Why We Don’t Have a Race Problem in America
No matter how you frame it, talking about race is uncomfortable. I would much rather sit in a circle, hold hands and sing We Are the World, than write this post, but I deem it necessary. The recent police shooting of Alton Sterling linked arms with a personal experience and I feel compelled to talk about what we are facing in America.
Three weeks ago I was racially profiled. Naively, I thought I was immune to stuff like that. I’m middle class, college educated, conservative and Christian. Unless I’m speeding or in an accident who would stop me – right?
I had just picked my kids up from Vacation Bible School, gotten them something to eat and we were headed home when I saw those dreaded red and blue flashing lights in my rear view mirror. Immediately – I panicked. “I wasn’t speeding, I didn’t run a red light, so why is this police car pulling up behind me?”
“Is there a problem officer?”, I asked as I noticed him looking in the back seat at my children. He proceeded to give me a spiel about how most policemen give tickets if children are not in a car seat but he and his partner were donating seats to families in need. He mistakenly thought my kids were not in a car seat which is why he pulled me over.
“Right,” I said, not loud enough for him to hear me. He walked away and I rolled up my window but I couldn’t drive off. I just sat there – thinking – questioning – wondering what if?
What if I had showed my anger, frustration, and disillusionment?
What if I had challenged that policemen?
Would I have become another hashtag?
What if I were a white woman in an upper middle class neighborhood driving a Lexus?
Would I have been stopped at all?
I don’t know, but I do know when he walked away I felt like he took something that belonged to me with him. He robbed me of my dignity and security to name a few. That feeling of loss resurfaced after learning of the shooting and watching Alton’s son holler for his father on national television.
It was a cry encompassing the pain of a nation. It was a cry that came from the gut of a boy who will grow into a man without his daddy. And although I send my kids to a diverse school, attend a multi-racial church, and make my sons pull up their pants, I know my family is not immune.
We are subject to the same plights that African Americans are facing all over this country. Outrage is intensifying as people are increasingly becoming tired of the bloodshed, life lost, and families left in disarray. Everything in me wants to grab a picket sign and walk down the National Mall myself but I know this battle is best fought on my knees first.
We can tweet, hashtag, sit in, riot, protest, yell, scream upload a pic and a YouTube video but it still won’t have the same EPIC impact as prayer.
Sure, a guilty conviction in a court of law would garner a sense of vindication and restitution for the family and the African American race, but it won’t heal hearts, only God does that.
This is how Ben Watson, author of Under Our Skin says it.
“. . . Ultimately the problem is not a SKIN problem, it is a SIN problem. SIN is the reason we rebel against authority. SIN is the reason we abuse our authority. SIN is the reason we are racist, prejudiced and lie to cover for our own. SIN is the reason we riot, loot and burn. BUT I’M ENCOURAGED because God has provided a solution for sin through his son Jesus and with it, a transformed heart and mind. One that’s capable of looking past the outward and seeing what’s truly important in every human being. The cure for the Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin, Tamir Rice (Alton Sterling) and Eric Garner tragedies is not education or exposure. It’s the Gospel.”
Our hearts should be broken over Baton Rouge but not just because of the murder of another black man is on a tier higher than our own sin or someone else’s, but because it is sin. God views it all the same. We should ache over sex trafficking in our backyards, killings in Bangladesh, and the hatred nestled snugly in our own hearts.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3: 23 (NIV) Ever since Adam and Eve chose sin over obedience we all are subject to the depraved nature that rages in our souls. And as a result our world is on a downward spiral towards lawlessness. We are plagued daily with violence of many kinds, theft, unbearable pride, decaying morals and the like; our only hope is the saving blood of a Jewish carpenter that was shed for all mankind. As a nation battered, broken, grieving and at odds, we must cry out to the God who can do something about it.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7: 14 NIV
While I agree that it is a sin problem, that does not negate the fact that it is also a race problem. We as a people have been praying for generations…and we must continue. However, faith without works is dead.
Nicole, thank you for your comment dear friend. This was truly a difficult post to write because I am a black woman, with a black husband, raising two black sons and I have taught little black children for over 15 years. I live with the reality that any day it could be someone I love in the news. But when I look at the word of God there is no hierarchy as it relates to sin. And yes faith without works is dead, I do agree, and God calls us all to act in some way. The purpose of this post was to say there is a greater battle that we are fighting that goes beyond the color of our skin. The battle we fight is not against flesh and blood Ephesian 6: 1 – 18 (NIV). Please do not think I am oblivious to what is going on around me but I believe limiting the issue to race is missing the larger picture.
