James 1:19 New Revised Standard Version

19 You must understand this, my beloved:[a] let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Proverbs 12:15
15 Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to advice.

Proverbs 18:2
2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing personal opinion.

Philippians 2:4
4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Reflection

All around there are conversations about what is happening in our world and in our communities when it comes to racism and injustice. I recognize that each person has different thoughts, understandings and experiences that shape how they feel, think and act.

What I continue to hear and agree with, is the importance of opening our minds to educate ourselves and to listen. One of the gifts of the internet is that you can access information that can help you to do just that. YES –you need to be careful about what you read and you need to not read anything with blinders on.

We can each faithfully learn more and spend time in prayerful discernment. There is also an opportunity to join in a United Against Racism online worship service (offered by the United Church of Canada), that might feel like a fit for some of you. I have also included some links of things that have been recommended to me from sources I respect.

In closing I will share a quick story. I have been sending links and articles to my children, trying to encourage them to learn more. One wrote back, “Why do you keep sending me this stuff?” Part of my reply included, “Because I love you and I want you to love other people.”

I don’t think they are my words – I think they are God’s words to all of us. God wants us to love other people. If we’re not sure how, it’s not too late to learn.

Prayer

God, open my mind to learn and grow. Open my eyes to see. Open my heart to love. I don’t always know what that should look like, and I trust you to point me in the right direction. Amen.

To Listen and Sing