Learning To Identify

I know white guys can’t really identify with black guys when it comes to racism. Since I have several friends who have experienced the struggle, I am pleased that I am finally able to identify to the smallest degree. I know it’s not a big thing, but perhaps its a start.

A report on Good Morning America concerned an interview from People Magazine with the President and First Lady of the United States.

(Michele Obama) “Even as the first lady,” she told the magazine, “during the wonderfully publicized trip I took to Target, not highly disguised, the only person who came up to me in the store was a woman who asked me to help her take something off a shelf.” She said the incidents are “the regular course of life” for African-Americans and a “challenge” for the country to overcome.

Now I get it. I was in Kroger recently and standing in the potato chip aisle (there are other things there too, I guess) just looking at the selection. Then it happened. A woman said to me, “Do you know where the pig skins are?” I said, “No, but let me see if I can find them.” I did, right there on the very top shelf (amazingly – I seldom find anything in a grocery store). When I replied, “Here they are,” she said, “Would you mind to hand me two bags – one regular and one bar-b-que.” That’s when I felt it. Obviously she does not know who I am. I knew it was worthless trying to explain, so I just handed her the skins. “Thanks, she said,” and rolled away in her handicap buggy. I hope this does not become a “regular course of life” for me. Perhaps our Country can “overcome the challenge.”

Here’s the point. Sometimes people just need help. They are likely to ask someone close – or perhaps tall, or maybe to accomplish something for them that cannot be accomplished alone. I somehow believe that God would encourage Believers, and certainly me, to forget my self-importance, and be a help to everyone I can. “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” (Romans 12:3)  That’s the real issue here. We are often damaged more by our own thinking than by the actions of others.