Beautiful post, Kia. Thanks for getting to the heart of the matter. This world, in every shade, needs Jesus.
Thanks Dana, truly this was one of the toughest pieces of writing I’ve ever written but I was compelled by my passion for Jesus Christ. May we all cling to the the truth of the gospel message during these times. Thank you for joining this difficult conversation and be blessed! – Kia
Kia,
Indeed, I agree that it’s not an issue of hierarchy, but rather specificity. In the same way that we pray specifically for loved ones by name, and we ask for the Lord’s direction in specific situations, calling out a sin by name is acknowledging that healing is needed in that particular area. The issue of race is complex, multifaceted, and uncomfortable. I fully embrace the truth of Ephesians 6: 1-18, and I certainly appreciate the spirit of your post and your transparency. I’m just trying to share that in many cases, one won’t seek improvement upon a “issue” if they don’t believe an “issue” exists. So I don’t want to limit the issue, but rather acknowledge it. I believe Jesus called people out…specifically AND in love. Ultimately, my conclusion is the same in terms of crying out to Jesus for His direction, and laying our discomfort, anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and grief at His feet.
Thanks Nicole for your comment. I hope the post did not give the impression that I do not acknowledge racism. I do acknowledge it and know that it definitely exist in America. The point that I wanted to drive home is that the root of racism is sin. And that our biggest problem as individuals and a nation is sin no matter how it manifest itself. Whether it be sexual, murder, racism, lying, stealing, abuse, etc. the root is sin. and the only solution for sin is Jesus – to which I think we both agree. I truly want to thank you for engaging in this difficult dialogue with me because this is what it is going to take for us as a nation if we are going to heal and grow. We may not all agree 100% but we can be civil and communicate with one another about the issues that impact us deeply. I truly love you my friend and I am honored that you joined this conversation. Be blessed! – Kia
Kia, I don’t have words for this, but know that my heart hurts for all that you lost in that short exchange with the policeman.
Thank you for writing about such a painful experience.
Michele Morin recently posted…Wherever the Poem Takes Us
Michele, I appreciate your comment. Sometimes it is not what you say but your mere attempt at saying it that can be an encouragement. As in most of my painful circumstances, I thank God after they happen because what He does with them is so beautiful. I had no idea the events of last week were headed straight towards our nation when I was pulled over but that experience gave me a little bit more perspective to speak into this tragedy. God is faithful, sovereign, and a complete genius. He can use whatever whenever to communicate to His children. Thank you for joining this difficult conversation Michele and be blessed! – Kia
Hi Kia! Well said. Thank you for sharing your “traffic stop” experience. For people of color it does not always end well. Like you, my heart was broken over the loss of life last week.
But as we saw in Dallas, the pain of sin scars us all. Praying for you to keep on pressing on in the Call. Blessings to you!
Joy, thanks so much for your comment. My heart aches for people of color who are not and have not been as fortunate as I was. Racism is sin and its damaging impact affects us all. But God is our hope. Standing with you in prayer for our nation. Be blessed! – Kia
Visiting from Holley’s today. So true, it’s a matter of the heart and prayer can change hearts. Prayer without actions can fall empty so my prayer is we will be moved to put our words into actions. Thank you for your honest post. It makes me sad for how you felt and it makes me deeply question myself. Do my actions reflect what I say? Thank you!
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Debbie, thank you for your comments. This was truly one of my most difficult post to write. I am confident that God is big enough to handle the magnitude of our nations emotions as it relates to the subject of race. Remain prayerful and be blessed! – Kia
I want to be honest but not offensive. Everything you wrote was so well written and I totally agree. I appreciate so much for your honestly and directness. Like seriously more people like you need to speak out. But to be honest, in my flesh, sometimes just admitting that it is sin problem seems like such an “easy” answer. Like I want to do more. I want to understand more about the black culture instead of feeling frustrated and blaming it. I hate feeling that way because you are right it is SIN because some policemen pull people over for the stupidest reasons based off of racial profiling and some back people seem to get so angry so fast. It is all pride and fear which is SIN. But I want to know and understand more. I really hope I made sense because I appreciate soooooo much your point of view. I am going to share this because it is so right on. visiting from coffee for your heart #36
Kristina recently posted…More than One Time Prayers
Kristina, as a black woman I know I run the risk of appearing like I am minimizing an issue that strikes very close to home (my husband, two sons, and my father). I acknowledge America does have a race problem but if I examine the core of all problems it is sin and our very real enemy Satan. He is a liar and the father of lies and He would have us all to get so caught up in the flesh that we completely forget that he exist and focus on each other. I know this is his goal. With that said I am praying about it but I also recognize there are practical things we can do as well as spiritual. We must definitely call out injustice. We must also lean in (which I thank you for doing). We must get involved in some way. We must also engage in difficult and vulnerable conversations with each other (blacks and whites). And in doing so we must be honest about what hurts. I don’t have all the answers but at the risk of sounding like a cliche Christian I know God does. If he doesn’t I need to shut this blog down, turn in my Bible, and quit with all this Christianity. But I know Christ is the answer. The only one. I trust in God and not man and look to Him to heal our land. Thanks Kristina for diving in to this very tough conversation. Be blessed! – Kia
This is definitely not an easy topic to write about, so I applaud you. I am sorry that happened to you. 🙁 We need to keep praying for our nation and for hearts to be healed.
