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| A blog to my ‘black’ brothers and sisters |
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First of all, if you are on this site, no matter what your skin color, ethnicity, or “race”, you are more than likely my brother or sister (spiritually speaking) and in the grand scheme, that is what matters most to me about you. That’s what my Lord and brother Jesus sees, and therefore what I see as well. We are family. Because of this, I love you. Pure, and simple.
Next, I want to admit to an ignorance borne out of a neglect of history, specifically your history. I’ve always tried to treat people like people, inherently valuable regardless of external appearance. Most would probably call me fair and impartial with respect to skin color. I have friends with light skin and dark skin, and I love to give handshakes and hugs of fellowship to all just the same. But… perhaps “same” and “impartial” are unfair, considering the history of this country.
We would like to believe that we already live in a colorless society here in the US, wouldn’t we? But truth be told, we aren’t there yet, and perhaps should not “pretend” that we are. Given the appalling injustices of the past, given the handicaps of history, perhaps rather than ignorantly impartial, we on the “other side” of that history should actually be sympathetically partial? That is, partial in a positive way.
I mean, should I really treat you as if the group you belong to has no history at all, as if the world began the day you and I were born? Should I be so quick to treat the slate as if it were clean, when in reality the slate is deeply stained? Time heals wounds but it doesn’t wipe slates clean.
Yes, I realize that I played no part at all in the evils that affected your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and so on. I realize that I carry no personal guilt whatsoever. But yet, in my own hesitance to acknowledge that the past affects the present, it seems I’ve been deeply insensitive in sweeping history under the rug.
I would like to repent of my intentional ignorance of the past. In addition, I pledge a little extra to you. Extra love, extra understanding, extra thought, extra prayers, extra help, extra consideration, extra warmth, extra compassion, extra generosity, extra patience, extra whatever it is you may need from me. Does this sound like preferential treatment? Well maybe it is—I have a strong preference that you feel loved, accepted, esteemed, valued, respected, cherished, treasured, beautiful, whole and healthy!
And if this blog comes across to you as anything other than a genuine and sincere attempt to overcome a distraction from the pure worship of God together while we dwell in this world, if my ignorance appears to persist, please help me understand what I’m missing. If there is anything that I can do for you, please let me know. Christ, the Washer of feet, was a servant to his disciples. I can certainly be yours.
It is my belief that the true Church should be leading the quest for reconciliation of all types, including (or especially) racial. We in the family of God should be way above reproach (Rom 12:17b) when it comes to accusations of racism. So if a little extra something from me would be helpful, let me know.
Love,
~mike |
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| I think I know how you feel Mike. I'd like a little less division amongst brother's and sisters. |
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Christ, the Washer of feet, was a servant to his disciples. I can certainly be yours. If all of us can emulate the servant model of leadership, Christianity would be loved by all and there would be absolute brotherhood. Great blog again Mike Ragland |
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Megan |
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April 09, 2008 at 2:17am |
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| Great work my friend..Please try to catch up on your sleep. |
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Praise God for the words spoken here...true brotherly love!!
Stand with you on this!!! Wonderful post!!!!
We are ALL family!!!
God Bless you!!!! |
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Amy |
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April 09, 2008 at 5:48am |
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| Amen! |
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God made us all different! We look different, act different, think different... we even serve God in different styles. Color, language, financial position, or social position makes us different. Hey, what about denominations, doctrinal beliefs, etc.? I can keep going and going and I can find millions of things that make us all different... but one thing unite us and that is the blood of Jesus. We are brothers and sisters "in Christ" and we better act like it, 'cause in heaven there will be no individual white, black, Asian, Hispanic, Indian... churches; we will all be together.
Revelation 7: 9After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." (NIV) |
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Mike Great Blog!
But I have to tell you "You have always been color blind to me" I say this because if i had never seen you picture i would have always looked at you as a brother, because you have always acted as a Brother, and nothing less. If we had more people with this Love and compassion for all people I think we would have a much better world. Just like God sees one color , all of us should see one color " THE Blood OF JESUS" |
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Interesting read, indeed.
