Because of the way I was raised, it’s crazy to me to think of racism still being an issue in our society today. It almost never crosses my mind.  For real.  Unless someone brings it up, says something in a hushed tone that startles me into realizing they’re working hard not to be offensive to someone who might overhear, or points out a news story, I don’t even think about it.  Race is such a n0n-issue for me when it comes to interacting with others, unless we’re talking cultural differences, which then are a must for discussion because they’re just plain cool and fun.

Not that I’m innocent of judging by appearances–oh, no!  But that’s about a person’s general kemptness or attractiveness. In my family we tend only to look at a person’s skin color as a matter of interest and perhaps to glory in the differences God interjected in the human race. Like the way we look at my pale skin with freckles compared to my sister’s lovely olive completion: neither is better or worse, just different. Unique.

But lately I have begun to see a need to acknowledge the unfairness and injustices that others in this world–even in this country–face daily. Just because I am blessed to have been raised without racial prejudice, doesn’t mean there is peace on this front.

May it please God to always keep my heart without bias (except for Texans and the Scotch-Irish, Lord), and to increase my compassion for those affected by the evil that will rule this world until Jesus returns!  And Lord, give me compassion for those who, through ignorance or ill will, spread this disease of hatred towards their fellow man.  Let me stand for the truth with a loving, patient, and immovable spirit.

Lord, come quickly!

Last night I went to my favorite theater to see Malcolm & Teresa.  I missed my chance to use my last usher pass before it expired so she let me be an extra usher.  It was a new experience for me, going up by myself, not knowing anyone there, except a few of the actors themselves.  I felt very grown up and half-way lost.  Why is it I can be bold when someone else comes with me, but I’m shy when I’m alone?

“The play is the thing–“, and it was.

Riveting.  Gripping.  Sad.  Victorious.  Thoughtful.  I barely moved through two acts, trying to catch each word.

Amazing that circumstances from 60 and 80 years ago can seem like exactly what we deal with now.  And, as Christy pointed out, it’s amazing that no one really knows about the genocide in the Ukraine at the hand of Stalin, and yet nearly as many people died there as in the Holocaust.

Two of my favorite lines, both of them from Malcolm Muggeridge to Mother Teresa:

“…instead of changing the world, the Church has come to terms with it.”

“[The intellectuals] think men are perfect.  They think that if you educate a man, he will become good.”

As I listened to the question & answer session, all I could think was ‘There is nothing new under the sun…’  Part of me is nervous about this, until I remember the sovereignty of my God.

May the peace of God reign in your hearts…