When does racism begin in a person’s life? It certainly is not in the womb or directly after we are delivered into this world, is it? Babies may see a difference in skin color, however, they don’t think they are better than that other little baby, so not there.
Depending on the environment at home, kids may hear family members talk about racial issues, or see something on the news about the racial unrest in our country. In school, kids will learn about the horrific years of slavery, the racial wars of years past and maybe see that as part of history.
Depending where we live, there can be much stronger opinions about the differences between the races, built on past racial issues, and a child’s opinion begins to be formed. They may learn to only play or go where “their” race goes, do what “their” race does or form political opinions with “their race” controlling their beliefs.
We don’t live in an area where there is a lot of talk publicly about racial differences, but there are still many who suffer from racial slurs, verbal attacks, and an overall sense of differences instead of seeing the common bonds of human beings. To tell you the truth, next to people hurting children, racial prejudice makes me horribly righteously angry. I cannot tell you how deep this goes for me, Readers!
The Truth is….God made each one of us in His own image. He created us uniquely, gave all of us gifts and talents to use for His purposes. His love is unconditional for all of us, no matter what color our skin is. Period. Who do we think we are that we would believe for one minute that one race is superior or inferior to another?!!
“For God so loved THE WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son; that WHOSEVER believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Do you see any reference to color of skin or any differences in ethnicity in that scripture?
“Love ONE ANOTHER as I have loved you.” John 13:34 Any reference to a person’s race?
So, how can we do our part to help change this racial prejudice in our communities? First of all, remember that just because we don’t live something doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Here is what I mean:
- “I don’t see anyone singling out a black person at the store and ‘keeping an eye on them’.” Believe me; it happens a lot and I have been witness to it, even though it doesn’t happen to me personally.
- “No one talks to a Hispanic in a mean way.” Believe me again; I have heard white people say, “Now, maybe they will go back to their own country and leave us alone.” (not political)
- “Employers don’t not hire someone because of their race.” Believe me!
Let’s open our eyes and look around us. Include people of all races in our activities, our churches, and lives. Segregating is the enemy’s way of dividing God’s children and we can do our part to unite, extend the arms of Jesus to all, and build a better world.
“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with ME.”