Recovering Racist

34"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Okay, this is a tough blog for me to write. But, I’m a Recovering Racist. There – I said it! I don’t like that I said it and I don’t like that it’s true. Over the past 22 years (I’m a slow learner!) God has been stretching me and changing me in so many ways. And, my view of people is one of the things He has changed.

Webster defines racism as; a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race.

For me, the biggest change factor in this area of my life has been the adoption of our youngest daughter Klaire. We adopted Klaire from China just over two years ago. And, it’s been one of the greatest decisions of our lives.

Again, I knew I grew up in small town “white” America – heard plenty of racial jokes in school, etc. But, honestly thought I had moved passed the whole race thing.

Then, one morning – as I walked into Klaire’s bedroom – I stood over her bed and looked at this incredible little gift from God – and all of a sudden it hit me – when I looked at Klaire I didn’t see a little Asian girl – I only saw my daughter. My daughter.

It’s at that point – that I realized I had grown up with such a closed mind and sick view of people and our world. Because the truth is – we are all people – created by God – unique – and yet the same. And when God looks at us – He only sees… His children.

Honestly, I’m thankful our country is changing in regards to race. I do believe things are better than they were 20 years ago. But, if we were all truly honest – we each probably still have some work to do in regards to loving each other as John 13:34-35 teaches. Then the world will know we are His!