A lot has changed since August 9, 2014.
In the world, for sure, but especially within me.
As events unfolded in Ferguson, MO, I reasoned people act rationally, so if Michael Brown was shot & killed by a police officer, it must have been justified. My personal experience told me that must be true. I rejected the notion race was a pivotal or contributing factor.
Oh, how wrong I now realize I was. And for that I am sorry.
It wasn’t so much George Floyd’s murder that flipped the switch.
It was Sandra Bland. Ahmaud Arbery. White Fragility (by Robin Diangelo). Talking with Strangers (Malcolm Gladwell). Donald Trump (and the flagrant white supremacy his presidency has exposed).
——
A few things, in particular, have jarred me of late:
- As the Black Lives Matter movement has gained traction, my sphere and connection with people of color is very small. So the voices I’m discussing these issues with are extremely homogenous: white people.
- Just because I personally haven’t experienced something doesn’t mean it’s not real or doesn’t exist. Perhaps it’s further proof that there’s a problem. (I.E.: I’m a white male and have never feared a stop by police.)
- Elizabeth & I intend to foster &/or adopt in the (near) future. It’s possible the children & families we care for will come from minority communities. This makes #1 & #2 even greater issues.
——
Before I go too far, let me say this:
Absolute statements are unhelpful and only enhance division.
For instance: All Cops aren’t Bad Cops. All Protesters aren’t Violent Looters. All Black people aren’t Dangerous. All White People aren’t Maliciously Prejudicial.
But none of those statements contradict the fact that racism is real & many of us participate in it unknowingly because it benefits us (both passively & actively).
We can both support law enforcement and recognize its vital role, while also admitting there are egregious issues that require immediate reform or complete upheaval.
We can grieve the death of black people at the hands of police and not question our appreciation of those who truly serve to protect all communities with integrity and honor. Both can exist simultaneously.
—
I’m saddened as I reflect on the past six years and the tragedy that’s transpired to open my eyes and change my heart.
I recognize and wish to repent of the deep-seated fears and prejudices I hold toward others who don’t look like me because of the paradigm in which I grew up (which, to be clear, doesn’t mean my parents were blatantly prejudicial, or that we were part of the KKK, etc… more on that another time).
As a follower of Jesus, I realize now, more than ever, that my role is to share His love with others. My role is to love deeply and act justly. All people — not just those in my homogenous group of friends and family. I believe that means making changes to my normal rhythms to intentionally seek cross-cultural relationships and understanding so I don’t remain in my white bubble reality.
——
Where to go from here?
As Elizabeth & I ponder these realities, we’re trying to discover new ways to develop meaningful relationships with people of color, seek to hear their stories and truly listen to hear rather than just respond.
We’re contemplating where to live & be the church so our children can experience diversity in everyday life.
We’re actively engaging with others about race so we can share what we’ve learned and hopefully further the cause of racial reconciliation and equality.
We have a lot to learn. And we have a lot to repent of. We know this journey is just beginning.
If we truly wish and pray for unity rather than division and peace rather than chaos, we first must look within and acknowledge our own prejudices & blind spots.
If you have any resources or would like to engage further offline, don’t hesitate to email me to find a time to connect.
Relentless Optimism 