Walking in Reconciliation
After the time of reconciliation– what next? Actually, relationship building is part of reconciliation. Almost everything in life flows from relationship, whether it be between God and man, or man to man. Reconciliation involves restoring relationships and building new ones that should have been there before. When we get things right with God, then we can walk in right relationship with our fellow man. We will be able to “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love , eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 1-3).
Building Bridges
We need to build bridges with those from whom we have been estranged. This calls for intentionality! It doesn’t happen naturally, at least at first, and we might even find opposition to it. When we approach others to understand them better, spend time listening to their stories, and look for the gifts God has placed within them, we build relationship with them.
Joint projects are a wonderful way to build bridges with others. Working alongside each other on a mission from God keeps the focus on Him; the outflow is a new kind of unity with each other! “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind” (I Peter 3: 8). “As each of you has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (I Peter 4:10).
Black Man Finally Learns Truth About Why His Great Grandfather is White
Excellent article from The Blaze! Black Man Finally Learns Truth About Why His Great Grandfather is White
Redemptive Acts
“Redemptive acts” are physical actions that are part of making amends for a sin from the past—perhaps a symbol of the repentance that has taken place or a deliberate action done “in the opposite” spirit to the wrongful former situation. There is healing in redemptive acts, usually for the public to see. They carry the message, “We are sorry for what we did and we want to demonstrate that to you.”
Education
As it is with the African Slave Trade, educating people about past history can be a major force in changing people’s current mindsets and also a deterrent to other similar events happening again. From public speaking, school curriculum, museums, re-enactments, to the arts, communities have begun a wide range of ways to creatively remind people of the horrors and injustices of the slave trade.
Reclaiming Black History
Our history books don’t give much mention to noteworthy actions by African Americans from Colonial days on. Yet the landscape of our American history is full of significant achievements, heroic deeds and foundation-building contributions to the society we all enjoy today. A few books have been written on this topic, some speeches have been made, but that history still seems to be side-lined.
Lifestyle of Reconciliation
How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them – Ted Talk by Verna Myers
Our biases can be dangerous, even deadly — as we've seen in the cases of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner, in Staten Island, New York. Diversity advocate Vernā Myers looks closely at some of the subconscious attitudes we hold toward out-groups. She makes a plea to all people: Acknowledge your biases. Then move toward, not away from, the groups that make you uncomfortable. In a funny, impassioned, important talk, she shows us how.
9 Talks to Help you Understand Racism in America
Please take the time to watch this playlist - 9 Talks to Help You Understand Racism in America. Video clips include: Color blind or color brave? by Mellody Hobson How to raise a black son in America by Clint Smith My road trip through the whitest towns in America by Rich Benjamin Does racism affect how you vote? by Nate Silver How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them by Verna Myers The little problem I had renting a house by James A. White Sr. We need to talk about injustice by Bryan Stevenson How we're priming some kids for college - and others for prison by Alice Goffman "Black Men Ski" by Stew
Culture of Honor
Our nation has become a culture of dishonor. We are very vocal about our dislikes and trash our leaders with criticism and disdain. We can blame our media for this, but what about our household conversations? Our relationship with God is played out in our human relationships; scripture has much to say about our dealings with one another. We tend to build ourselves up by putting others down, whether it be feelings toward a race, people group, or individual. Yet Romans 12:3 says, “not to think of yourselves more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.” Likewise, Philippians 2: 3 warns us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more [...]