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Men of Integrity, Nov/Dec 2000
Why Jerome Didn't Trust
This Week's Theme: Racial Bridge-Building
Thursday, December 21
Key Bible Verse: I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15b).
Bonus Reading: Ephesians 2:11-19
When Jerome, a black man, first began attending Rock Church, he was suspicious around the white members. Either he avoided direct encounters or, when an interaction couldn't be helped, his distant greetings seemed to say, "OK, you can come this far but no farther."
"My old man used to tell me," Jerome later admitted, "'Don't trust the white man; one day he'll turn around and do you in.' He was on guard around white folks, but with the 'brothers' he could relax."
The only way for people to build trust is to genuinely open their lives to one another, sharing who they are inside, taking the time to know the other person behind the "front." Sincerity requires being honest and transparent about our disagreements, disappointments and negative perceptions. That's downright scary—but not impossible.
Today, even Jerome has developed a good relationship with several white brothers at Rock Church. But it took time. And his father still thinks Jerome is crazy to trust me, to go on fishing trips with me, to spend time at my house and vice versa.
—Glen Kehrein in Breaking Down Walls
Respond:
Think of practical ways to open your heart to new people.
Thought to Apply:
Bias has to be taught. If you hear your parents downgrading … people of different backgrounds, why, you are going to do that.
—Barbara Bush (former first lady)
Adapted from: Raleigh Washington and Glen Kehrein, Breaking Down Walls (Moody Press, Moody Bible Institute, 1998).
NOTE: For your convenience, Breaking Down Walls is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.
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Prayer for the Week |
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God, bless me with the friendship of someone who's different from me. Help me to honor your blessing.
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