Friday, July 23, 2010

Race



In the last 17 months since we adopted Forest I have learned more about race and racism than in my 20 plus years travelling and living all over the world. What I learned growing up in various countries was that people of different races can coexist, get along and even love each other when they're all out of their element. I attended international schools which used an American school curriculum and had English as the primary language, but most of the kids who attended these schools were from all over the world, not necessarily the United States. I learned fast as a young child the importance of openness, because everyone was from such different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

In the last year and a half, I've seen a different side of race than ever before. Some experiences have been positive, some negative. Some whites are open and supportive of our blended family; some whites have been downright racist. Some African Americans are very open to our transracial family; some think it's terrible that a white couple adopted black babies. Just like anything in life, you have all kinds of opinions and degrees of openness or narrow-mindedness. And that right there is evidence that we are all just people regardless of our backgrounds or skin color. Some people are loving, supportive and open. Some people are critical, negative and judgmental. Period.

As I've seen racial tensions flare in politics and the media recently, it again brings up the issue of how we can choose to think of ourselves as different and divided or the same and united. There is more that makes us the same in our hearts than what makes us different. I always think of the scripture in 1 Samuel 16:7 -


For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.


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6 comments:

Jen Johnson said...

I love that scripture! I felt my open and united heart feeling even more when I held Forest for the first time.

Unknown said...

Oh Kim, I can only imagine the journey you have traveled thus far and will continue to. I know that Heavenly Father would not have given those two babies to your family if they were not meant to be there and you were not able to handle the issues with race. I read the title to your post and thought you were having a race, I didnt realize you were having an issue with race. I am still learning Heavenly Father knows things we dont but he is aware of each and everyone of us. Your scripture is beautiful as is you and your family. I have loved you since the day I met you and admired who you are and what you stand for. Sorry this is so long you dont have to post it I just wanted to tell you it. Deanna

Chad and Tina said...

I love this post! I am glad you found me! I relate so much to this post and appreciate your words. It touched my heart. I am so happy for you on your placement in July! My son was born on July 3rd! They almost had the same birthday!! :)

Hildie said...

Do you sing that song "ebony and Ivory" a lot? I would.

Unknown said...

Love is Love. Love is limitless and unchanging. The end. I am sorry that there are still people in this world that would try to divide us because of the color of our skin.
Really? We are ALL SOOO VERY DIFFERENT! In a million ways. I married someone from the same race, same religion and I am telling you we could not be MORE different! But guess what? I love him with every ounce of my being.
Different is GOOD! Love is GOOD! I pray that you will find strength in your journey. That the Lord will bless and protect your family from the negative.
You will have a stronger bond than most by going through this adversity. Perhaps that bond will be the ending result of this trial (there is always a reason) :)
Love you and your family (each and every one of them!)
Kisses to the new baby <3

brittany marie davis said...

Just catching up on your blog. What a sweet baby girl. I love all the photos you have posted. Keep em' coming!