Chapter 16. Biblical Evidence
Embracing diversity means accepting that you are different from other people. This diversity
aims not to divide us but to unite and appreciate one another. Men and women. White,
brown, or black. Regardless of what we are, we are all created equal. Even in biblical
perspective, racism is never encouraged. Not only that it’s against to the words of God but it
also creates a barrier among humanity.
“In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized
into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus .“-(Galatians 3:26–28)
We are all created by God. It is also believed that He intentionally created man in His own
divine image. Hence, every one of us is sacred and equally valuable in His eyes regardless of
color, gender or status. There are neither Jews nor Greeks, slaves or free, no male and
female; there is no distinction that tells which is superior and inferior. All forms of racisms
and views are highly rejected for parity, love, and respect are taught and highly valued.
Abolishing racial as well as social discrimination is never an easy task. As society continues to
label which is better, which is superior, and exhibit cultrual biases, the fight to spread
awareness about the intrinsic sacred value of every human life would be challenging.
Understanding the Biblical Perspective About Racism
Looking back on biblical history, it is noted that some people have mistakenly interpreted
some scriptures and teachings written in the bible leading them to commit slavery and
racism. For example, the mark of Cain. After murdering his brother, Cain was cursed by God
and put a mark on him. Though this “mark” doesn’t refer to skin color, some claimed it is
and that people with black skin were Cain’s descendants and also cursed by God which they
used to assert Africans enslavement. This claim is flawed and wrong. Not only that it has
nothing to with Cain’s skin clor but also it was noted that his family line died in the flood
since Noah’s and those in the ark were the only ones to survive. With this, how come that
black people are claimed as Cain’s descendants? Another claim used for Africans
enslavement is the curse of Ham whom considered as the father of black people. He was
one of Noah’s three sons and the father of Cush (settled in Ethiopia), Egypt (settled in Egypt),
Put (settled in Libya), and Canaan (settled above Africa). Written in the bible (Genesis 9:21)
that after the flood, Ham’s father, Noah, became drunk. Seeing his nakedness, Ham told this
to his brothers, Shem and Japheth, outside who then covered theid father’s nakedness.
When he woke up from his drunkness, Noah said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants
shall he be to his brothers”. This statement clearly points that Ham wasn’t cursed but
Canaan, this curse is inapplicable to Ham’s sons and their descendants who situated in Africa.
If we say that this curse was applied to Noah’s descendants, it wasn’t for the black people
but to the Canaanite residing in the land that soon became Israel. Both the mark of Cain and
Ham’s curse aren’t enough justification for the slavery.
Misinterpretations and misrepresentations of the scriptures have been obseved even
though it actually rejects the idea of racism, discrimination, and prejudices. In these
circumstances, the bible or the words God itself should not be blamed but the racists who
used it to justify their wrongful acts. It is like blaming the doctor who misused the medicine
and not science or not the law itself but the lawyer misrepresents a legislation.
The Biblical Solution to Stop the Pervasive Racism in Our Culture
Most of God’s words tell us to love one another like how he loves us unconditionally. Other
people find it easy to say but hard to put in action because of the barrier of physical and
cultural differences. Eliminating this barrier would create a bridge where people can learn
how to love themselves and other people that surrounds them. Learning how to love
doesn’t involve a complex process- you just have to respect and appreciate wholeheartedly.
With this, it is never impossible to put such such love into practice.
“These also are sayings of the wise.
To show partiality in judgment is not good.” -(Proverbs 24:23)
The only race of people we have in this world is human. All men are brothers and sisters.
Racism appeals to the core of one’s sin nature. The desire to be our own god or feel superior
than any other people becomes the root of all sin. I am white so I’m superior than other
races. I am black so I’m inferior. This kind of perspective creates immutable realities and
standards in our society. Why does racism continues to permeant? Because of human’s will
to power. Despite that the world has changed much when it comes to beliefs and ideologies,
racism still continues. Though unlike back then, the world has now been better and many
people supported campaigns and advocacies to stop racism. Still, there are still notable
cases regarding this issue and even in simple word, thought, or act, one can become a racist.
