Racism

“In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free, Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” (Colossians 3:11 NLT)

As a Caucasian growing up in the 60’s, prejudice was an expected part of our upbringing. We didn’t even think about it, it was just the way it was. There were black kids in our school, but rarely any interaction between us except in sports. I never stopped to ask why it was that way, but just figured the black kids got the same memo as white kids, that we weren’t supposed to like each other.

A few months after I got saved a singing group came to our church from an affiliated college. The kids were to be housed by the families of the church. My mom got a call and was asked if we’d be willing to host a black male student. Amazingly, my mom said “yes,” and that was the beginning of an education that has continued to this day.

Mel was a few years older than me, but one of the kindest, most gentle, most talented men I’d ever met, and was also a very talented musician. We hit it off immediately and, for me, the race barrier was shattered. From then on it became apparent to me that the color of our skin, the one thing with which we’re born and over which we have no decision or control, should never separate us.

It took me a while to realize that unlike many of the pictures I’d seen of Jesus, he wasn’t a white guy, but a man of color who grew up in a land I’d never heard of until I began to read the Bible.

Racism is a belief that some races are by nature superior to others, leading to discrimination based on that belief. Having traveled to other countries and met people whom I instantly loved based on nothing more than our mutual love of Jesus, I found it strange that there was so much turbulence in the 60’s due to race. Why couldn’t we just get to know each other and learn to love one another?

Not understanding the history between white and black people until I was older, I hadn’t understood the basis of the mistrust and hatred. But also, being aware of the rednecks in the backwoods of West Virginia, and realizing I was seen as one, I understood perfectly. I learned when you treat someone as stupid or unwelcome, or “different” in any way, it doesn’t take them long to believe that about you and or themselves.

Garrett Kell made an insightful observation when he wrote: “One of racism’s most deceitful tricks is to assure you that it abides anywhere other than your own heart.” One of the greatest privileges I’ve ever had is to be a part of Hope Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have more than 50 language groups represented in our congregation.

Some Sundays we sing familiar songs or choruses and many of the people sing them in their native language. It’s a touch of heaven and never ceases to bring tears to my eyes. I now have many friends of all shapes, sizes, and colors and each one brings a new and much invited dimension to my spirit that enables me to see Jesus a little more clearly.

Regardless of where you live or how long you’ve walked with the Lord, please allow the Lord to open your heart to each of your brothers and sisters regardless of race, color, ethnicity, or anything else that might be different from you. Learn from one another and allow the Lord to build between you an unbreakable bond of loving friendship. When you do, you’ll experience a little bit of heaven on earth.

Food for thought.

Blessings, Ed 😊