I felt it was necessary to speak up about what has happened and what is continuing to happen in our country.

As a white human, I face things everyday, I have struggles and hardships and this is something that avoids no human being. But what is different, is the fact that I don’t know what it feels like to be looked at in a negative light, just because of the pigment of my skin.

I want to be a voice to other white people to say that we are the ones that have to be intentional about breaking these walls of racism down in our coworkers, friends, and families. If we are the ones to be silent, then lives will continue to be finished, neighborhoods will continue to be suspicious, and hearts will continue to be far from God’s.

I’ve been asked to be more helpful on the topic and provide tips for how to help with conversations about racism in a genuine and accomplishing matter. So here are a few things to keep in mind when racist comments are made or looks are given.

The individual is still a person. Although they have racist tendencies, when we speak with them, we should know that they are still no different from us.
A conversation is necessary. There is no comment that doesn’t need a rebuttal when it comes to racism. Any form is detrimental to society and has a negative effect on that person and the persons around them.
Speak with love and surety. When we communicate with a person who has delivered a racist remark, our response should be similar to that of a child doing something wrong. We lovingly correct the issue.
We listen with hope. Our job is not to swing a gavel or change someone’s heart in one conversation, most likely this is not possible. When we speak, we let the other person be heard because they are still human.
Understand. A lot of people with racist tendencies have had years of belief built into their thinking. Unraveling those perspectives, talking them through with them can help you speak into areas of deception.
Degrading is not an option. It’s easy to degrade someone else in defending another, but this does nothing for the cause.
Show the facts. Open up your Bible and share scriptures on equality. Do your research before you get into the topics to have a few nice bits of information to uplift your truth.
Be willing. Be the first one to bring something up the next time you’re with this person. Ask them if they’ve thought about your previous conversation. Being consistent is the key to bringing hearts to revelation.
Pray. There is nothing that will soften hearts more than talking to God about the situation.

I hope everyone feels encouraged and capable of having these hard conversations with others. At the end of the day, we all have a roll in the healing of our nation.