How can one help in stopping this perinnial problem? Check oneself. This is a good first step
to confront racism. Do you have discrimnatory attitudes and assumptions toward other
people? Ask the Holy Spirit to let you realize, if there are, your racist thoughts, words, or
actions. Ask forgiveness by praying regularly for such discernment. The next step is to take
initiative; be part of the change. Parents can teach their children good values that would
help them understand that we are all different but doesn’t necessarily mean we aren’t one.
Creating a good environment through changing cultural biases can be a solution. Set
standards accordingly within yourself, your family, church, and community. Take positive
steps to show the love of God. The closer we draw ourselves to the Divine Being, the closer
we can get to one another.
Laws and right help in improving human lives but the Spirit can change people and their soul.
The Bible helps in teaching its followers about love and equality. If people just know how to
follow and apply the words of God into reality, the world coul’ve been a better place.
Chapter 17. Who Cares What You Think And I
Think
“I want to have a fairer skin to be accepted.” “Do you think it would be nicer to have a
pointed nose?” “I wish I was born with a better race.” People put too much concern on what
other people think about them. They become prisoners that complies on what society thinks
acceptable. Rather than living for themselves, they live to impress. But why?
It is part of human nature to desire to be liked, loved and recognized. However, this results
to frustrate themselves of what others think of them. People become afraid to take risk, to
try new things, to explore life, and appreciate themsleves. They become busy worrying
about the best thing to do in accordance to other people’s likes. Worrying too much gives
negative effects on your well-being such as preventing you to live your life to the fullest. It
interferes with your ability to feel comfortable around others. It hinders your happiness.
That’s why it is important to care on what is immediate and important. With this, people will
learn to put themselves on a right track.
The Art of Not Caring About What Others Think
Learn how to let go, to stop making conscious effort for other people. Once you concerned
yourself about their opinion, you will unconsciously forget your own. Unchaining yourself
from the idealized standards of what society wants will help you find you who you really are.
Give up catering their thoughts and opinions and start to breath without a burden. Here are
some reasons why you should stop caring what other people think about you:
1. It’s your life, so you’re the author of your journey.
Let people think what they want to. Remember that whatever thoughts they have towards
you, it will never change who you are. It won’t lessen your worth, your value- don’t allow
them to. Do what you like; think what you want. As long as you’re not stepping on other
people’s rights and happiness, you’ve got no problem.
Do not let other people to control your choices, you have the power to approve your own.
Following what they say against your will just bring you to suffering. Remember, you write
your story. Never let them take your pen.
2. Only you know what’s best for you.
White people can only do this. It doesn’t fit for brown or black people. Says who? No one
can dictate what you are capable of. You know yourself more than anyone else in this world.
Meaning, you’re the best person to know what should be and not for you regardless of your
race. All people have thousands of capacities within them that no color can erase.
3. It helps you with your dreams.
People of color have dreams too. However, there are some things that hinder them because
of what they are. They think they are less capable. They think they are less worthy. Stop
overthinking, just live. There are some instances that you would do things that won’t meet
your or other people’s standards to achieve your dreams. If you constantly worry about their
remarks, you won’t be able to continue where you should be.
4. You’re the one to suffer the end result of worrying too much.
Who would suffer the consequences of your decisions? Who would endure all the pain?
Who would be imprisoned with negative thoughts? It’s all YOU. Hence, it is important to
manifest positivity and free yourself from worry. Stop thinking too much on where you lack
but start thinking of all the good things about you. So what if you’re black? You are beautiful
on unique ways. So what if you are white? You are also a good person. At the end of the day,
all that matters the most is how you value yourself and other people.
5. Thoughts never last.
One moment some people think badly about you. But upon knowing who you really are,
their thoughts and ideas about you changes. Judgments live momentarily. They will often be
forgotten or changed. Meaning, why you should worry much when it never last, when it can
be changed?
6. Your race doesn’t expand your lifeline.
Not because your white doesn’t mean you have a better and longer life. Not because your
this and that you can control your whole existence. Life is short. No matter what race you
have, we all have one short life. Better spend it in things that make you happy rather than
things that make you worry. Do not become a people-pleaser. Free yoursef from unwanted
thoughts and live your life at its best.
7. You can’t please everyone.
There are so many things in life that keeps people busy. Other people don’t care that much
about you as what you think. That’s why you can’t spend your life worrying all the time.
There’s no point to please them by living up to their expectations, you will just waste your
time and tire yourself.