This comment is not directly related to your topic, but to some degree it is. One thing that always impressed me about Victory World Church here in Atlanta is the wide variety of cultures that forms that portion of the body. God spoke to the pastor over 18 years ago and told him to start a church. Not just any church, but a church that would bridge the gap between races. God told him back then that one day there would be 100 nations coming together under one roof.
Well, Praise God that Pastor Rouse was obedient to that calling. The the best of my knowledge, at last count, there were 97 Nations currently represented. That's awesome. At certain times they will display flags from each nation in the parking lot. It's a beautiful thing!
Myself, I am not colorblind. The fact is that we are indeed different culturally. But the greater fact is that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made from the very hand of God and we need each other.
Peace! |
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Cheryl |
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April 09, 2008 at 6:58am |
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| Mike, as always brother you have a heart of pure gold. My family also has African-American in our roots, I was given blond hair from our German side; however some of my family members have distinct ethnic tones. I do not stand in any 'class' of people and have always been my own individual. I wholeheartedly agree with Keith's comment above: 'if {we} had never seen a picture {of you} he would have always looked at you as a brother, because you have acted as a Brother, and nothing less." Just like Keith also says...May we only see one color....."The Blood of Jesus" |
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BHEK |
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April 09, 2008 at 7:30am |
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Bother Mike....
With joy in my heart, I fully accept the spirit in which this post was written. I know without question that your love is real. I appreciate the public repentance, but I would be careful here to not repent for sins that are not yours. Righteousness, not guilt, should be the catalyst for reconciliation. But that being said, this was a powerful move man. For as many people as will respond to this, FAR many more will just read it and think. Some will be convicted. Some will be comforted. Some will agree and some will not. But all will have to consider what you have laid out before us. You have given that one extra thing......a desire to understand.
Much love,
Bhek |
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| Mike, my experience has taught me that the key to reconciliation is not ignoring our differences but humbly admitting our ignorances and in grace and love, being willing to ask questions and stretch one another. I think that is the essence of what you are saying. The key is to not try and be somebody you're not- just be you and respect others and you'll go along way in building a reconciled church. |
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Little brother:
You just gave me that extra "extra piece of your heart" and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have never expected anything extra from anyone, I have only wanted a chance to be who I am regardless of race and color. Only a chance equal to everyone else to explore, provide, love, experience life for me and mine. We cannot change what our parents or grandparents did in the past, but we can change the future for ourselves and our children. It is a shame that a lot of people cannot let go.....
My Father has provided me with friends who express themselves with honesty and who truly know the meaning of transparency. What more could I ask for? I love you and everyone that I communicate with here. Along with the Holy Spirits guidance you have shown me that there truly are people, Gods people who care.
Love ya little brother
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You know Mike, you are one of the few people that I believe. You make a statement and I believe you... believe it, are going to do it, feel it, etc.
You make an interesting point about whether or not the black brother or sister wants preferential treatment. Do they? Is it expected of others? I wonder. I also wonder where the line is, that one you pass over into seperating a group of people from the whole. I look at other people groups and have wonder about them as well. I wonder am I suppose to treat Jews differently as well? They have been persecuted by the World! I just don't know where the line is. Should I be sensitive? Yes, I believe so. Should I be willing to give an extra ear? Yes, but I should do so with everyone. Jesus even said that he was not a respector of persons. (James 2)
I think perhaps it is not preferential treatment that may be needed but in fact, a validation. For all of us have history. For most history has great pain and for me to tell one that their pain deserves more attention than anothers seems unlike Christ. For Christ has shown me that my insignificant life with it's insignificant details have great significance with Him. |
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wow. Again I am so impressed with this site and the comments. I love you all. To picture every flag represented here and to see ourselves as the blood of Jesus! Go God!!
I am your Sister in Christ of Scottish origins |
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Thank you all, and to God be the glory!!!!!! Every response here so far represents the very best that I had hoped for, the magnificent transcending love of Christ, defying our differences as it is expressed in the sweetest of terms!!
