The horrific images streaming out of Charlottesville, VA week before last shocked us and brought us to grief and prayer.

Feelings of confusion, fear, regret, anger, and even hatred welled up in our hearts in the aftermath of the deadly protests by Neo-Nazi, anti-Semitic white supremacists and white nationalists of the so-called alt-right. Anticipating more conflict in the urban areas of America seems reasonable as we look ahead.

Thankfully, our pastor made a powerful statement on Sunday following the tragic display of racism, hate speech, and division. I was so proud to be a part of HPUMC as I took in his message about where we stood as a church. Everyone should be thankful for Paul’s leadership in marking out the path of truth so clearly.

As Christian people, the events we witnessed from far away force us to grapple with our own responses to racism and racist behavior. While Paul did an incredible job speaking out against racism and white supremacy, what should our response be in practical terms?

What can we do to make a difference here in Dallas?

Consider these suggestions I’ve worked on over the years:

1. Honestly face and begin to understand, confront, and deal with the racism resident in my own heart, worldview, and life. No one wants to admit that they hold racist views or attitudes toward people of different ethnic or racial backgrounds. However, the fact is, all of us have work to do when it comes to bias, discrimination, and prejudice - all of which are characteristics of racism.

   To get started on this pathway of growth, check out “Project Implicit” at Harvard University. You can take a bias test right here. On this website you will find several implicit bias tests. Pick the test on race and color. You may be surprised at the results. Open your mind to the ways in which racism attacks certain racial and ethnic groups systemically.

2. Recognize that the Christian faith that we embrace and in which we seek to grow, mandates an inclusive approach to all people. Spend some time in Acts 10. Read the moving story of the Roman soldier, Cornelius. Note the revolutionary truth forced on the apostle Peter by his experience with this hated, “unclean,” Gentile man. Recognize that God accepts everyone, that all people are children of God, and all are eagerly welcomed by God.
3. Commit to being vulnerable. Find trusted friends with whom you can discuss race and racism. Get real about your experiences and your feelings. Share the results of the implicit bias test that you take. Confess your shortcomings as you become more aware of them. Talk honestly about any fears that you may have.
4. Do a personal “inventory” of your relationships. Determine just how many persons of other races you know. Honestly assess how well you know them, and they you. Think about the settings in which you know them. Consider issues and realities related to economic class. Face what role wealth plays in the divisions in our nation and city. Think about how income inequality drives social attitudes toward persons of other races and consider how these dynamics influence you and your attitudes toward others.
5. Look for ways to include persons of other races, cultures, and ethnicity in your life. Reach out in friendship to people of diverse racial backgrounds. Learn to “walk a mile” in a black person’s shoes as you watch media reports and engage in social media. Seek to understand the realities facing persons of color in the USA. Get involved with groups like Dallas Faces Race and Project Unity.
6. Read. Add books and articles about race and racism in the history of our nation to your active reading list. A great place to start would be David Halberstam’s classic, The Children. Read the newspapers with new eyes toward the challenges facing persons of color in our nation.
7. Face the reality of “white privilege” in our nation. Research the concept and then journal your feelings, as your understanding of this very particular concept grows. Don’t allow yourself to dismiss the idea even when you want to badly!
8. Include your entire family in this quest for acceptance, understanding, and loving friendship. Talk to your children! Learn from them, for often their experiences and opinions will enable them to lead you in growth in this area of your life.
9. Explore Dallas. Drive around more to see other parts of the city. Be intentional in your travel plans. Reflect on what you discover. Open your heart to the pain of others right here in Dallas.
10. Believe that change is both needed and possible if we walk by faith in the truth of God’s vision for all people.Pray for the enlightenment, openness, and wisdom you will need to grow in this area of your faith life. Understand that this entire enterprise is an extremely important part of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

“Then, Peter began to speak to them: ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’” Acts 10:34-35