It breaks my heart to see the condition of our world today. The racial injustices, the divisiveness, the anger and violence, the senseless murders and the loss of our officers trying to keep the peace–these events lay heavy on my heart, as they do for many.
I watched Emmanuel Acho’s video this week and his quote at the end struck me deeply.
The only way we can solve this issue is through exposure, through education, through compassion and through empathy.
Emmanuel Acho
Isn’t this what Jesus did? He befriended and gathered with anyone who would listen, including his disciples, tax collectors, murderers and sinners. He tirelessly educated everyone about God, love and righteousness. He showed compassion for the weak, the sinner, and the child. He empathized even with those who took his life.
He did all of this in love and with gentleness—not with hate, force or shame.
Isn’t this what we should all be doing?
As I thought about what I could do to help, I knew I didn’t have the answers. But I have a heart that is deeply moved and is open to praying, listening and learning. I know many of you feel the same.
I began seeking and listening to resources who are much more well-versed in this area than I am. I have compiled the list below in hopes of encouraging us to expose and educate ourselves so that we can develop more compassion and empathy on racial issues. The views and opinions expressed by these resources are theirs, but we have the opportunity to listen and learn from them as fellow Christians.
If you feel overwhelmed, start small. Follow one new person who can speak into your life about racial issues from a Godly perspective. Read one book. Listen to one podcast. Pray one prayer.
Just take a step, and then another.
Not all of these may be for you, but I hope you might be enlightened through some of them.
There are so many other great resources that I am not aware of. If you have any recommendations, please leave a comment for me.
To Read
Please note–I have read some, but not all of these; however, I trust the multiple resources who have pointed me to these resources.
- Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison (I haven’t read this yet but will be reading it with my friend Sarah E. Westfall this summer. You can join her Facebook group if you’re interested in reading along!)
- What Lies Between Us Journal & Guide by Lucretia Berry
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (there is a YA version of this one, as well as a movie)
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
- I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown
- Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson
- Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle
- The Power of Unity 4-day devotional by Dr. Tony Evans on The Bible App
- Talking with kids about racism article
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (YA novel)
- When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner (children’s book)
- God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell (children’s book)
- Here Wee Read has an extensive list of diverse children’s books
To Follow
- Latasha Morrison – author (Instagram, Facebook)
- Priscilla Shirer – author (Instagram, Facebook)
- Anthony ONeal – author and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
- Danielle Coke – artist (Instagram)
- Dr. Tony Evans – pastor (Instagram, Facebook)
- Osheta Moore – author and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
- Jo Saxton – author and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
- Jamie Ivey – author and podcaster (Instagram, Facebook)
- Nona Jones – author and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
- Lucretia Berry – author and educator (Instagram, Facebook)
- Dr. Anita Phillips – therapist and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
- Carlos Whittaker – author and speaker (Instagram, Facebook)
To Listen To
- Bleed the Same by Mandisa, featuring TobyMac & Kirk Franklin
- Show Love by Jamie Grace and Morgan Harper Nichols
- The Good List podcast – Episode 34 Be a Bridge
- In The Light podcast with Dr. Anita Phillips
- That Sounds Fun podcast – Episode #277 Nona Jones, Episode #223 Mike Kelsey
- The Happy Hour podcast – Episode #160 Osheta Moore, Episode Your Last Decade #16 Kathryn Freeman
- Annie and Eddie Keep Talking podcast – Episode with Latasha Morrison
- Women Who Love Jesus podcast – Episode #4 Dani Coke
- Melanated Faith podcast
To Watch
- Emmanuel Acho’s video
- Christine Caine’s interview with Dr. Anita Phillips
- The Hate U Give movie
- American Son movie on Netflix
- Just Mercy movie
- Hidden Figures movie
- Emanuel documentary
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Let’s listen. Let’s learn. Let’s love.
Let’s shine our light in this broken world, friends.
Lord, thank you for giving us a beautiful world that is filled with so much diversity. Please search our hearts and shine a light on any sin that needs to be confessed and expelled. Forgive us for not loving others the way you do and help us to live better. We lift up our brothers and sisters who are hurt by racial prejudices and by needless violence. Protect them. Help us to unite with peace, humility and love. Protect and guide our officers and first responders. Give our leaders wisdom and let them lead by example. Amen.
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