CHRISTIAN PARENTING

Unseen Prejudice

by Vicki Berchtold

I have worked in several different social agencies, spanning a period of over twenty years. Through those years, I worked with a variety of ages, races and income levels. I felt that I have been age, race and culturally sensitive and have tried to convey this sensitivity and opened mindedness to my children.

Last summer, my family went camping a few hours from our home. The campground had a nice beach and we were excited about going swimming to cool off from the heat. As my family entered the beach area, my son announced that he could not go swimming in the lake with "those black people". I was shocked and horrified to hear such a prejudicial remark come out of my son's mouth. I immediately questioned him about his statement and the reasoning behind it, but he could not come up with any type of explanation. Of course I gave him a talking too and a stern rebuke. I reminded him that God made all people equal, there is no one color of skin or race that is better. God loves everyone equally and expects us to love everyone equally. I reminded him of John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." The whole world means, every person, every age and every race. I am happy to say my son came to his senses quickly. The amazing blessing of that day, was that as we were swimming my son and daughter made friends with two children and their family. The children and their mother spoke little English and we spoke little Spanish, but this did not seem to be much of a problem. The children played together all afternoon, until it was time for us to go back to the campsite. I am thankful to God that He allowed the two families to meet and to have such a fun afternoon swimming.

Philippians 4:13 and 19

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."