The most helpful conversations about race nurture a connection that deepens existing relationships and creates new ones. The most helpful conversations about race cultivate concern, conversion, commitment and compassion.
Creating connections is about allowing our souls to be touched by the experiences of others.
Respecting silence as part of a conversation is an element of creating connections. Too often we regard silence as a judgment when, in fact, it is central to listening. It is part of receiving and connecting.
The most helpful conversations about race lead us to advocacy for racial justice!
This message was adapted from the Women of the ELCA resource, “How to have a helpful conversation about race in the church,” by Inez Torres Davis, which can be downloaded for free at welca.org. Today is the 11th Sunday after Pentecost. The readings are Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23; Hosea 11:1-11 (semicontinuous); Psalm 49:1-12; Psalm 107:1-9, 43 (semicontinuous); Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21.
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