Responding To Racism
As a biracial woman, I have felt the sting of racism a number of times. Being biracial, the hate has come from multiple races. As a younger person, I often felt isolated, embarrassed, misunderstood and frustrated. As I got older, I found a way to ignore bad behavior, offer forgiveness quickly and keep moving forward. I just really didn’t talk about it much.
Now, I have three boys who are grown men who are also biracial, with various skin tones, some darker than others. I have had multiple conversations with them about what to do if ever stopped by the police. I truly believe that most police are truly good people that want to help the citizens of this country. But based on the reality of what keeps happening and what could happen to them, I must impress upon my sons the critical importance of not moving an inch, keeping their hands only on the steering wheel and asking permission before making any movements (like reaching for their registration and insurance, etc). Those conversations break my heart. I can hear in the voice of my children and see on their face that it breaks their heart as well.
As I watch the mayhem, yet again, unfolding in our country, my knee-jerk reaction is to be filled with sadness, anger and fear. But when I feel that creeping in, I squash it quickly and remind myself that I serve a God who is NOT the author of sadness, anger and fear. Our adversary, our ENEMY, Satan has orchestrated this chaos and is trying to distract, infect and poison us all. I stand and say NO!
I remind myself again today that I cannot control the actions of others. Attempting to is a terrible waste of my time and my life. I can only control myself and my reaction to what is happening around me. I choose to react as Christ has commanded me to… WITH LOVE. Reacting with anger, sadness or fear only victimizes me further. I stand in confidence with Jesus at my side. My God is a God of justice. He will right the wrongs. Romans 12:19 specifically tells us to “...not take revenge...but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” Yes, we can stand up and speak, as is our right in this country, but NEVER should we respond to racism and hate with hate, violence, theft and destruction!
Today I stand with my hands up...Yes, I have directly been affected by racism on many levels, personally and professionally. And still I choose love. I continue to hold my head up high today and every day, neither white, black or biracial, but as a child of God! In him and through him, I am royalty! You are royalty! (Romans 8:17) No matter the color of your skin, financial status, geographic location or body size, we are heirs to the Kingdom. Let’s behave as such. Let’s stand together and lead by example. Love conquers hate. Believe it. Live it. Breathe it. Walk it.
I wrote a poem that I am sharing with you now (see attached picture). I hope it moves you, enlightens you and encourages you. Thank you so much for reading. Stay blessed and stay safe! xo
1 Peter 4:8- “Above all, love each other deeply…”
1 Corinthians 16:14- “Do everything in love”
Matthew 22:39- “...Love your neighbor as yourself”
Revelation 7:9- “...there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb…”
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