Culture Shock

I thank God that I have had the pleasure to know and interact with many people who are of different ethnicities then mine. People who are wonderful individuals who have imparted such wisdom into my life. No matter the age or length of relationship/closeness, they have a piece of my heart that will transcend any present or future experiences I will ever have to face. Their love has been true and their friendship strong.

It’s hard for me to understand all of what’s happening in the world today because my experience has been different. Yes, I’ve experienced acts of racism. It wasn’t justified by any means. It’s made me frustrated, caused me to question the intentions of those around me, yet through it all, I choose to continue to stay close to the truth of God’s word.

I know in this world it will try to convince you that there are so many things that could divide us and make us feel as though we can’t relate to one another. However, that is not true in the kingdom of God.

In the body of Christ, we share a heritage, that connects and links us together. Any thought, any discussion and any person that tries to come up and stand against that knowledge do not have a Christlike mentality. We may have different skin colors, different ethnic backgrounds but all of those things that make us different and unique are all qualities that the Lord gave each of us to have while we are here on this earth. It was not given to divide us or to compare and contrast what we think in our earthly mentality is better, but for us to learn from one another, learn about each other’s cultures and to partake in fellowship through unity, peace, and love.

I hate that these things are happening because it doesn’t represent the love of Christ in any form but instead of basking in hatred & confusion, I will continue to choose to see Gods love through His people, which are my people, those who have the heart and mentality of Christ.

Always remember that we have a deeper heritage that transcends our race, upbringing, and personal outlooks, so if you’re going to promote and stand up for anything it should be that. Once we discover the depth of that heritage then we will be able to love each other how God loves each and every single one of us!

(You may have had a bad interaction with someone outside of your race but that should ignite a fire so deep within you to find out what the scriptures say about confronting adverse and conflicting situations. Pray, that the Father give you eyes to see into the heart of the individual……past the hateful acts and words….. past the facade….. straight to the infectious wound that is pouring out unto all those who have been wounded in similar ways…….You may have been wounded but that doesn’t mean you have to stay wounded in your heart & mind.)

There is nothing new under the sun,  the type of situations that we face may be hard, even unbearable but choose to change how you react to them. If you know and truly understand right from wrong then aim to do what’s right.

James‬ ‭4:17‬ ‭ESV‬‬
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”