This is not a black-and-white world
To be alive
I say the colors must swirl
And I believe
That maybe today
We will all get to appreciate

The beauty of gray

The Beauty Of Gray - LĪVE

This might be the ninth time this week that I have sat in front of a computer screen, intending to write down my thoughts and feelings about the things happening in our nation. Each time I got through a blog post midway through, I stopped and deleted it. I finally decided to let my thoughts flow and not overthink the words I plan on writing here. I have been struggling with what I would even write. Usually, I would have been quick to jump on social media and do the social media dance we all seem to do when something terrible happens. I am so tired of that dance! I am so tired of what we do online in the spirit of change and call it a day. We changed our profile to show support for whatever the season is. Maybe we find a funny meme or two and post that. Some may post news articles written by biased media outlets that only share one point of view. Some of us may write a well-thought-out post and engage others in peaceful conversation. Maybe those posts and conversations are helping to create change, but most of what I see is an ever-growing digital breeding ground for more division and anger amongst those who do not share the same views as you. The dance that most of us do on social media isn’t working. The dance that most of us do in public isn’t working either. Blacking out our profile photos does nothing, yet on Tuesday, I found myself doing that very thing when everyone blacked out their Instagram or Facebook in honor and support of George Floyd, Black Out Tuesday, and Black Lives Matter. I did that, too, but what did that do?
The answer is - Nothing.
It just adds to the same old song and dance.

When I began diving into scripture in January, one of the first books I studied was the book of James. What I love about James is that it teaches and reminds me that, as a Christian, it is not my job to only speak of love. It is my job to act on it in everything that I do. My job as a Christian is to strive to be as Christ-like as possible. I fail like everyone else, but I am always brought back to these thoughts when I stop long enough to remember The Gospel. My job as a Christian is not just to change my social media photo or post a meme in support but to live a life of love for others through my actions.

Studying the Book of James teaches us that no amount of knowledge, words, or good thoughts matters to God. What matters is our hearts and our actions as we live. What matters is how we treat one another and react to those around us.

 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:19-21 NIV

When I was around four years old, I met a woman that would change my life. Her name was Gussie, and she was my family’s housekeeper. However, You can’t label what Gussie was other than to say that Gussie was family to us. I used to love conversing with her about whatever was on my mind. My friends soon learned that Gussie was a great person to converse with and sometimes would spend hours talking with her. She had one of the most kind and distinctive voices I have ever heard. You know how when you hear a U2 song, you immediately think it’s Bono singing? Well, that’s how Gussie’s voice was. It is not like Bono, but it is so highly distinctive and incredibly kind.

I will never forget one of the first things I ever said to Gussie when I met her at around age four. I asked her why she had brown skin. She smiled at me and said in her very kind and distinctive voice, “Well, Adam, God made all of the people of the world, and He made us all of the many different colors of the rainbow.” That was as good an answer as any for me, so I smiled back and said, “Okay,” from then on, we were instant friends. From then on, it never mattered to me what color anyone was.

I thank God for putting Gussie in my life. I thank God for allowing me not to be raised by parents who ever taught me to hate anything or anyone on any level.

rac·ism noun 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's race is superior and has the right to rule others. 2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination. 3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

RACISM IS NOT BORN, IT IS TAUGHT.
WE NEED TO CHANGE THE LESSON!

When I see our nation hurting, I can’t rightfully say that I know what it’s like for those who have been experiencing this hurt for their whole life. I can’t rightfully say that I understand what it is like to be an African American living in this country. I could talk about where I stand specifically on this point or that point, but to me, that is going right back to doing the social media dance.
That doesn’t mean anything. My words do not mean anything.

Real change starts within our hearts and then goes forth through our actions. It doesn’t happen by changing our profile photos or writing this blog post but by actions guided by love, not hate.

This is not a black-and-white world
To be alive, I say the colors must swirl, and I believe
that maybe today, we will ALL
get to appreciate
Yes, we will ALL get to appreciate
The beauty of gray

The Beauty Of Gray - LĪVE