I'll try to post a longer response tonight, when I have more time. May God bless each and every one of you! |
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TIGERT |
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April 09, 2008 at 12:51pm |
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| ?! |
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Deb |
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April 09, 2008 at 1:21pm |
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| When I was in college I had a black roommate. My dad nearly had a heart attack, because he was of that age group that did not trust black people at all. I however didn't mind it. She was a great person. But I did know what it felt like to be in the minority. If I hung out with her, her friends were all black except for me. So I was the only white girl with a bunch of black girls. So I do know a little bit about what it is to be in the minority. Gives me a little tiny insight into what they go through living in a "white" world. Only a tiny little bit though. Great blog! |
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Mike, once again an excellent and needed post. I can remember as a child seeing separation (doctor's waiting area, water fountains, seating) and I remember (even as a young child) wondering why. My prayer is that we see the heart and that we love unconditionally as children do. When I befriend someone it is because of the person not the color of the skin, their social standing, their age or where they are from. I pray that I have passed this on to my family. Thank you for posted what a lot of people may have thought but didn't have the courage to do it.
Wish we could all have a great big mychurch family hug!!!!! |
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God has given us a ministry of reconcilliation. There are differences in all of us, but that is what makes the body of Christ so wonderful. There is neither Jew nor Greek, or in our culture Black or White or Latino, or Asian, for we are all one in Christ.
I think it is an important step to apologize for the sins of our Fathers and to break the curses that are over us. It is the only way to healing.
As for America, we have come a long way in the 40 years I have been alive. But, I think the issues that we face today are as you pointed out...the average white american says, "I didn't have anything to do with any of that." Yet we have done nothing to build the bridges of trust and recocilliation to our estranged brothers. I have co-pastored 2 "black" churches in my lifetime and once the trust issue is resolved my "black brothers and sisters" were fine with me and we would laugh about my whiteness, but it wasn't demeaning or degrading rather an appreciation of our differences. We all the same in some ways, but in other ways we are very different. I think most of troubles and issues lie with fear, mistrust, and ignorance.
God Bless...a couragous post. |
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Todd, you said "important step to apologize for the sins of our Fathers"....Yes, or at least if not apologize, acknowledge them, and as you also said, build bridges! Satan loves to pit one group against another, and when he gets in our minds and suggests there's truth to the stereotypes, it becomes all too easy for us to make judgments about other people w/o even getting to know them. Good comment!!
Cheryl, such a nice post! I too remember some things said and done 30 or so years ago that would be frowned on in a big way today. A big MyChurch hug would be wonderful...one day it will happen! As someone said to me the other day, "see you here, there, or in the air!" 
Deb, thanks for the comment! If only we could all truly experience life in someone else's shoes, perhaps we'd work harder to build those bridges Todd mentioned, and treat everyone w/more grace.
TIGERT, I know just what you mean! lol Love you man... |
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Ruth, careful your expectations don't get too high! 
(yes, this site is awesome and never ceases to amaze me too!)
DeboraJ, do folks want preferential treatment? I'm sure they don't, BUT... if we go to extra lengths to show love and concern, we can erase all doubts and Satan stands less chance of getting them to buy into his lies about themselves....and about me! The lies Satan whispers to us concerning other groups of people are very powerful, and the temptation to judge folks before getting to know them is strong. Thanks for such a thoughtful post!
Mary, I love hearing from you! I guess you could be the "big sister" I never had!  Your posts are always packed with wisdom, and a perspective I need to hear. Thank you! I also had your comment in mind when I typed the above to DeboraJ. I'm sure you don't want preferential treatment, but if I go the extra mile then all doubts will be erased and Satan stands less chance of ruining our friendship. Right? |
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"admitting our ignorances and in grace and love"...such wisdom...THANKS Brad!
Bhek, your post means much to me!! I believe God put you < 5 miles from me for a reason, hope to chat soon (and hear your real voice)! ps... "given that one extra thing......a desire to understand." AMEN and I PRAY SO!!
