I was in a conversation with a stranger last night. When I told him I was a writer he asked what I write. I had him google my author page. When he saw my book, “Off the RACE Track,” he went into a long rant demeaning Black people while telling me he’s not prejudice. I tried to tell him that the book is about the joyous experience of racial diversity, but he kept voicing hostile words. I wish people who believe that racism is gone could have heard his long diatribe.

Since I met Jesus, when I think about people I try to begin with Christ. He has led me to joyous interaction with people of many colors, nationalities, cultures, religions, politics, etc. I want to approach people with God’s Spirit and His wisdom, not with my emotions, my opinions, and/or my upbringing.

I seek to deal in realism by seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness in my interactions with and opinions about other people and people groups. The Cross destroys the idealism that there is such a thing as “good people” and makes me realize that we all have sinned and desperately need God’s ongoing mercy.