Read and Discuss: “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson Book Review
Last fall, I participated in a cohort with some of my co-workers where we read and discussed Just Mercy together. It was our first round of these learning cohorts and really, for me, a first step into intentional community that involved education about racial injustice. It was shocking, eye-opening, and hard. We often sat in the room with no words to say. But it was important to take the space and time and truly it was transformative for me.
Build Something Better: “The Minority Experience” by Adrian Pei Book Review
As Summit learns more about truths obscured from their sight, there is an opportunity to expand the depth of how we live out and are steeped in the gospel. How we love our neighbors changes as we see them more fully. We’ll love more completely. When they are in pain, we won’t be able to choose to look away and abandon them. As we learn about others, we’ll learn about ourselves. We have to honestly reflect on how we got here and if we are part of making things better.
Get Educated: Join the Conversation on Racial Injustice
In a time when images of racial injustice are opening more eyes to the magnitude of the problem, we know it can leave many evaluating (maybe for the first time) what their role can or should be in moving toward change. Fortunately, we also find ourselves in a time when reputable resources are more accessible than ever as well.
Risk Comfort
If you are anything like me, the sheer size of the problem can be paralyzing. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but here is a place to start. Start by talking about it with your family. Talk to your kids, in an age-appropriate manner. Kids of every color need to know that this matters. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Use your voice to talk about it at church, in your Connect group, with your friends. I’m asking my kids how they are going to use their voices. Boldly speak up and stand up when you see prejudice, hate, or injustice. Risk comfort and reach out to those who look different than you.