Cheryl...amen to you and amen to Keith...the only color that matters is the color of the blood that saved us! And rest assured, folks will try to group you, even if you attempt to stand apart. I recognize that some will see me and make certain assumptions about me. Therefore if I put forth extra efforts, do the unexpected, go the extra mile, people will know my desires before Satan's suggestions can sink in....... That is my intention at least!!! |
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Michael, sounds like a great idea, the desire to intentionally include all nationalities at your church. "...the greater fact is that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made..." Amen brother, amen. God bless!
Keith, I cherish you!! Thank you for that, my friend!!
Lourdes, as always, great wisdom delivered with grace. Comments from you and Dr W add much to any blog...thank you! I agree, there are a million things that make us different, if we focus on the here and now, that which will pass away. But if our eyes are on eternity, we will see the great unity bought with a great price, Jesus' blood. Thanks for your comment!!  |
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Cheryl |
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April 09, 2008 at 9:28pm |
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| Thank you for this Mike, and for your time and heart. |
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Thank you Amy! Megan, how'd you know I was so tired!?! (You were right!) Donna, thank you for standing with me, that means a lot!
Rag, yes, the world would be a better place indeed! In fact, just think what it will be like when the Lord takes all Christians out of the world in the rapture (if you subscribe to that teaching). Gone will be the salt, the light. They think the world is a difficult place now? Then it will be positively frightful!!
Dave, thanks buddy! |
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Mike, There you go again, wearing your heart on your sleeve. I just love you period. You are so genuine and it shows in all of your blogs. What I love about you is your desire to understand, this to me is most precious. What an example you are! What a leader you are! Please never stop allowing God to grow you in His Grace. Pastor Aminata |
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| Good one Mike ! God is Love ! His Children are Born of Love............... |
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Pastor Aminata, thanks, and your love is reciprocated with vigor!
Thanks Paul!
I rec'd a heartfelt email asking, what about native Americans, Japanese Americans, Jews, and other groups who have been persecuted? What makes one group with a history of persecution better (or more deserving of special treatment) than another? Yes, I admit, this is a complex question and the answer just as complex...maybe. On an individual level, if we're living gracefully, with an eye and ear tuned to the weak, downtrodden, and needy, no matter what "race", ethnicity, or whatever basis they've been mistreated, always considering others better than ourselves, then it's possible to give a little "extra" to all, treating everyone preferentially the same. Does this sound contradictory? Is it?? |
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Mike,
Who's asking for special treatment I wonder? To love is not preferential, to seek justice is not preferential, to seek equity - actions, treatment of others, or a general condition characterized by justice, fairness, and impartiality is not preferential in my opinion. As Christians we are to applied to all who are persecuted isn't that right? Yet allow me to say this, I will help anyone if it is in my power to do so... but I must feed my children, my family in my home first. That's just common sense. |
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Ed |
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April 10, 2008 at 2:45pm |
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| Great blog, Mike! I have always said "What can't we just get along?" I guess it would apply in a myriad of circumstances and it's not always an easy goal. We've come this far in America because 40 years ago one brave soul had to courage to "Dream Big". Dr. King set the goal, now it's up to all of us to not only keep the dream alive, but to finish the race. Thanks for passing the baton, Mike! |
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Pastor Aminata, yep, it's our God given responsibility to look out first for those God put in our care, our family! As for fairness and equity, I believe only God is able to achieve perfect fairness, but yet look at what he does....he treats us so much better than we deserve!! (That's not fair, that's exceeding mere fairness!) He then calls us to treat others better than they deserve, that is, preferentially! (This is a slightly different take on "preferential treatment" than yours, not better, not right, just different.) Thanks for adding yet more insight to this discussion Pastor Aminata!
