Racism: Why We Need to Talk Before We Act
John Crossman, CCIM, CRX
President @ CrossMarc Services | Real Estate Investment
Why should Christians today be concerned about racism?
It’s a tough question—and one that Rev. Michael Aitcheson, senior pastor of Christ United Fellowship in Orlando, didn’t shy away from when he was my guest on The Crossman Conversation. Mike and I have been friends for many years, and I knew he would tackle the topic with courage and candor.
“Christians need to keep discussing issues around race because Jesus has not returned,” he said. “When Jesus returns, we will be in a state of perfection. We won’t have any more issues. But as long as we, as children of Adam, are walking the face of the earth, there will be all sorts of sins that we have to engage. And [racism] is not just a civic or civil space problem, it’s a problem that we have to navigate in the church as well.”
Mike pointed out that racial attitudes and behaviors have changed over the years, but, “We still see polarization in our country.” So what can we do? “We have three options. We can act like it’s not there. We can attribute every social tension to it. Or we can do the right thing by engaging it in healthy conversation through the lens of the Bible.”
I agree that talking is important, but I think we need to act as well. Mike cautioned against acting too quickly.
“Sometimes acting too quickly can end up doing damage in the long run because there’s no sustained effort,” he said. “Sometimes acting is a way to circumvent feeling the weight of the matter. Relationship is a key component to bringing healing in the space and place of race. Let’s take this to Christ, then we can move forward with relationship and practical things that can bring healing.”
So we need to take the time to talk, and maybe even cry, before we figure out what we can do both individually and collectively. Mike quoted renowned Christian psychologist Diane Langberg. “Diane Langberg said, ‘Trauma healing happens through talk, plus time, plus tears.’”
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Certainly racism is traumatic, but with the help of Christ, we can heal.
On the show, I shared the story of how I watched Mike save a child’s life. And I was moved by Mike’s answer when I jokingly asked him if he ever wanted to pancake block (it’s a football term) someone in his congregation. Listen to the entire show here:
To hear my conversation with Bishop Allen Wiggins, pastor of The Hope Church in Orlando, go here:
John Crossman is the founder of Crossman Career Builders, the host of The Crossman Conversation, and the author of Career Killers Career Builders. Check out Crossman Career Builders on YouTube. Connect with John on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Let’s work together to end racism in all areas of the US!