I finally saw the movie Crash the other night and was overwhelmed with the poignancy in which it deals with the subject of race in America.
As the most developed society in history, you would think that we would be more progressive than we are.
That we would judge people based upon their character and not their color.
That we would not instinctively categorize people upon superficial impressions.
That we would not stereotype people because they fail to match up with our race, religion, or socio-economic group.

I’ve been so guilty of this in my life. I have told jokes of a racial bent and justified it because I was “just kidding.”
I’ve stayed away from certain neighborhoods because of the “element” that lives there.
I have begrudged people the liberties of this nation because they have failed to “assimilate” to the degree that I expect.
I have sought out friends and acquaintances who look like me, act like me, and believe like me.
I have used words and ephitets that disparage children of God.
I have been guilty of overt racism.
And I have harbored the covert signs of prejudice and bigotry.
I have justified this for years.
I have blamed the problem of race in America on those who want hand-outs.
I have shifted the blame to minorities who “complain too much”
Yet, I have been guilty of the very behavior that I denied.

There is a problem with racism in America.
That problem is me.
And I repent.
No more, will the jokes be accepted by me or around me.
I will strive to move away from the split-second categorization.

I will work and pray that people will be loved and embraced regardless of race.
For there is a problem with race in America.

We need look no further than our worship assemblies to see that.

God, join us together. Allow us to embrace one another in love, despite our appearances.
And in spite of our prejudices allow us to see one another for who we truly are, your children.