I grew up in The South. The first time I was called nigger was in the 4th grade. I knew the day would come and was prepared to throw down.
I said to the chick. “Why don’t we step into the bathroom and see what a nigger can do.”
We were both young and I hope she has changed for the better.
However, I can never forget the look on her face and the way the air smelled of disgust.
It haunted me as a young mother.
I always felt a bit of anxiety letting my daughter play with non-black childern afraid they would reject her for her race and make her feel less than.
But my fears eventually gave way. Instead of my being her human shield against hate, I decided to strengthen her soul with love and with constant reminders that she is fearfully and wonderfully made.
It is a lie that only sticks and stones can hurt us. Words can leave scars too.
Thankfully there is a Balm in Gilead that can soothe our souls and give us the strength to forgive.
Because for every unkind word that has been spoken against me because of my race there have been millions of words of love and encourage spoken to me by people of all ethnicities.
So while this ugly word may have been cause of hurt in your history, I pray for healing in your life, so you may experience the beautiful rainbow of love that God has intended for all of us.
