Josh and I have been having a lot of conversations lately about systemic racism, white privilege, and how we can be better allies to the Black community. We want to be burden-bearers; we want others to know we are with them and for them. While I realize that sitting at home simply reading about racial injustice is not a substitute for actually engaging with the people in our community, I do think education is a good first step. Here are some resources that have been a helpful starting point for me so far:
–White Privilege by Peggy McIntosh (free PDF!)
–13th documentary on Netflix
–The Reconciliation Conversation podcast
–Code Switch podcast
–Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
–Blood Done Sign My Name by Timothy B. Tyson
I am also realizing the importance of having children’s books, toys, etc in our home that feature people of color. I ordered several books online that I’m going to read to Baby K now and, in the not-so-distant future, Baby Hogg. So far Baby K hasn’t paid too much attention during our reading sessions, but we’ll give him some time! 😉
Becoming more aware of all of this injustice feels so heavy to me, and I cannot imagine the weight that Black people have been feeling for years upon years. It breaks my heart, and it motivates me to do better now that I know better. It can seem overwhelming as we seek to uproot a system of oppression that is woven into the fabric of our society, but I have been finding comfort in this verse: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Jesus fought for the freedom and dignity of the oppressed, and I believe that as Christ followers, we are called to do the same.
A Continual Feast 