I think we can all agree there is a lot on the line for our country right now. Unity, peace, progress, understanding, and love are all on the line, and it’s hard to know if they’re going to make the cut.
But then my husband sends me a photo. And this is what I see on the line at a local football game.
The goal of this mighty little team is not to win, have the most, or be the best.
The goal of this mighty little team is to love … to love each other as they want to be loved.
The goal of this team is to have “our back.”
For they know they are stronger together than they are alone.
Let us take note.
There’s so much on the line.
But love can prevail.
Friends, I’ve seen SO much compassion and outpouring for our brothers and sisters of color these past few weeks. And it’s been beautiful. But I’ve also seen lots of “I’m not going to apologize for something I didn’t do” stuff going on as well. And that, that’s just not helpful. What is helpful is acknowledging that some people have struggles that people with less pigment in their skin just don’t have. And that it exists, and that it’s not fair. Just acknowledging it is a very helpful first step in changing it.
I’m not perfect, and I am SORRY. I AM sorry for things I didn’t do. I am sorry that systemic racism exists (and I am no longer afraid to admit that it does exist.) I am sorry for every bias I’ve ever felt, because that is not of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m sorry that mothers of black children have to worry about their kids being hurt physically or emotionally simply because of the the color of their skin. That is something I will not have to experience as a mom of white children. I’m sorry for all the hurt people of color experience I’ve IGNORED or looked away from because it was inconvenient and HARD for me to stare it in the face.
And though it’s hard, and it’s scary, and honestly, I’m afraid I’ll do it wrong, today I am promising to take a tip from Stafford’s little daughter. From this wise child, who, when she saw a friend targeted because of her race, decided to scoot closer and hurt with her. And be willing to BE hurt with her.
Love CAN prevail—if we let it.
