Woven Together: A Dialogue on Racism

Healing is not possible when hurts are neglected. This episode is for those who are intentionally seeking to listen, learn, and lament over the hurts of our sisters because of racism. In this dialogue, we seek to better understand their experiences in hopes of cultivating a spiritual space for humility and understanding- in our hearts, in our church family, and in society.

“A new day is dawning: the sunrise from the heavens will break through in our darkness, And those who huddle in night, those who sit in the shadow of death, Will be able to rise and walk in the light, guided in the pathway of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79

About the Speakers:

• DeShonda Roberts has been a Christian for more than 26 years in the San Diego Church of Christ.  She and her husband of 28 years, Raymond, are the parents of 3 amazing adult children and 3 grandchildren.  
• Morgan Roberts is a wife and working mom of a two year old, Capri, and one month old, Cairo - needless to say, her hands are full with loves, snuggles and messes! In her spare time you can find her in shavasana or sipping an extra hot latte at Peet’s. 
• Shantae Watkins is from Arizona, attended college in California, and now lives in Virginia. She has a degree in Social Work and currently works for a non-profit organization as an Operations Coordinator. She is 28 years old, biracial, and has been a disciple for 11 years. 

Episode Notes: 

DeShonda, Shantae, and Morgan have provided resource recommendations that will be posted on our website's resource page at this link if you’re interested in learning more. The compiled guide is in Word Document format for easy access to the links.

Scriptures Referenced in Episode:

• Luke 12:48b- "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”
• Jeremiah 33:6- “Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
• Isaiah 40:29- “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
• Galatians 6:9-  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
• 1 Samuel 16:7b- “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
• Psalm 62:5-8- “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
• Romans 12:14-16 "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
• Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
• Romans 5:5 "hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit….”