Hi kids,
Today, and many days in America, my heart is heavy because of the racism I see across this country.
Since we moved here nearly three years ago, it has stunned me how segregated and divided this country can be. This past week I’ve read of black lives taken by white police officers in circumstances, that as far as I can tell (and I wasn’t there, so I can only speculate), were completely avoidable and seemed so unjustifiable. Just last night I was shocked to hear of a black man targeting white police officers in Dallas, shooting and killing 5 of them.
This is madness.
Racism is madness- to stereotype against someone because of their ethnicity. To say that someone is something because of how they look. To blame someone for something that someone else that looked like them did… madness. To hate anyone because of the color of their skin is madness!
It affects me personally for so many reasons, the main reason is your mother and you.
Your Mum, has an Indian background, but was born in Australia, she’s dark skinned, that’s for sure.
I’m white. As white as they come, European background but born in Australia.
You two kids are a mix of us. Son, you’re as brown as your Mum. Abi, you’re more tanned than me, but you’re looking pretty white at this early age.
Sean, you were born in Australia, Abi you were born in America. To say that our family is a mix of races and cultures and backgrounds is an understatement!
So, we are united in our diversity. But segments of America are not. And yet this is where we are.
So, what will your future be like? Will you experience racism here? I pray not. I can’t control that, but I can influence it, and I will.
I can also influence you, and I will. Here is my limited wisdom on racism, how to respond to it, and why it happens.
- Racism stems from insecurity. People fear what they do not understand, because people want to be in control of their own worlds and the unknown threatens their control. You don’t need to be a racist when you know Christ, for your security and identity is found in Jesus. In fact, from a place of security in your citizenship in heaven, you can combat racism by sharing God with others. The more people that know who they are in Jesus, the less racism we will have. God created all nations, all people in His image, as we truly embrace this, racism will die for when we hate people, we hate God, for people are His most prized possession.
- If people are racist towards you, pray for them, and remind yourself of what God thinks of you. Just because people are made in God’s image, doesn’t mean they always reflect His image. Go to the Bible on what God says about you, listen to God’s voice above any humans. Please know that God loves you so much. Kids, there is a saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” That’s a stupid saying. Names, labels, words, these are all so powerful, so you have to combat the powerful words of people with an even greater power- the word of God. Know your Bible, listen to the Holy Spirit, and you will know that you are loved. For what it’s worth, know this too. As your Dad- I love you and I am proud of you just the way you are, you are perfect to me. Your skin, your culture, your heritage. To me, you represent a picture of heaven. In heaven all nations will gather together, your mixed heritage only highlights that we actually don’t belong to any one group here on earth, we belong to heaven- we belong to the Kingdom of God! That’s an eternal citizenship! Let your lack of a solid earthly cultural identity, point to your eternal identity. Know who you are in heaven, and it will help you know who you are on earth.
- Fight racism with love. I already alluded to this, but love racists. Hating them only takes you to their level. I’m not saying have them over for a coffee so that they can hurl insults at you. I’m saying ask God to show you how best to love them (it may be through praying for them and forgiving them), and then love the hell out of them (literally!).
I’ll keep praying for this nation and for your future, wherever you will live, and I pray that you would join me one day in showing this world a better way.
God let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Lots of love,
Dad.
About the series:
I’m 29 right now, but soon I’ll be 30. 30 sounds so young to some, but to me right now, it’s feels old! It’s a real milestone.
It’s sounds funny to say this but the closer I get to 30 the more I think about what legacy I’ll leave my kids.
To be completely honest, the closer I get to 30, the more I realize I won’t always be here for them, one day I’ll go to heaven and get to be with Jesus face to face, and they’ll have to walk this earth with God in their hearts, the Holy Spirit as their comforter and guide, and Jesus as their example and intercessor, but they won’t have me here. So, for the times they might wonder, what would Dad have to say about this… I’m writing them a blog a day for 30 days. They might not need it now, but if they ever do, I hope it speaks to them.
- The Scarboroughs - 