Clearing the Air We Breathe

Clearing t he Ai r We Breat he

We are ALL part of God’s great design

Darlene Lucas

by Darlene Lucas

Darlene attends Weston Park Baptist Church. Anti -Black racism is nothing new, but hearing George Floyd cry out “Momma, Momma” hit home in a way I could never have envisioned. To hear such a twisted cry of terror and hope impacted me as a Black mother of biracial sons and daughters. As a Black woman and a Black leader in a blended Canadian Baptist congregation, I am very protective of those I call family.

As a former community leader for 30-plus years, I am so conscious that violent acts of abuse in and against the Black community need to be acknowledged with action and must not be ignored. And yet I also know that often it is the White voices that seem to get noticed for their views on racism while the Black leaders work behind the scenes to facilitate change.

Serving as the Deacon Chair in a diverse and fairly culturally-balanced church has been a humbling experience and gift. Our members love each other and that has always been a wonderful reminder of the blessings and hope we read about in the Bible. For many of us, our church, located in a designated high-priority neighbourhood in Toronto, is our second family, but as many of us know, families have their challenges. Family members can be quite different from each other.

Over the last few months since Floyd’s murder I have had hard conversations with several church members about anti-Black racism: How do we, as a church, stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters? Are we truly prepared to deal with such a sensitive issue? Is there really racism in our church? Who will lead this charge? Could we really be open to conversations on anti-Black racism that would effectively change people’s view on race?

The Christian community can be a difficult, sensitive place where many see conflict as not being caring nor loving of one’s neighbour. Let’s be honest. In the healthiest churches, Christians can have a hard time

What are next steps?

getting along with each other; we are all flawed people. For many of us, speaking out, not turning away and looking inward aren’t tasks we look forward to, but never has there been a better time to stop and listen to the different voices that are searching for answers and hope.

As one of the few Black women leaders in my church’s history, I feel proud to be a beacon of change and yet I feel overwhelmed with the responsibility. I know that I am responsible for addressing anti-racism, oppression or any injustice . . . no matter how uncomfortable that may be. John 8:12 says: “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” The BIG question for me today is simple: How is the Church that light to the community in these times of darkness?

How does change happen? What do I see as the next steps for our church family?

First, we need to learn to listen better to each other’s truths with love and respect. Second, we must be ready to confront the issue of anti-Black racism and have those hard discussions while allowing God to direct and shape the conversation. And finally, we must recognize that there are blessings in pain when we allow ourselves to look inward and be vulnerable to “becoming” who God has desired us to be with each other. We give the world a front row seat to the grace of God for they see Him through us.

Our faith tells us that Jesus is the source of triumph during the dark seasons. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). God doesn’t squander a hurt. He uses our hurts to shape us, direct us and reveal not only who we are but Whose we are.  CBWOQ is saddened to report the passing in August of Rev. Tom Morikawa. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Audrey Morikawa, and the rest of the family. Audrey served as Executive Director of CBWOQ from 1975 to 1997.

Bernice’s Picks . . .

Joy Unspeakable: Contemplative practices of the black church by Barbara Holmes $29.99

A Springtime People: Christian Perspectives on Living from a Senior’s Point of View by Bruce Neal, retired CBOQ pastor $20

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