World Race had the privilege of having One Race come to campus this week and teach us about racial reconciliation through a biblical lense-problems and what we as a church can do to fix it. 

I want to start out by saying that there is a big problem in this world. We cannot ignore the fact that we live in a culture where racism is possible and normalized. It is  a sad reality. People are hurting. This is the sad thing: God hates racism and his heart breaks for the oppressed, so why doesn't everyone hate racism and have an aching heart for what is going on in the world?

Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from EVERY NATION, TRIBE, PEOPLE, and LANGUAGE, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hand. 

Read the words in bold and all caps again. Every nation, tribe, people, and language will stand before God. Not just white people, not just Americans, not just people who speak English. ALL will stand before him and the gospel is for ALL. Now the funny thing is, is that Jesus wasn't a white savior. Before he came to die, only Jews were welcomed at the table. Through the death on the cross we were reconciled with God and now we sit at the table with him. We can ALL come to the table and live a life for him. He did not shed his blood for just one group of people, but for everyone of this world. He didn't come to take a side but to take over, and we as the church need to live this message out. 

What can I do?

We need to be aware and recognize the power that some of us hold and humble ourselves. It is also important to state that even though we should be aware of your privilege, that doesn't mean we should be ashamed of what we were given. God has given us such things and when we are ashamed it can disrespect him. Instead see your privilege and use it to help those who need it and create a difference. We need to come as learners and be open to learn about what is going on and repent from poor thoughts we may have held. We need to create open environments and communities. This is not a project that needs to be fixed or solved. It is an issue that needs the church to come together and create relationships and reconciliation through the gospel. 

We can't just say "you're welcome at the table", we also have to live it out by saying "come to the table" and creating seats, creating spaces for those who have been hurt and oppressed to be seen, heard, loved, and treated as equals, just as Jesus did for us.

Ephesians 2:11-13 "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called uncircumcised by those who call themselves the circumcision-remember that at that time you were separate from christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenant to the promise without hope and without God in the world, but now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Exciting News:::: I leave for Louisiana AGAIN tomorrow morning for more disaster relief ministry. I am also only $485 away from being fully funded If you feel led to donate and support you can Venmo me: morgapplegate or right here on my blog. 

love you all, Morgan 

If anyone wants to reach out to me about my trip or to just talk feel free because I would love to talk! You can reach me by email (morganapplegate00@gmail.com) or by phone (716-261-0902)