Thanks Ed, I appreciate that! |
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| AWSOME... just Awsome. well said,and very well written. I strive to be more and more like Jesus everyday Mike, and I have to say, you are such a good example to follow in my efforts, and I hope I can be used one day in the same way that God uses you... to inspire, encourage, and teach resulting in the ability to be a more loving, understanding, and compassionate follower of Christ. Great Job! |
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| Thanks Tammy. My goal is much the same as yours, to be more and more like Jesus! |
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Mike,
Awesome blog. You heart to be God's instrument for reconciliation is evident. It takes humility and a sincere desire to see the body of Christ truly unfied to write what you did. You accurately artuclated the need to understand the other person. We could all benefit from Stephen Covey's advice to first seek to understand, then be undertsood. Thanks so much for sharing your heart!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim |
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| Cella Jean, my precious sister! Thanks for your response, it warms my heart! I wish that we could reach through the screen and pull you and Del to us--you need to live here, where the air is fresh, and your neighbors will look out for you. It would be a serious pleasure to call you guys neighbors! |
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Cheryl |
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April 13, 2008 at 11:01am |
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| I still have to add...talk about seeing the real heart of JESUS, this blog does it! |
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AMEN! John 17:11 & 22 "We are to be one as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are ONE!" There is not male or female, Hebrew or Greek, bond nor free in the Spirit of GOD!
We are all one, if one of us hurts then the others of us should hurt also. If you hit your finger with a hammer the whole body feels it! More Love More Power, More of CHRIST in OUR Lives! |
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Thanks Cheryl, that's a humbling comment. You're a great encourager!
David, thanks! Guess I'm advocating we go a little out of our way to make sure that oneness is realized, and felt. We've had brothers and sisters of African origins for at least the last 200 years, but not a lot of oneness was felt between us until relatively recently. I appreciate your love for God's ppl, David! |
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Racism has been a very hard thing for me to deal with, I do thank God it has improved. I grew up not really liking white people, because of the times that was in, during the 50"s and 60's. I was told that to be white is an advantage, and it was, that being black was a disadvantage, and it was. That God was white, and he is not and that Jesus was white, and he was not. I personally lived through the residue of intense racism and I do think things are much better now than they were. There still remains the residue of Racism, even within me, but the focus of the future can often be judged by the past. America is better off in this area, as compared to the year 1960. And I am better off now in my 50's, than I was in my teens.
Racism gives you an aittitude that sticks with you, it either gets better or worse. And the view of racism will always be different. Racism looks different to me, a Black man, than it does to a White man. Racism will always look different from the points that it is viewed from. Its different to view racism from the group that gives it, to the group that has received it. Those are different points of view, totally different experiences. Now if you look at racism from a Spiritual point of view, thats a whole different ball game. Peace. |
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"Racism will always look different from the points that it is viewed from."
This is so very true, Mickiel. Thanks for your comment, your efforts to help me understand your point of view are treasured, my brother in Christ. |
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WOW.....Let's see where do I begin with this blog.
Great blog, very thought provoking and I love the spirit in which it was written.
I was born in 1970, racial tension was very much alive. My grandparents (maternal & paternal) lived in Alabama and I remember one summer having to hide under the bed from the KKK......I may have been 6 years old but the memory is as clear as this screen I'm looking at. I was terrified, because I hadn't experienced racism personally until that day.
I thank GOD that my grandmother knew to call on the Name of JESUS to comfort me after they left. When I spoke with my parents that day, they just told me that there are mean people in the world and to ask GOD to help them when I say my prayers.
My family members could have used that incident to harden my heart towards white people, but instead they taught me how to love and pray for my enemies. They never even told me that the people under the sheets were white. I found that out a few years later watching Roots. Being so young I just wondered what could we have done to make these people hate us so much. Having darker skin can not be what all the MAYHEM is about.
As I got older, saw more movies, read more books and learned more about my ancestry I felt an uneasiness around white people......it wasn't dislike or hate......just uneasy. Wondering is their smile geniune or the grin of hatred.
I know a few people that feel that America owe's them a monetary settlement for the past.
However, there is no amount of money that can undo 300+ years of slavery, lynching, degradation and utter dismissal of human rights.
All I desire is equality......nothing more.......nothing less.
If that never comes to past in my lifetime, I'll be ok because man does not hold the key to my fate. My joy and happiness comes from GOD.
I am so thankful that I don't hold racism and hate in my heart. I'm blessed to have white, black, and korean relatives.
