“Christianity is not a white man’s religion… Christ belongs to all people. He belongs to the whole world. His Gospel is for everyone.” -Billy Graham
I didn’t really grow up listening to Billy Graham or reading about him, but on Sunday night I watched a documentary called, “Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey.” Although it is fascinating to learn about his life and see how God used Him, I was most struck by his stand for racial equality.
I have always admired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and now I can say I admire Billy Graham as well. I always hope and pray that I would have the courage to stand up for what’s right, to stand with those who are being persecuted. After watching this documentary, I am even more convinced of our need to love one another, pray for one another and stand with one another amidst injustice.
To be honest, I don’t know what that looks like exactly in every situation- but I am sure of one thing: Nothing will change if our hearts aren’t open to listening to others and getting to know them. There is a risk in this for sure. You might not be accepted. You might hear something that offends you. You might be misunderstood. But, nothing will ever change if we don’t try.
I think it’s easy to dislike or even hate an idea or group of people, but it’s almost impossible to hate someone who you’ve taken the time to get to know. I mean truly get to know. Maybe they seem annoying or loud or stoic or too quiet, but if you hang out with them and get to know their story, who they are and how they are might make a lot more sense.
“Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” – 1 Peter 3:17
I hope you’ll take 15 min to watch this excerpt called “Taking Down the Ropes of Segregation.” My heart breaks over what has happened in the past and is even happening still today, but I have hope because God can change hearts. It is through Him that we learn to love. And nothing is impossible for God.
Katie Nelson 