FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021, LOVE WINS.

 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 LOVE WINS.

On Fridays, I write about spiritual things.

Today, I’m taking something from my daily scripture devotion. This is from: “Recovering Hope: A 5-Day Devotional on the Intersection of Race, Mental Health, and Faith”

*****

The author wrote:

“I remember it like yesterday. The new girl at school quietly slid the sugar cookies off her pink paper plate into the trash bin after she discovered they were my contribution to the third-grade class Valentine’s Day party. I blinked back tears as she informed those within earshot that she couldn’t eat them because they were from me, and she refused to accept food from someone who’s brown and dirty. That experience and other, similar slights have piled up in the recesses of my heart and mind over the years. They’ve shaped my understanding of self and, as a child, they impaired my ability to see myself as equal to others in the majority culture. Over time, I’ve discovered language that accurately explained my experiences, but nevertheless, they remained painful and left me feeling isolated and fearful of showing any sign of weakness.

“The term microaggression might sound technical, but the meaning is pretty simple. Microaggressions are small, sometimes unconscious expressions of racism that gradually wear

people down. Have you heard the expression “death by a thousand paper cuts?” That’s a good picture of the way that microaggressions are experienced by people of color. Notice in the definition, however, that these expressions of racism can be unconscious. In other words, the person inflicting the cut might not realize what they are doing. 

“For this reason, mental health professionals say that sharing and acknowledging big or small experiences of racism is an essential part of healing racial trauma. It’s a form of education--a way for people of all colors to grow in their ability to recognize racism. But sharing and acknowledging painful experiences isn’t easy. It requires a lot of vulnerability for the person doing the sharing, and a lot of humility for the person doing the listening and acknowledging. 

“In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul gives us the ultimate picture of vulnerability and humility. Christ came to earth, took on a vulnerable human form, and humbled himself to the point of death--all for the sake of love. We are called to have the same mind. As you read these verses, consider whether the Holy Spirit may be inviting you into vulnerability and humility. Is there a story that you need to share or hear today?

*****

“For people who have experienced the helplessness and hopelessness of racial trauma, rediscovering a sense of empowerment and renewing a sense of hope are essential to recovery. This may look like advocating for racial justice, engaging in work aimed at social change, mentoring the next generation, or experiencing solidarity in the community. Each of these practical steps can foster a sense of purpose and begin to heal the wounds of trauma.

*****

And, for a second story.

A group that I’m familiar with was planning on a blood drive.  What a great community service opportunity.

But, one of the main people in the group was quiet.  Finally, he spoke up.

“I’m not allowed to give blood.  Gay men are banned from giving blood.  This goes back to the days of HIV/AIDS.”

He went on to explain how with modern blood giving techniques ALL blood donations are scanned for HIV issues and that more heterosexual individuals are HIV positive than Gay men these days.  (He indicated that he had worked with a blood collection group to back up his statement).  He would like to give his blood, but the rules bar him from participating.

(Aside - looking at the American Red Cross seemingly they are trying to bridge the gay men issue.)

*****

So, two stories - racial discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination.  

*****

Everybody has a story - of being hurt somehow.  If not yourself, somebody you know.  A friend; a friend’s child; a neighbor; a neighbor’s child.  We put labels on people - and those with “our” labels are okay.  There are no big-wide-broad brush strokes.  “All” <group> are dumb is not true; “All gays cannot donate blood”; all “Indians” (from India) are inferior.

Galatians 3 says:

“So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1 Corinthians 12 adds:

“ For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. “

John 13 gives a perspective:

““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.”

*****

LOVE WINS!!!

Let’s make it so!!!

Karen

February 18, 2022