Sarah, thanks for leaning in my sister. I applaud you right back. To some, prayer seems so passive but God is big and He listens. May we continue to trust that He will work this one out for His glory. Be blessed! – Kia
Girl! Well said. My heart has been breaking for the last few weeks over all of this. My mind can not comprehend racism! I was so grieved in my spirit and asking God, “what can I do to fix this”? Because, I feel that in some part we are all responsible for the terrible place our country is in. (Not just the racism, but so many other things, too!) Where is the voice of love and Christianity? The voice of hate, evil and hurt is LOUD and we need to stand up and make the voice of love heard!
Thanks for sharing your heart on this!
Gabrielle, thanks so much for weighing in. I think it starts with acknowledging that a problem does exist. Once it is acknowledged we must take it to God and allow Him to direct our path. His perspective is so different from ours on everything. I have been guilty of getting a little too sucked up into the maelstrom of social media and the news. We must put our face in the word of God to glean from His infinite wisdom on this issue. We cannot take our cues from man (I am preachin’ to myself on this one). Be encouraged Gabrielle and thank you for joining this Oh so difficult conversation. You did not have to, but I am glad you did. Be blessed! – Kia
I’m so sorry that this happened to you. Love your words. Love your heart.
Suzie Eller recently posted…#livefreeThursday: when it feels like the world has turned upside down
Suzie, the crazy thing is if it hadn’t of happened I would not have written this post. I have had so many conversations with people I don’t know surrounding this post. So as uncomfortable as it was (and really minor when you look at the plight of others) it is an experience I am richer for having had. Thanks so much for joining the conversation today. Be blessed! – Kia
What words, Kia…. What powerful words.
I’m sorry you faced profiling in the van that day, but I’m glad you shared about it here.
Indeed, I believe you’re right – it is a heart matter. Visiting and soaking in your words today via #livefreeThursday.
Kristi Woods recently posted…15 Ways to Connect and Change Your World
Kristi, thanks for joining the conversation. Truly this is a matter of the heart and I am most certain it is on the heart of God. How we treat our neighbor is a huge deal in His sight. Prayerfully those of us who know Him will be on our knees a lot more on behalf our our nation. As always, be blessed! – Kia
We need to hear your voice, Kia. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sorry that happened to you. Thanks also for reminding us that we need to pray pray pray. For each of our hearts to be cleaned and pure. May we be ready to love everyone in just the ways they need it. You’re so right: “Racial equality won’t be solved with a court case; it is a matter of the heart.” We’ve seen that the law only gets us so far; now it’s down to changing hearts. Lord, have mercy.
Thanks Lisa! Yes, Lord have mercy on us all. The sins of racism, forgiveness, and bitterness creep so slyly into our hearts without us even knowing it. May we be alert as it says in 1 Peter 5:8 and always recognize who our real enemy is. Thanks so much for joining the conversation and be blessed! – Kia
Kia, what a powerful post. My heart is fractured over the skin/sin issues our country is facing. Thank you for sharing. Your words matter. (And I loved the video…I hadn’t seen it before. Powerful.) Stopping over from #livefree today.
Cindy, thank you for the encouragement friend. My heart is fractured too. It is difficult to watch the news or even rehash all of the old news but God has placed us in this time period for a reason. May we remain close to God during these time and take our cues from Him in order to make a impact in our world. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for joining the conversation and be blessed! – Kia
Thank-you so much for addressing this and sharing your heart even though it was a tough post for you to write. I have been very burdened by all that is going on in the US as of late. I see all the pain that exists between us as people and how much anger there is across the table because of sins committed and it can seem hopeless. Until Jesus. When I see people of all colors and cultures worship before Him, I have hope that His Spirit can unite what we cannot. Thank-you for sharing your story. It takes such courage. But we so need to hear your words. We have so much to learn.
