Late one night on the balcony, overlooking the beach, we had a conversation that for me, changed my life. From all appearances, Karl is a black man. However, his mother is a blue eyed, blonde haired German woman. The white/black jokes went throughout the weekend between us (ALL in good, VERY FUNNY fun), but this night, I sensed a touch of reality for them.
I was able to be honest with them and say that I just didn't get "those issues"--the white versus black. Why do some black people seem so defensive? They spoke of going out to dinner with Karl's mother, and having people stare because they were with a white person. Renea said that some people would even go as far to ask, "What are you?" as if referring to some sort of breed of dog. I can't imagine how I'd feel to be gawked at for eating lunch with my mother or friends!
None of US have lived through slavery or segregation, but racism and prejudices are still alive. At one point in the weekend, Travis crossed a main highway with Kiara and Amaya. The rest of us were a bit behind, but traffic actually slowed down because people were staring. Why is that? I honestly don't know, but for me, I was glad that I got to spend the weekend with, not only great people, but friends. I'm also glad that, for Sage, this won't be an issue at all. She won't have to wonder why "the white" people are laughing with "the black" people. I believe scenes like the ones below are the new "normal," especially in my life.
For it's strong enough to wash away my sins
And it's pure enough to cleanse me deep within
And it's real enough to find me when I'm lost
Great enough to die upon the cross
It doesn't matter what color you are
As long as your blood was red
And it's pure enough to cleanse me deep within
And it's real enough to find me when I'm lost
Great enough to die upon the cross
It doesn't matter what color you are
As long as your blood was red
3 comments:
That's awesome Julie! I totally agree. Beautiful pictures too! God bless.
You are the sweetest person I have met in a loooooooonnnnnnnnggggg time. I am not going to get too mushy on this one because I already sent you a mushy email. I love you girl!
Awesome blog! I have never understood those issues either. I guess b/c I just always saw others no matter what color of skin they had as a potential blessing to my life. I am teaching Addy not to see people as they appear on the outside but to seek what they look like on the inside. GOD cared enough for all of us to create us as unique individuals.
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