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a for both of us b The other side of the coin, for AfricanAmericans seems to be this: Can they bring their experience to the table with all of its ins and outs, occasional anger, sensitivity and history without it being dismissed? Can their experience be validated without pity? Can they be honest and forthcoming without being written off as just another angry minority? Can Caucasians be open to the idea that they may not be as cultured as they think they are? Are Caucasians open to the idea that they may have some subconscious racism? Honestly, in the past, I have been less than eager to entertain such conversations with Caucasians. I have responded with an attitude that conveys a disdain for the validity of their experience without giving them a chance to voice it. In the past five years God has had to change my approach to this difficult problem.
experience race within our community as also they affect how I experience race within our community. This must be important to both of us. This approach has been paying off. Relationships with some of my Caucasian equals have become deeper in the terms of freedom, expression, care, concern, and trust. There is a sense of joy with each other in the Holy Spirit, and an absence of pity, fear, rejection, and anger. We still have healing to experience, but I believe the trajectory of our relationship has changed. I feel a greater amount of safety, and I think they do as well. I know that I could bring my experience to them and it would not be dismissed, and I can honestly say the opposite is true as well. The aim of our relationship has changed from just being in the same room together, which has been the standard approach, to walking in repentance toward the healing power of the Cross together. I can testify that the heart of mutual responsibility for one another is coming forth from this approach.
At present, I am at the point of understanding that because of Christ, I must attempt to listen with thankfulness and understanding while conversing with my Caucasian peers. I must also take the initiative in the process of redeeming race relations within my social sphere to the best of my ability. My Caucasian colleagues are my responsibility as I am theirs. I affect how they
Photos By Matthew Howen
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Brian Bailey, MBS, New Testament