We are ALL Equal, just a glimpse of Racism

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am Caucasian, probably as white skinned as they get... So, needless to say it isn't very often that I come into contact with an act of racism, my experiences have been far and few between.

Recently I have grown close to a group of girlfriends from church, they are all amazing!! Among those girls, we have so many different personalities, and it is always a blast when we get together. The picture above is our first ever, ladies night. I am the only one missing from the photo: clockwise starting on the top right- April, Jessica, Tamrah, Amanda, Monique, and Emarie. I love all of these girls!

I want to talk a little bit about Monique, she is amazing. She has a fabulous personality, it seems like everyone is drawn to her. She is kind, Lively, creative, friendly, and always wears a genuine smile on her face. She is a scientist at the University of Minnesota. She is a mother to 3 beautiful children, and a wife to a great man. I think that the first time we hung out she told me she loved me, and I really felt as though she did! She is new to Minnesota, and hates the cold, she is ready to move already :) But all of us girls do not want her to, we all love her so much.

Just recently Monique and I went shopping together. We experienced two acts of racism during the one hour shopping endeavor; one from two Caucasian females, and another from an African American woman. I was SHOCKED!! I won't get into detail... but, wow! seriously?! The color is only skin deep people! So what, she has dark skin and mine is light...

Last night, I witnessed something that crushed my heart. Someone from our church said something very offensive about 'Black culture' in front of Monique, but regardless it was inappropriate. I got so defensive for her (although I felt that it wasn't my place to say anything, or to put her on the spot, so I kept my mouth shut). I was utterly disgusted and amazed at how ignorant we can be as people!

My eyes were opened last night. How hard would it be to be African American? Monique, Tamrah, Albert and I talked last night about Moniques life, and how racism is such a part of her everyday life. Hearing her stories I realized how judged she is by so many people. I always hear about racism and how bad it is, I have always recognized that it was an issue, But until recently I have never known or could've even fathomed how severe it really is!

I just want to apologize to those of you who are continually affected or have been affected by racism or prejudice. It saddens my heart to know that Monique, and the wonderful person that she is, is judged by so many...

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts those from every nation who fear him and do what is right." We are all Gods children, regardless of our heritage, age, sex, and so forth. Why don't we give everyone a chance? Why do we judge?

Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other...? Malachi 2:10

As I opened this blog with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., I am going to close it with another wonderful quote that I aspire to live by.
'I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.'
Martin Luther King, Jr.