Do you feel like the fight against racism is too big for you to tackle or that there’s nothing you can do to help? If your answer is yes, then keep reading because I have a solution.
My heart has been so heavy and my mind overwhelmed as I’ve been bombarded with media coverage, stories, and everyone giving their opinion on what we should do to fix things. The level of intensity and unrest makes my head spin.
It didn’t take long for me to start feeling helpless and hopeless.
I needed to have clear vision, to be able to see through the chaos straight to the heart of the matter. I needed to know what I could do from where I am to make a difference right now. So I decided to pull myself away from it and pray.
Where i stand
Before I share ways that we can make the fight against racism personal, I want to make my beliefs clear.
- We were all made in the image of God and he loves us equally, so I love equally. From the ‘best’ to the ‘worst’, “Red, yellow, black or white, we are ALL precious in His sight” and mine. Racism is a form of hate so it 100% goes against God, who is love. No one should suffer because of the color of their skin.
- I’m thankful for first responders, especially police officers that put their lives at risk for us day in and day out. Of course, there will always be bad apples in every profession but the good outweighs the bad. That being said, I believe that when a person abuses their position of authority and allows their views to cause harm to another person, they should pay swift and harsh consequences.
- As followers of Jesus, I believe it’s our responsibility to speak out and stand up for justice but that we should do it in a respectful, responsible way. The violence and destruction I’ve seen are so disheartening. I don’t stand behind that.
The root of racism
The root of racism is hate and it screams a message of division which is a tactic of Satan. If he can divide us and make us hate each other, his work is done. He knows that when we’re divided, we’re weak. God called us to be one, to be united. But we live in a spiritual world, one that lives and breathes to separate and destroy us-all of us.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” -Ephesians 6:12 NIV
But let’s be real here, these spiritual attacks affect people. I don’t think that anyone can truly understand the pain of racism unless they’ve been a target of it. I’ve heard some heartbreaking stories that made my blood boil. But it doesn’t scratch the surface of what some have experienced. Sure, the laws have changed, but that doesn’t take away the pain; there is still healing and unity that needs to take place.
As Christians, it’s our responsibility to try and help reverse the damage that’s been done. Compassion is good but for it to be effective it requires action.
How we can Make the fight against racism personal
Reach out. Is there anyone that you know personally that you can reach out to? In times like these, there are bound to be feelings of isolation so let’s check in on our people! Let them know that we stand with them and give them a chance to talk and then listen with an open heart. We don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing up and letting them know that we care will mean so much.
Pray with and for them. There’s something beautiful that happens when people pray together. Prayer has the power to change things. It can bring healing on deep levels and it creates a bond between the ones praying. When we invite God into a situation, we can expect a breakthrough.
Support Them. Do you know someone affected by the things happening now that own a business, is in ministry, or is doing the hard work to bring about reconciliation on the ground? What can you do to help support them? When we work together and support each other, we are doing small things that will make a big difference. We don’t have to save the world, but we were called to be a light in it.
What do you think? I’d love to hear from you. What are your ideas for making the fight against racism personal? Share your ideas with us in the comments. Together we can make a difference!
Welcome!
I’d like to take a moment to speak to anyone reading that has been affected by the injustice that we talked about today.
If you’ve been a target of racism on any level, please know that you are accepted, included, and loved here. We’re all brothers and sisters so what hurts you hurts me. I’d love to pray with and for you. Please feel free to send me a private email so we can get to know each other.
If you’d like to be a part of The Warrior Bride community, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss anything. Here’s a post that will give you an idea of how we feel about community.
One more thing. If you think this post will resonate with someone you know, feel free to share it with them!
Until next time, I pray God’s richest blessings on you and yours!
Polly. This is so Good!!! I have had you on my mind about 2 weeks now. Love and miss you. Praying for y’all ❤️❤️🙏🙏
Thank you so much, Mrs. Bonnie for reading, for responding and for your prayers! I love and miss you, too! Only a few more months and we’ll be back in the south. You’ll be seeing me 🙂
Polly Murphy! Polly Murphy! Polly Murphy! All I can say is WOW! God bless you always my sister! I have been waiting for someone like you to say exactly this! I cannot begin to tell you how my heart has been hurting. I am actually in a season of grief! Although I am beginning to feel a restoration, I know that my joy had been stolen by the enemy! Your post today is truly helping me to be restored. I have been so disappointed and even distraught over my friends and even church members who have refused to do, even on a small part, what you have done today!
You have shared on a level that only someone, not being Black, could share from the heart of God. Please know that our Father has used you in the lives of so many with this message. Like you I have isolated myself to hear our
Father’s voice as to what I’m to do in this season. I will not stop praying for our first responders and the leaders of this nation. I’m trying to be careful as to not isolate to a point of being totally closed off. After being quarantined I know that it would be a very easy place to attain. But I also know that that’s not our Father’s will for me at this time. Your words have truly lifted me from a dark place. I cannot ask enough or speak enough of our Father’s blessings upon you and your family!
Polly, personally I don’t know of one other White person who has had the courage to step up and say publicly what you’ve posted today. I have had one or two in confidential conversations to say things and then ask me to keep it confidential. What’s with that?! You’re a bold and brave woman and it’s an honor and pleasure to know you and call you friend! Yes! You are the Warrior Bride in every sense of the word!
If I were still on Facebook or some other type of social media believe me I would share! However I do have email and I will share through that avenue. Thank you so, so much for who you are. You’ve made me cry today Polly! But it’s a good cry and again I thank you and love you so much!
Ms. Beatrice, your response has my emotions stirred up, to say the least! It blesses my heart knowing that this post touched you but at the same time my heart hurts knowing that you’ve been hurting. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I love you and I’m here for you, ALWAYS!