As an adult, I've learned that there are good and bad spirits, and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
As a child of GOD, I am commissioned to love my sister and my brother. Dislike the sin, love the person. I understand that Hate is a characteristic of those who live in darkness (the enemy is colorblind, he accepts all that apply for a job).
The past can never be erased, forgotten or changed, but the future CAN!!!
What can we as children of THE LIGHT do to encourage those who are living in the darkness of hatred?
Luv ya Mike |
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Thank you Carlita! Wow, the best comment I've ever rec'd!!!
You are beautiful inside and out, you know that, my sister? I love what you wrote. Some pretty amazing points, like this: "they just told me that there are mean people in the world and to ask GOD to help them when I say my prayers." What a Godly perspective, in the face of such persecution....wow! This is the transcending beauty of Christ! I'm noting the color-blindness here too, not blaming the aggressors based on their skin color, but acknowledging that there are "mean people" out there....you better believe it! And guess what? There are also nice people too! Of all ethnicities, nationalities, "races", skin color/tones, etc... God bless you Carlita, love you sister! |
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Thank you Mike.......I take no credit, my parents and grandparents did a great job training me in the ways of GOD. I had never put words to that experience and I really have never dealt with the topic of racism. So everything I wrote was from my heart.
You are absolutely right........there are definitely wonderful people "Of all ethnicities, nationalities, "races", skin color/tones, etc..." you, Laura and my MYCHURCH family are evidence of that.
P.S. Thanx for the pic comments. You have a lovely family...........you go Laura (beautiful lady).
Luv Carlita. |
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| Andrey, forgive me, this blog was inspired by the history of the country I live in, and addresses some of the residual effects. There was no intention to exclude anyone. It makes my heart glad that you enjoy close relationships with people regardless of skin color/tone/shade -- I'm sure it pleases our Father as well!! Thanks for your post! |
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Just like God sees one color, all of us should see one color " THE Blood OF JESUS". I Love this Cheryl.
Here is another great blog, Mike. Thanks so much for your excellent spirit and gifts that shine through every time He puts something on your heart and your fingers begin to type. You are so gifted and talented... but more importantly it is the heart behind the gift. It truly does shine through with genuine & sincere care and God's great love. I feel that every time you write we are served a BANQUET... a buffet of delicious nourishment that cannot be compared to any earthly natural food.
No matter what color you (we) are... we are to look like HIM! THAT is the importance of the color of the Blood of Jesus... it's the color of unity. ;-)
You are a true servant and it's an honor to know you. Thank you again...
Your grateful sister in Christ,
Melanie
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Melanie,
If anyone should write a book it should be you, dear sister! Thanks for some pretty amazing words of encouragement. Indeed, "No matter what color you (we) are... we are to look like HIM!" If our eyes are on the Savior, they will not be on minor differences between us. God bless you Melanie,
~your grateful bro |
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Bro. Mike,
I am one of you black sisters in Christ :) I can only speak for myself...Thank you. I truly and humbly accept your thoughtful and sincere acknowlegement of the plight of ancestors, parents, grandparents, etc. Not being one to hold that past against anyone, I strive to live by these commandments- "Do unto others as you would have them so unto you" and "Love ye one another as I have loved you." Like most people I've met, I try to treat everyone in the same way as I want to be treated.
I believe if the rest of us gave a "little extra", we would certainly be on the road to becoming the people God wants us to be. Let's just keep, prayering for, listening to, acknowleging, exhorting, forgiving, and encouraging one another. "No matter what color you (we) are... we are to look like HIM!" If our eyes are on the Savior, they will not be on minor differences between us~ You are so right Melanie. |
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Robyn, I cherish your input, thanks for blessing us with your post! Indeed, if we all gave a "little extra", our brothers and sisters would know our intentions beyond any doubts! However, if each of us sought only to give "enough", then we would be opening ourselves to questions about our motives.
Love ya sister!  |
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Thanks for the extra special hug. Back to ya.
We'll be praying for our U.K. friend... |
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