Our Divine Origin and the Call to Racial Justice

DUST and BREATH.

DIRT and DIVINITY.

One of the ideas I keep going back to again and again, in my own faith, my own practice, and in my teachings, is to the very foundation: Our roots. Our origin.

In the Creation story found in Genesis, God is fashioning the earth and all it’s beauty and life. After he’s made the Light and the sun, the moon, the stars, the waters and the land, the animals and the plant-life, he comes to the crescendo of his Creation: Human Beings. God picks up the dust from the earth and fashions his first human. He then breathes into man the breath of life, and he becomes a living being. (Genesis 2)

DUST and BREATH.

DIRT and DIVINITY.

The crown of God’s creation: Man and Woman, created in God’s own DIVINE IMAGE. There’s so much beauty in this story and in the entire story of God’s love and passionate pursuit of humanity. There’s so much to learn and live by, yet many of us have forgotten. We’ve forgotten who we are: Divine, Holy, Beloved Creations made in the image of God. We’ve forgotten that every human being holds this origin.

The God I’m speaking of has many names: The God who Sees Me. The Lord is Peace. God of Justice, God is Love. When confronted with (reminded of) the painful truth that we are living in a time where not all human beings are treated equally, I wonder what the God of Justice and the God-who-is-Love would have us do. What would Love DO in response to the cries of black brothers and sisters crying out for justice, freedom, and equality right now?

The heart of God laments and his anger rises when we hurt other humans.

The heart of God beats for Unity among his children. We are family.

ALL OF US.

But in this time and season, we need to highlight that BLACK LIVES and PEOPLE OF COLOR are made in the image of God. Divine. Holy. Beautiful. Sacred.

As I was marching last week with a group in my community shouting together “black lives matter”. I just allowed tears to come, and kept thinking to myself and talking with God; “we shouln’’t have to say this. It should be known. It should be a common belief.” But sadly in the United States in 2020, it’s not. And that needs to change.

Racism is not only a person-to-person issue, it’s not only a social and political issue (although we know that our society and our policies need to change to reflect what is true - that we are all equal and deserving of justice, love, and belonging). Racism is also a spiritual issue. It’s evil and its foundations are rooted in sin (oppression, power over others, pride, fear, selfishness, greed, etc.). From a book I’m currently reading called The Heart of Racial Justice;

“Racism and injustice, division and hatred are spiritual issues. They are evil…we are dealing with generational sin and bondage as a nation when it comes to racism, ethnic hatred and violence… God wants to break that cycle. Racial and ethnic reconciliation will be a distinguishing mark, maybe even the distinguishing mark, of this next outpouring of God’s Spirit.”

Following Christ means many things, but as Jesus himself taught, the most important way to live is to Love God and Love Others. To think of others better than ourselves. To love our neighbors as ourself. To consider that we need each other to live lives that are fulfilling, joyful, and that represent the beauty, truth, and light of the God of Love. Loving others can sound like a vague statement and calling, but we know in our hearts that love means standing up for those who are suffering. Love means caring, listening, changing our ways when our ways are hurtful and even damaging. Love means standing up for justice, for what is right. God often calls his people to bring Justice and Love together.

In the US in particular (and maybe other places as well but I’m speaking from my own experience from where I live), we have layers and layers of oppression, white supremacy, and systemic racism. I’m no expert on this but I’m continuing to learn and grow so that I can understand and change in the ways I need to.

I’m taking the time to lament and repent. For the ways I’ve been silent or not loud enough. For the ways I’ve benefitted from this system while others suffer. From the ways I’ve been asleep to this injustice that so many are living with every day. The harm done over and over again to people of color has been happening since the foundation of this country. This isn’t new. But a national awareness is occurring and an awakening for many of us, thank God. Because I’m a white woman, I realize I don’t know what it’s like and I’ve been paying extra attention to my friends of color - to hear their experience and to base my stance on what they’re sharing and asking for. I’m grateful for their courage to speak the truth, to call us into a New Way.

I’m in the middle of reading, un-learning, learning, coming to repentance for my own ignorance and even harm I’ve caused. If you’re someone who’s been listening too, I’m sure you’ve seen some great resources for learning. Please feel free to share in the comments below! Here are just a few that I’ve found insightful, helpful, and challenging:

On Being podcast with Eula Biss on Talking about Whiteness

Brene Brown’s podcast conversation with Austin Channing Brown

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Anti Racist Starter Pack: 40 resources

And here are few people on Instagram that I’m appreciating and learning from:

@charaiacallabrass @pricelispd @dr.marielbuque @_imalwaysashley

As a believer in the God-of-Love-and-Justice and a practitioner of yoga, I know it’s my responsibility to use my privilege and the blessings in my life to support others. I continue to seek ways to do justice and love on a global level as well. I think it’s so important in this time to also remember the millions of people around the globe that suffer oppression, slavery, and injustice. We’re called to stand up for the cause of the oppressed and my hope is that those of us who can, will seek to do that throughout our lives.

And one last note,

I’m encouraged by the words of my yoga therapist and a mentor and teacher of mine, Jessica Patterson. She recently reminded me of this;

“To be of service in the world,

one must take care of the servant.”

So it’s of vital importance that through this work, we all take care. We all take time to log-off and be still. We take time to find peace and presence, rest and joy. My hope is that this will fuel you for the work you’re called into in your life.

I’ll end with this prayer from Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson,

God, too often our hearts and eyes have been closed to the suffering of others in our racially divided world. Give us eyes to see and hearts that share your heart for the unity and reconciliation of all peoples. WE pray in your name. Amen.