So it's been a while. Since I'm writing for the first time in a month, I guess this blog isn't totally dead, but I've been struggling with what to say lately. I've been thinking quite a bit about racism and its prevalence in American society. I've kicked around different ideas for a new post. I could write about how racism is a sin and how God overcomes our sinful divisions to gather His people from every race and ethnicity into a new humanity. I could write about how God is a God who opposes injustice and oppression, a God who cares for and defends those who are mistreated and forgotten. I could write about our common humanity and how we are better off when we welcome and learn from people who we view as different from us.
But the more I think, the more I feel that I shouldn't do any of those things. The thing is, I'm a white person living in a country where white people have had power and control for a long, long time. I haven't experienced the pain of racism. I don't know the way forward. As a white person, and more importantly as a Christian, I believe I do need to say that racism is real and wrong. Racism is in the hearts and words and actions of individuals—including me, I'm sure, in ways I'm not aware of—and racism is in the structures and systems of our society. But if I'm truly going to stand against racism, I need to listen to others. I need to follow others' lead. I need to learn more and more. This is going to take a while, so I better start now. If you're in a position similar to mine, I hope you'll join me. Let's not give up when the news cycle moves on. And if you're in a position where you can teach, correct, and call me out, do it. Don't let me be silent or ignorant. Don't let me move on.
Black lives matter. I know those words carry a lot of baggage for some people, but let's set that aside for now. That statement is absolutely true. I'm sorry that my actions and inactions have contributed to a culture where Black people feel like their lives don't matter to others. Black lives matter to God. I want to live in a world where nobody—myself included—needs to be reminded of that. I want to do my part now. Father, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Grace and peace,
BMH
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