Brooke Grangard recently posted…Love, Sex, and Relationships: Proceed with Wisdom
Brooke, I too am encouraged when I see people of many races worshiping together. It is truly beautiful, the way God intended I believe. I am reminding myself daily as I see the unrest in our world that God is bigger, greater and able to tackle racism. He is the answer and He is able to equip us to deal with this issue. Thanks so much for joining the conversation and be blessed.
If the first thing he did was to look in the backseat, it sounds to me like his reason for pulling you over might have been legitimate. How old is your car? I agree that your color may have given him reason in his mind to think that you may not be able to afford car seats, which in itself is insulting, but I think sometimes there is an immediate judgement of motives that may make these situations seem worse than they really are. Just my 2c. #shine
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Jeremy,
Thanks for your comment. I have to tell you. I looked at the situation left, right, backwards and forwards and I truly hesitated before I wrote this post. This was not an immediate judgement of motives, in fact I generally am the last to say an act was racially motivated. I recognize it is a big accusation to say I was racially profiled in my post but I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t think what happened to me was common police practice. I have never heard of any police pulling someone over to give them a car seat black or white. I would think that it might have been better to do a public service announcement, or send out community flyers and set up at a grocery store, something like that. Generally, when the police pull someone over with flashing lights the person they are pulling over has done something wrong. If he pulled me over because my car is old that is equally a problem as well and would still be some type of profiling. But the object of this post was two fold, one to talk about the injustices that many African American people have experienced but to also say God sees it all as sin and that makes this a spiritual problem. I was attempting to direct the readers to the truth and encourage prayer specifically focusing on this issue because it is needed. Thank you once again for joining this conversation and be blessed! – Kia
Kia, I am saddened by all that is happening in our world today. It breaks my heart to see all the racial discrimination but it also breaks my heart to see all the discrimination against the police. No matter which way a person looks at it, there are Christians who are white, black, doctors, lawyers, police officers. There are also non-Christians in each of those categories. My husband is white. He is also a police officer. He also loves the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. His job each day is hard. He has to fight against prejudice every day just for the job that God has placed him in. I agree with you that what we have is a sin problem. We want to be justified in what we believe and the enemy is very good at what he does. He takes our beliefs and brings others who believe the same to make it into an issue of them vs. us so that no one wins. We need to stand together as brothers and sisters and fight for each other! Fight against the enemy and not each other! And as you are praying, please lift up the police officers, especially your brothers and sisters in Christ! This is a scary world that we live in for all of us! Your sister, Roberta
Roberta,
My heart breaks for the plight of the police as well. I am equally concerned about the prejudice they experience and the danger their lives are in on a daily basis. I have worked with low -income students for 15 years so I understand many of the social ills that impact their communities and how some of them interact with police officers. Please know that my prayers are not one sided. I have been praying for the families of victims in last week’s shootings and I will now add your husband and family to my prayers as well. God is truly our refuge and strength, an ever present help in the time of the storm. Thanks for sharing your heart and joining the conversation today. Be blessed! – Kia
What a reflective, beautiful, and thoughtful posting on this very sensitive subject. I agree that what we need most is prayer. I’m Canadian and I’ve been praying continuously for your country, the issues, and its leadership. Only God can have victory over this ugliness.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
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Jennifer, thank you for your encouragement. I couldn’t agree with you more. The issues we are experiencing in America will require the power of God. Thanks for joining the conversation today and be blessed! – Kia
Unfortunately sin manifests itself so many times in actions;murder, oppression, revolving, hatred. As with, for instance, murder, we have law’s in place whose purpose is to protect society from those who are prone to this, law’s cannot stop sin, but does attempt to protect the general public from it happening again. As one pastor said earler , rules without love= rebellion. I would also say, rules broken without consequences also =rebellion.
Diana thanks for your comments and yes, sin does manifest itself in many ways. The point of this post was to highlight racism as sin and point readers to the cross during this very difficult time. Thanks for joining the conversation and be blessed! – Kia
Thank you for your insight Kia. We tend to forget the reality of the spiritual world we live in because we can only see what’s happening in the physical realm and that can overwhelm us with fear. Racism is a spiritual problem. It is sin! God is the only One who can deliver us from our sin and place the love of Jesus in our hearts. Love that overcomes darkness and has the power to change the world. Sometimes the news makes me want to give up hope that there can be a change but we have to keep on being the light.
Blessings,
Patti
Thank you for your comments Patricia. Although, it was difficult to right this post I know that it is a subject that is on the heart of God. Only He can change our hearts. Glad you joined the conversation and be blessed! – Kia