I am a woman whose heart seeks justice, equality, and dignity for every human being. But over the past few months, I have felt my voice go silent as I became paralyzed by the continued acts of violence and discrimination enacted against my African American friends, my Hispanic sisters, and my Muslim neighbors. The divide seems to be widening and the fear intensifying as people take their corners. In my silence, I have taken action. In my silence, I decided to allow my brothers and sisters to fight their battle on their own.
Being born white has its privileges.
I don’t have fear of being pulled over in my neighborhood because of the color of my skin or having tweets and Facebook posts that threaten my life due to my religious choice. No one ever told me to go back to my country of origin or to get a job as a maid because I am a woman.
I am a woman of white privilege.
I am a woman with prejudices.
I am a woman who asks my brothers and sisters who are suffering to forgive me for not standing in the battle they are fighting sooner.
I am a woman passionate about justice and change.
I am a woman who sees a different future.
I am a woman who believes in love, dignity, and hope.
I am a Jesus Women who wants to act as Jesus did.
Below is what I learned from watching the “Diversity Panel” hosted by Pastor Dean Curry at Life Center Church in Tacoma. I want to give a special thank you and shout out to the incredible people who participated: Dean Curry, Victoria Woodards, Antonio McLemore, Erin Jones, and Yuri Melendez. Thank you for your loving and honest transparency. It changed my life.
How can we change this situation?
- Recognize it is a complex problem that can’t be ignored.
- Admit and dispel your personal prejudices.
- Love with intensity. Jesus commanded us to love others as we love ourselves. We need to encounter and love those who are different than us.
- We must humble ourselves, pray and seek God.
- Matthew 28 teaches us to go and make disciples. Start by being a voice of light and truth in your home, your town, your church, and your community. Open the door for a stranger. Smile. Listen. Learn and heal.
- Do what Jesus did. Immerse yourself. Be intentional. Listen to someone’s story.
Other Impactful Resources:
Pivot Leadership: Small Steps…Big Change by Angela Craig
Difference Matters by Brenda Allen
Dignity by Dr. Donna Hicks
Where We Stand: Class Matters by Bell Hooks
Salsa, Soul, and Spirit by Juana Bordas
Sherrie
September 26, 2016Your words always prod me to think about things I don’t always consider as deeply as I should. Sadly, the media deluge of so many issues overwhelms so many of us that I’m afraid we self-protect and inadvertently appear passive. I think there are many ways to fight injustice and take a stand. I believe each one of us should use our voices ( and stories) in our places of influence to speak God’s heart of justice, mercy and love. Thank you for your voice, Angela. Thank you for igniting us!
Angela Howard
September 26, 2016I loved the video from Life Center! Thank you for sharing it and reminding all of us to be intentional about love and justice.
Gayl
September 27, 2016I hear your heart here, Angela. I have several African American friends and have learned so much from them. But there is still a lot to learn and I want to listen and to do what I can to help bridge the gap. I never realized what privilege I had. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and this video. I haven’t watched the whole thing yet, but it seems like it’s really good. I’m your neighbor at the #RaRaLinkup. Blessings to you!
Jolene Underwood
September 28, 2016I’m a white woman with privilege too. I have friends of many cultures and attend a diverse church which defies the odds, but only because of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. May we keep listening, keep learning, and keep growing towards greater reconciliation until the day we are fully reconciled and at home.
Jules
November 7, 2016This article is so surreal with me as I’ve experienced this growing up. Being Asian and petite, I’ve encountered every battle of hypocrisy and prejudice that’s come my way as an American Asian US Citizen. Especially, being married to a wonderful European man. Unfortunately, I’m still dealing with it so close to Home, next door. If only people would look beyond the color of our skin, they’d find that we ALL have common interests, dreams, and goals. Just like our White Skinned Brothers and Sisters. I’m thankful, blessed with God’s Wisdom to know how to treat Ignorants with His Love and still show Kindness even when they don’t deserve it, and strong enough to know who I am in Christ, Jesus. Thanks always for sharing your articles, they’re always a good read! XOXO
Stephanie Pringle
November 9, 2016Thanks Angela for sharing your heart and that powerfull video. John Piper said that loving our neighbor, “seems to demand that I tear the skin off my body and wrap it around another person so that I feel that I am that other person; and all the longings that I have for my own safety and health and success and happiness I now feel for that other person as though he were me.” That’s actually what Christ did for mankind and commands those who are His…
A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also love one another (John 13:34).
Blessings!
Stephanie Pringle