There’s no doubt that racism is an issue in the world. I have experienced racism and a lot of my Black friends have experienced racism. It has been happening for a long time and we have been grieving for years. Some of us have been sleeping but the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless others ought to wake all of us up. Each and every one of us has a role to play.
To my non-Black Christian friends, here are a few reminders on how you may support Black Christian and non-Christian friends:
- Check on us. Not just surface check in like “hey, how are you?” Instead, try asking how we are really doing? Everyone is different so the conversation can go in several directions but be reminded to respond in love and patience, recognizing and embracing our differences. You may make an effort in hearing us speak about our experiences as a Black human being so it sheds some light in your life. Express your support for us through your efforts in getting to know us.
- Check yourself. This means educating yourself on our history by watching videos (films, documentaries, tv series…), reading books, following organizations, attending conferences about race and diversity, interacting with Black people, the list goes on. There are so many resources out there but the keyword is making the effort and putting in the work to use the resources to learn.
- Check with God. Pray and ask God how you can be an effective ally to the Black community. Seek God’s guidance through His word to gain understanding of how you can relate and love us better. Pray for us and with us.
And now, to my Black Christian friends, all I can say is God’s grace is abounding. Here are a few reminders:
- When we walk into a room, our skin color alerts some people to hate and act on their hatred. Let us not fall into the trap of hating the oppressors or anyone/everyone who doesn’t look like us. Instead, let’s pray for them and show love even when they hurt us. I know, easier said but with God’s help, we can rise in love.
- It’s okay to be angry. Shoot, I’m angry too but let us not fall into the trap of acting on our anger to sin. Instead, let’s continue to be steadfast in our faith, praying and being a light amidst the dark world. I know, easier said but with God’s help, we can rise in love.
- It’s tiring, it’s overwhelming, and it’s draining because the racism, microaggressions and injustices have been going on since we were born but let us not fall into the trap of giving up. Instead, let us keep marching in our purpose and striding towards excellence proving to ourselves that we are more than able to reach the top. I know, easier said but with God’s help, we can and we will rise in love.
Finally, my Black and non-Black Christian brothers and sisters, it is not enough to be silent or post a hashtag. Yes, not everyone likes to be active on social media. That’s fine but you should be making the effort to speak and express change and love some other way. There are so many ways to be a change. I myself am still learning and making the effort to speak up and act in the face of injustice.
None of us is perfect but as Christians, let us play a part in being unified, forgiving and loving. Let’s progress. As the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:10, Let’s stand unified, joined together in the same mind and judgment.
If I could summarize these sentiments in one Bible verse, it would be
Proverbs 1:5
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
May God bless us with the strength as we rise.
Together.
I love you so much, maan. God bless!
Song Reminder : Overcome by Tye Tribbett