Did you pick up on it?
Did you feel it?
It felt like and appeared that for the past couple of weeks, that there hasn’t been any mention of racism in the news.
When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, everything stopped! While the news talked about the devastation from the storm, it also showed something else. The news actually showed something that was positive.
It showed neighbor helping neighbor.
It showed whites helping blacks.
It showed blacks helping whites.
It showed PEOPLE helping PEOPLE.
Hurricane Harvey did the unthinkable! It washed away Racism! Or at least that is what it felt like.
So many of my friends and church members have been affected from the storm. As I’ve gathered at the homes of many to help clean up, I’ve been reminded of the power of love. People loving other people and helping others in whatever way possible. That’s so powerful to see.
But sadly, we are reminded that Hurricane Harvey is not powerful enough to wash away the hatred and bitterness that some people have in their hearts.
Water will not be enough to do it…
Winds will not be enough to do it…
Only the blood of Jesus has the power to do it.
Earlier this week we were reminded of the hatred some (not all) have in their hearts.
Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin received a letter sent to his home after losing a silly football game to UCLA. In the letter, it said…
“You suck as a coach. You’re a NIGGER and can’t win! Please get out or else.”
Was this a joke? Doubtful? The local authorities have launched an investigation.
Sadly, racism is real and still a problem. It’s not something that people are imagining. Many blacks will not always share what they have experienced, because they are afraid that others will think that it’s all in their heads. It’s not. Racism is real.
I had an opportunity to speak to a group of college students at A & M on the topic of racism last year at a congregation there. They shared different stories about the problem of racism.
A &M was in the news last year I believe when some high school students visiting campus had to endure some college students yelling racial slurs at them.
The problem doesn’t merely exist at A&M. Sadly, it’s happening in other places.
It can be easy for stories and events like this to wash away all of the good from others. But we can’t allow that to happen.
Jesus is always the answer when it comes to how people can overcome racism.
Racism is a heart issue.
Racism is something that is learned. What we pick up in life, we can put down.
Jesus died for all men, John 3:16.
Jesus loves all men, Colossians 1:15-20.
His church is not a black church or white church or Hispanic. It’s a church for all of those who will submit to Him, Galatians 3:27-29.
A few bad hearts will not be able to wipe out all of the good hearts that are out there.
Hurricane Harvey has reminded us of that!