LISTEN, FROM THE HEART!
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry!” James 1:19.
If ever we needed to practice James’ words, it is today.
A few days after the horrific death of George Floyd, I called an African-American friend I treasure dearly. I called with a question:
“How can I, a white woman who was raised to deeply recognize that there is good and bad in every race (my mother’s teaching), show that I care and anguish over your legitimate fears for yourself and your children and loved ones?”
I went on to plead, “Angie, educate me! I’m in kindergarten, teach me what I need to know so I don’t stumble and say things that are hurtful or seem insensitive.”
My friend replied: “Listen! Listen—to my story. Listen to my feelings, my fears, with empathy not with rebuttals or defensive comments. Listen without answering or excusing or minimizing. Just listen and weep with us.”
- Jesus came to heal us from our sins. His love led to the Cross. He has called us to be like Him, seeing people with compassion. Matthew 9:36.
- In the parable of the sheep and the goats, (Matthew 25:34-40), Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
How do we express our pain for our brothers and sisters of color? How do YOU express it? How do I express it?
Here are a few suggestions gleaned from conversations and articles written by people of color:
- Listen to hear the emotions they feel as human beings when confronted or falsely accused, or suspected of being criminals because of their color or being in a different part of town.
- Ask how you can show Christ’s love towards those who are different from you.
- Pray
for honesty before God. Pray for God to break our hearts as His was broken over the lost. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any offensive way in us (Ps. 139:23-24), for a repentant heart, and for the courage to speak up whenever we hear or see racist comments or actions.
I know my friends and readers, that this has not been an easy article to read but I’m praying God will use it to help us shine with His love toward this hurting world that needs His healing. We are to be His ambassadors, so I pray that our lives and attitudes and words and heart truly reflect the One who died for all the people of the world--whatever their color.
With love,
Poppy