This week’s devotion is written by Cindy and Jerry Tonneson.

Jesus said: “So love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Secondly the most important commandment is this. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”

-Mark 12:30-31 

We became involved with the RIC initiative to aid in the racial reconciliation part of this program. Thirty-three years ago, we adopted Michael, who has grown into a handsome young man who resembles both Drake, the rapper, and Jason Tatum, a star for the Boston Celtics. We are parents of a biracial child who the world perceives as black.  Our personal journey has been enriched by the many encounters we have had with people of all different races. 

Our congregation partners with Corazon de Esperanza, Peru; AMMPARO with our beloved Pargas-Chavez family; the immigrant community garden; missionary sponsorship; and ELCA women’s support with Lutheran World Relief. There are many different types of people who are also served by the Shelter Meal program. 

Imagine our church is having a party and has invited people from diverse racial backgrounds.  How can we welcome them in a way that they will feel safe and comfortable?  Being friendly is a good start, but we need to do more.  

It would be natural for us to ask where they live or work because that is normal for us when we meet someone new.  However, for people of color this could be seen as a judgment on their financial status or neighborhood.  That could make them uncomfortable and they may not want to share anything more.  

Instead, try questions like, “What brought you here this morning?” or “Are you looking for a church?” This would make them think you are interested in them as a person and want to get to know them. It is easy to think that our way of talking to anyone should be the same. But people of color who have experienced past negative encounters of judgment with white people may feel threatened or afraid.  So, it is our job to be sensitive to this, and work to respect their race and culture.

For more background you may wish to read additional books about racial inequity. Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow, provides an excellent representation of the black experience with the legal system and other barriers that exist. The One Economy study for Polk County reveals the disparity in outcomes for people of color.  If you don’t like to read, come to the Ankeny Bandshell (410 W 1st St.) between 3-9 pm on June 23rd to hear speakers talk about their experiences here in Ankeny.  Experience the beauty and power of the Black Culture and learn.  We can’t become Black people, but we can be allies of diverse cultures.  All this can be done in hopes of becoming the beloved community that God intends us to be.