Yes, Black Lives Matter
Today, February 1st, marks the beginning of Black History Month in the US. Every year, we make the sad, ironic observation that "it would be the shortest month of the year." And of course, it wasn't until 1976 that is was established, and even later that it was more universally acknowledged and celebrated. And while this isn't, and shouldn't be, a once a year kind of thing, as a white American, I feel that this is another opportunity for me to examine myself for racial bias and offer up continuing prayers for repentance and reconciliation.
The state of racial relations has been much in the news lately, with the video proof of police discrimination and brutality towards Blacks and the Black Lives Matter movement. It continues with the disappointingly white cabinet and Supreme Court nominees put forward by the President. The election campaign and its aftermath seem to have given the "OK" for many hate-filled racists to go on the attack. As Christians, we not only have to speak out against such hate, we have to lead by example and show the world what reconciliation looks like.
The church is not exempt from calls of racism. Not too long ago, my church had an official policy segregating not only Blacks, but Hispanics, from full participation and representation in the church and its governing bodies. But that is changing and many church denominations have put forward statements and services of repentance and reconciation. Even so, we need to remain skeptical that such statements really have any bearing on the actions and biases of the people in the pews.
How many times to we pray "help me love my neighbor" and then immediately turn our backs on the homeless man begging on the corner? How many times do we say, "I have lots of friends who are black (or Hispanic, or gay, etc) but never invite them to our homes, our major life events or even out to dinner? I am encouraged when I see white and Latino faces at Black Lives Matter rallies, and Blacks and Asians protecting Muslims on the steps of the Texas State Capitol yesterday. It is a beginning.
We all know that Paul said to the Jewish Christians who were struggling with accepting the Gentile Christians, "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew not Greek; slave nor free; male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3: 26-17) But is that really the way we live our lives?
Our prayers and offerings ring hollow if they are tainted by the stain of unacknowledged biases and lack of empathy and understanding of others. Jesus said, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you., leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
Ackowledging our own unconscious biases is not easy. No one wants to admit that they are "racist" or "sexist" or "heterosexist". But we need to come to grips with those parts of our selves that make us uncomfortable. We must repent and repair relationships. By ourselves, this is impossible. But, with God's help, all things are possible.
God of all people, forgive my sins, including the sin of racism. Open my eyes and my heart to all forms of discrimination and give me the courage and boldness to openly combat them. Be with me as I reach out to those who are different from me to offer friendship, encouragment and love. Amen.
The state of racial relations has been much in the news lately, with the video proof of police discrimination and brutality towards Blacks and the Black Lives Matter movement. It continues with the disappointingly white cabinet and Supreme Court nominees put forward by the President. The election campaign and its aftermath seem to have given the "OK" for many hate-filled racists to go on the attack. As Christians, we not only have to speak out against such hate, we have to lead by example and show the world what reconciliation looks like.
The church is not exempt from calls of racism. Not too long ago, my church had an official policy segregating not only Blacks, but Hispanics, from full participation and representation in the church and its governing bodies. But that is changing and many church denominations have put forward statements and services of repentance and reconciation. Even so, we need to remain skeptical that such statements really have any bearing on the actions and biases of the people in the pews.
How many times to we pray "help me love my neighbor" and then immediately turn our backs on the homeless man begging on the corner? How many times do we say, "I have lots of friends who are black (or Hispanic, or gay, etc) but never invite them to our homes, our major life events or even out to dinner? I am encouraged when I see white and Latino faces at Black Lives Matter rallies, and Blacks and Asians protecting Muslims on the steps of the Texas State Capitol yesterday. It is a beginning.
We all know that Paul said to the Jewish Christians who were struggling with accepting the Gentile Christians, "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew not Greek; slave nor free; male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3: 26-17) But is that really the way we live our lives?
Our prayers and offerings ring hollow if they are tainted by the stain of unacknowledged biases and lack of empathy and understanding of others. Jesus said, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you., leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
Ackowledging our own unconscious biases is not easy. No one wants to admit that they are "racist" or "sexist" or "heterosexist". But we need to come to grips with those parts of our selves that make us uncomfortable. We must repent and repair relationships. By ourselves, this is impossible. But, with God's help, all things are possible.
God of all people, forgive my sins, including the sin of racism. Open my eyes and my heart to all forms of discrimination and give me the courage and boldness to openly combat them. Be with me as I reach out to those who are different from me to offer friendship, encouragment and love. Amen.
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