Key Bible Verse: Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me (2 Timothy 4:11). Bonus Reading: Philippians 2:1-5

I couldn't help but see Rick as just another white guy who talked a good game but left the battle when things got too tough, retreating to the safety of the suburbs. But years later, feeling isolated, I decided to go and reach out to Rick, inviting him back into the fray.

We met at a Bennigan's restaurant. As I began to probe and ask questions, Rick's answers helped me to better understand the immensity of the hurt he felt over his failure and the death of his dream. Rick had blocked off many of the memories and hadn't realized that he repressed some very deep feelings.

For my part, I told Rick about my many experiences with white people who'd used me and other black people to help assuage their guilt, only to leave when it was no longer convenient or comfortable for them to be involved.

As we continued to talk and share, healing began to take place. By the end of our conversation, a former casualty of war was restored and recommissioned for the battle, and a deeper friendship was forged between us.

Since then we've together conducted racial healing seminars. But the starting point, we've both discovered, is a healing of our own identities.

—Brenda Salter McNeil in The Heart of Racial Justice

My Response: Have I tried to launch a strong interracial friendship? Did it fly?

Adapted from The Heart of Racial Justice (InterVarsity, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Lord, for creating my good and beautiful ethnic ancestors and their culture. Help me to embrace my true self in Christ.

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