reflections on how to seek justice on the issue of racism.
The best way to describe how I feel right now is tired. I’m tired of seeing another Black person murdered. I’m tired of having to issue another statement about how we condemn racism. I’m tired of people not listening to each other. I’m tired of the lack of empathy towards fellow human beings. And I’m tired of the violence I’ve seen on news feeds the past week. And, I’m a middle aged white guy who has never been treated poorly based on how I look.
And then I begin thinking about how tired Black people must be. (I realize this could include all minorities, but I’m narrowing my focus in response to current events). Over 400 years tired. Tired of having talks with their kids about their skin color. Tired of being profiled while walking through parks watching birds.
I preached a short 30 minute sermon on Sunday that you can find here, where I go into more detail about my personal thoughts, and what Scripture and other wise people have said. In summary, I believe the gospel produces in us humility and empathy. We are undeserving of the love, grace, and mercy shown to us by God through the person and work of Jesus. I think what we need most are humility and empathy. Focusing on these two things forces us to listen well, not deflect, not use the “yeah, buts”, not to shift blame, and take what responsibility one may have concerning the problem.
And by saying these things I’m not pretending that myself or Providence Road as a Church has this all figured out. We have A LOT to learn. I will never know fully what it is like to live in this country as a person of color, but I can do my best to put myself in those shoes. For people who disagree with me I want to have difficult conversations, create spaces to dialogue honestly, and practice humility and empathy.
I have a long way to go in becoming aware of injustices and being able to empathize with Black people and other minorities. If you are like me you may be saying (like I’ve said many times), “ok I’m open to learning and listening, what does that look like?”
As I’ve been reading over the past few days, I’ve come across several lists about what next steps can be to see justice and reconciliation happen. They are all very similar in their content, but here is a sampling of action items that kept coming up. This is a helpful and practical list that the majority of us can work through:
To the “What can I do to fix this” folks:
1. Pray that God would change and soften your heart.
2. Cultivate positive relationships and friendships with people of color.
3. Read: Ask for recommendations or google books on this topic.
4. Don’t expect Black people to do the work for you. Take ownership of your own development.
5. Fear is not your friend. It’s a terrible excuse to remain silent towards those you care about.
6. Don’t run from pain. Sit in it. Feel it as much as you can.
7. Love your neighbor by knowing your neighbor.
8. Stop trying to fix it. You won’t. Fight to understand it.
9. Repeat.
Let’s be humbled by the gospel, pray, become aware, empathize, listen, and put in the work. Jesus help us.
