I have been stirring over the brokenness that our world holds. How do we just sit here and watch?
This is how:
Denial. Don't think about it. You 'deserve' it. Make up stories in your head. Maybe they are a drug addict so addicts don't 'deserve' basic human rights? Maybe they are getting out of prison so they have to suffer more right?
But...is that what Jesus would do? Would Jesus take away human needs because they are trying to deal with trauma the only way they know how at that moment? Would Jesus further shame those who already have enough for themselves and their entire family? Would Jesus keep all He made? (Spoiler alert--He freaking preached about sharing with those in need.)
I have loved living abroad to see what white privilege looks day to day. I wish more people had the opportunity to spend time in a country where everyone looks different than you. When you are meeting someone for coffee you don't know, and say 'oh I'm the girl with white skin' jokingly. When you have the honor to show that not all Americans are the stereotype--whatever it may be; living among a people group that a certain president thinks is less than.
So, I am sure by this point most of you are saying 'yes!'. (If you aren't I suggest you stop reading.) Ok let's go a step further. What about when you see a black man vs. a white man walk by? What about when you hear accents? Or if you hear of a shooting and it's a white guy and you are surprised more? Or how 'certain' places we can cannot be?
How do we break all the patterns? I am not sure but I can tell you it starts with you and me. Not judging an accent but asking about their culture. Grabbing your bag no matter what color the person is because don't be stupid, girls. Be sad over all shootings no matter if they are black, white, or purple. Go to the places that aren't 'ok'.
Be the difference. I don't want to tell my friend's kids about this time of life and say that I just hung out while all of the above was happening. I want to say I fought. I spoke up. I did the dang thing. I took the risks, and I hope you do too.
