This is a repost from a blog I wrote in 2017, but an important one.
There is so much confusion and pain around the words “white privilege”, I wanted to share my story as a white woman.
I remember the first time I heard the words “white privilege” and later, “subversive white supremist”. My heart was broken. I felt someone was judging my intentions without knowing me, I felt shame, I felt confused, I felt anger….I saw myself as a lover and includer of all people regardless of race, gender, social/economical background, age, disability, sexual orientation etc… I felt on the defense,. All of a sudden, my whiteness made me feel like an evil person and I hated that. My self- condemnation led me to withdraw from the conversation. And to be honest, I had only acquaintance who were black, so I had no ideas what their life experiences was like, outside of books, movies and TV. I let my emotions kept me divided from others. and from being apart of the change that needed to take place. Thankfully, God has a different plan. He brought several black, African American and indigenous people into my life. These friends were gracious and loving, sharing their stories. As I listened, I realized, all the things I thought I had suffered never could compare to the personal and systematic suffering of my friends. Then I studied diversity and systematic racism in college and I studied what the Bible said about justice and human dignity. My eyes were open to the truth – I am a woman of white privilege. I no longer see the words, “white privilege” as an insult or something I should feel guilty about. These words are not a form of reverse racism. White privilege is a fact of this broken world we live in. If you have felt repelled by the words, white privilege, or wanted to retreat, you are not alone. I don’t want you to go silent. I want to keep the dialogue open so we can work together to bring God’s kingdom to earth. That is a kingdom where all people are treated with human dignity and worth. Don’t let these words stop you from being you. Let them be words that make you ask more questions and seek God’s answers.
I am in it with you, Angela
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.
I was wrong.
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.
How can Jesus people change this situation?
1. Recognize it is a complex problem that can’t be ignored.
2. Admit and dispel your personal prejudices.
3. 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.
4. We must humble ourselves, pray and seek God.
5. 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.
6. Do what Jesus did. Immerse yourself. Be intentional.
Other Impactful Resources:
The History of Systemic Racism in America
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
What do you think?