My History and Experience with Race and Racism
I am praying for racial reconciliation in the United States and beyond. But in order to see this come to fruition, we must be willing to have conversations about it, even uncomfortable ones.
In this video, I share a few of my life experiences. I am open and honest about my own thoughts, my experience with the KKK and race riots, and what I believe I am called to do now, as a person who ministers to all people and who brings different people groups together.
Here are 5 Lessons my experiences taught me about Race and Racism. These are things I want you to glean from the video.
1. Racism is rooted in ignorance.
— People criticize what they do not understand and, in many cases, what they have not been exposed to.
—- The more exposure you get to people of different backgrounds, the more you realize that we are ALL THE SAME!
2. No race is superior or inferior to any other.
— This is a lesson we must all learn.
— Those who believe they are superior or inferior are mistaken.
— It takes humility to embrace who you are while celebrating who others are as well!
3. If people are not open to celebrating differences, it can lead to mistreatment and unnecessary violence.
— This is part of the history of the United States, but it does not have to be part of our future.
— Let’s pray for change.
4. Racism is so big of a challenge that not even the church is immune.
— While Jesus died for all people, somehow Christians convinced themselves that is was okay to oppress others based solely on the color of their skin.
— The lasting effects of this are still being dealt with today.
— 11am Sunday morning is still THE most segregated hour of the week in the United States. We can work together, but many of us cannot find it in our hearts to worship together. It’s time for change!
5. It is possible to change!
— My heart was changed at 14 years old.
— I pray hearts are changed today.
— May God’s love fill your heart, may His love help bring racial reconciliation in this nation, and may the result of His love be a manifestation of peace and progress!
#TheGraceLife
