Colorless Conversations
As we sat around the table, we each talked between bites of sandwiches and sips of water. Some took notes, others sat and listened. There were pastors (both active and retired), business leaders (both male and female), and laypersons helping out where they had a passion. The nine of us sat in an unplanned but symbolic fashion: black, white, black, white, black, white. Weeks after Ferguson and days after Baltimore we broke bread together in downtown Florence.
We talked about ideas to build racial harmony in Florence County. Maybe churches could get together for a joint service? Maybe we could have a community seminar? One leader suggested that since we’re all descendants of Adam and Eve, we should begin greeting fellow members of the community with a hearty, “Hey Cousin!”
We also talked about a simple change we can make right away: “Colorless Conversations.” When we tell our stories color might logically play a role. But there are many times when color simply doesn’t matter. Why not work to make those conversations colorless? Instead of beginning a story with “This black guy said...” or “A white lady did…” just take color out of the conversation.
Scripture speaks of how God has appointed many cultures and nations (Acts 17:26). The Lord sees the rich, the poor, the powerful, and the oppressed (Proverbs 22:22, 29:13). Perhaps the most significant example of God’s attitude toward His colorful creation comes in Galatians 3:28.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
With Christ as our Redeemer, we go well beyond just being cousins. We’re brothers and sisters looking forward to a wonderful family reunion someday!
Your Cousin (& Brother),
Pastor Brian
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