former racist

I read a compelling, no moving, story today…

I live in, and grew up in, (white) Idaho. No- I wasn’t ever a part of those that seem to be synonymous with my state (with their shaved heads and WWII-era tattoos; who hate because they believe they have to; who think that MLK,Jr. was a nuisance to be dealt with). But there wasn’t much diversity.

Slowly Idaho, and more specifically Boise, has become more and more diverse. I remember coming to a similar point as Seanna did… but I was in my twenties. I realized I saw people differently. And as I wrestled with that, I thought maybe that was ok. But then my college chaplain said something at a chapel centered around Black History Month, “For the Christ follower, there is no such (racial) distinction.”

It rocked my world. Not because a man I deeply respected had said it, but because I called myself a Christ follower. And those words have deepened my love for others. There is no distinction- all are short of His glory- we are all in the same sinking ship- USS Humanity.

~NickShoe