What defines you?

Genetics is complex. We are all unique but at the same time, certain traits occur depending on race and ethnicity. However, what we inherit from our ancestors is just the beginning of what makes us who we are. Other major factors are religion, environment, and gender. Of the three, the environment is everything that affects an individual except his or her genes. Depending on our environment – family, education, profession, social class, where we live, etc. – we are influenced by how and what we learn.

Influence is the operative word. As we were created in Christ’s likeness, we were also given free will. Our choices may be good, bad or indifferent but they do have an effect. In “Not So Little Things,” I published a couple of weeks after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, I wrote about the impact of being careful, considerate, and unselfish. By and large, we’ve seen an outpouring of support from our President, first responders, essential workers, friends and neighbors. There are those who continue to be greedy but that’s just a character flaw that could be changed by a different attitude. Attitude brings me to an even more relevant point today.

Anyone who knows me knows I look for good in people and don’t care what color they are. My parents and my grandparents taught me by example. Nana and Poppy owned a restaurant and the majority of their employees were “extended family” for many years beginning in the 1950s. There were blacks and whites who worked together, there was no prejudice or discrimination, and everyone was appreciated and treated like family. It was a great family and I had the privilege of growing up that way. As long ago as that was, covering the time period of the Civil Rights Movement, the difference there was attitude. No one was treated with exceptions; respect was earned; and wrongdoing was not tolerated. What a concept!

Just yesterday, I responded to a post on Facebook from the same girl I had praised for her unselfishness as to the COVID-19 response. She shared something that supported/justified violence and destructive behavior. That was an about face! She wanted me to better understand the trauma the black community has experienced so I wouldn’t be “confused” as to why people loot and riot. I addressed each of five notes. (see the following paragraph posted on Facebook) More important to note: George Floyd’s name wasn’t even mentioned in her “educational” rhetoric nor have his family’s wishes been honored. It’s heartbreaking.

I do not care more about businesses; I care about the people affected. I do not care more about material things; I care about helping or protecting people. Although I cannot make choices for anyone else (oppressed or not,) it’s fairly simple to determine if their character is honorable or not. Rioting, looting and desecrating as an answer is WRONG and has nothing to do with color. It has everything to do with character and the kind of response one expects or wants. Apparently, those who have responded with violence really don’t care to have a positive influence or outcome!?! No one can expect anything good to come from racist / criminal / hateful behavior. That is precisely what prompted this uproar! I honestly don’t care about the color of anyone’s skin. That’s superficial and simple-minded. I am concerned about people using their “color” as an excuse for behavior. Final note: I personally understand extreme anger and the destruction that goes along with it. But, once I chose to humble myself and focus on faith in God, life became a blessing again; and not just for me but for my family. We were created in Christ’s own image and faith in God, not in ourselves, is the way to restoring hope and blessings we have through Him.

I will continue to pray for guidance and healing: I pray He will quell the anger, relieve the heartache, turn chaos into order and give us wisdom to do His will.