How You Think Reflects Who You Are
Overthinking about the things you can’t control such as your skin, your nose, your height,
your freckles, or the size of your breast can only lead to mental health issues. Nowadays,
one that triggers anxiety is having low self-esteem as well as unhealthy environment; to
overthinking it is insecurity and creation of possible realities in mind. They are killers of
happiness. Thus, how you think affects the whole of you.
Needless to say, social media is a great platform for any kind of campaigns and advocacies
such as creating a movement to stop racism. Though it can serve a great purpose, one
cannot deny that it can also be a place where you can spot racists. Lifestyle standards are
manifested, some insulting and racist (intentional and unintentional) memes and posts are
created. When one sees how better is life being someone else, he starts comparing and
wishing to be on that person’s shoes. When one starts reading comments and remarks
bullying a certain characteristic, he becomes conscious of himself. The phase of thinking
negatively about oneself starts. Admit or not, it is tiring to think too much. This example of
environment shows the possible effects to a person depending on how he views it and how
much it caused him.
It is part of human nature to desire for something but there are desires that put people on
darker side. Once they fail to find the light to get out of there, they will be stuck on their
insecurities and jealousy. That’s why it is essential to think positively and not let yourself be
controlled by negative emotions. Love and appreciate yourself. Think about all the good
things you have rather than other people think about you. This would help you gain more
confidence and be comfortable of what and who you are. If you think you are worthy and
valuable, you are. If you think you are ugly and disgusting, you become one. You become
who you think you are.
Live The Life You Deserve
Everyone deserves a good and happy life. However, all choices and decisions people made
results to something good. Since life includes a lifetime learning process, one should learn
how to take over his life. Here are some ways to live a positive and happier life:
1. Be proud of your skin.
When you begin to feel comfortable of your skin, you become happy. This is the start of
embracing who you are and feel proud of it. Your skin is one thing you can’t control. It is a
not a flaw, it is not imperfection, it’s just your color. Once you make your color your top
concern, your self-esteem becomes affected and would make you feel insecure. All the
negative thoughts come next. It is important to maintain good relationship not only with
otherpeople but also to yourself. Maintain your inner peace by appreciating who you are.
If you find this step hard because of the environment you are in where people discriminate
and create judgements about you, there’s no reason to get closer- distance yourself. Staying
in a toxic environment brings negative energy. You will only lose once you let them rule over
you.
2. Never compare, appreciate.
You are you. Comparing yourself to other people will only make you feel miserable and
unacceptable. If you are born as Asian, be proud. If you’re Hispanic, be confident of who you
are. No matter what you are, where you came from, there’s something you that makes you
extraordinary. If you wish you were born as someone else, there’s nothing more you can do
than improving yourself to a better version. People who compare themselves to others and
set it as their motivation are likely to accomplish more.
Drop your “If I’m just like this and that” thoughts. Take note that an unhealthy dose of
jealousy can never help you. Apprecaite who you are and what you are. You can list
wonderful things about you and things need for improvement. It is sure worthier than
focusing on your flaws and where you lack. Acknowledging your difference and everyone
else’s bring more happiness and satisfaction.
3. Be optimistic.
You don’t have full control of every situation that happens in your life like how you can’t
control one’s idea about you. If you were stuck on an unfortunate situation, do not drown
yourself with negative emotions such sadness and anger. You have to keep going. Your
experiences, failures or milestones, help you grow and understand the world around you.
Train your mind to be stronger. This way, you will positivity in your life and disregard
unnecessary remarks from other people. Be prepared of what life throws you because
regardless of your race, people face different kind of struggles.
4. Free yourself from resentment.
There are people who hurt you, look down on you, understimated you, or done horrible
things toward you. It happens. But no matter what they’ve done, do not hold grudge against
them. Letting go frees yourself from pain and agony. You know how hard it is to be under
this kind of situations, use these experiences of yours to treat other people rightly. It is not
easy to forgive and forget especially when it caused you too much pain. It is a slow process
but surely one day, once you get stronger, you’ll learn how to forgive them.
You can start meditating if you find it hard to let go. Through meditation, you’ll have control
over your thoughts and keep your mind at peace which is important to strengthen the
muscles of your mind. Holding the fire will only burn you and not the one who caused it.
Breath. Let go. Make yourself stronger.