Pray for for the Spirit to give you greater sensitivity
to the pain and challenges minorities face daily, including the
more subtle forms of discrimination and disrespect. Pray for repentance
to grow among offending believers and for forgiveness from minority
believers. Pray for Christ to be glorified by churches becoming
the primary vehicle for authentic racial reconciliation.
Please pray also for groups ministering in this area, such as
Christians for United Community (CUC). Their stated mission is
"helping our churches and community unite to dismantle the
root causes of racism and disparity". Involvement includes
areas of church unity, education, or community advocacy.
These are a few practical suggestions from one of our elders,
David Key. We've watched David grow by personally pursuing issues
of racism for many years now.
Eye contact/body language/greeting - is the most simple practical
suggestion, but possibly the most profound. Typically our body
language speaks strongly of our fear or rejection of someone we
perceive as not being like us. Being sensitized to this, you will
likely find that you rarely make direct eye contact while speaking
to minority strangers. Intentionally look directly at the person
while greeting them. I have most always experienced positive response
and warmth, the worst case has been no response. I believe many
minorities feel a sense of love and acceptance just by being greeted
eye to eye.
LISTEN to minorities. I have found their world view so different
than mine and I need to really listen to fully understand. It
takes effort, discipline, and the Spirit to have ears to fully
hear and recognize the anger and pain of those who've experienced
oppression. Prepare to live with darkness and perplexity over
racism. It's not a "solvable problem." The beauty of
the gospel is that faith is the essence of the conflict and struggle;
there is tremendous freedom for all in gospel reconciliation.
Make friends with a person of a different race or nationality.
Have meals together, meet where they are comfortable... it breaks
down barriers and opens dialogue.
Have dialogue with your children about majority privilege much
as you would about other difficult topics like smoking, alcohol,
sex, etc. Encourage your kids to invite friends of other races
and nationalities into your home. Offer rides to activities, meals,
a place to hang, etc.
Watch movies and have discussions. The following is a short list
ranging from tame and light-hearted to more sobering:
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Driving Miss Daisy
Remember the Titans
Dances with Wolves
White Man's Burden
A Time to Kill
Crash
Written by Pastor Dave
Desforge
