You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . on any day!

 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” . . . Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.  (1 Samuel 16: 7, 12-13)

You cannot judge a book by its cover . . . namely William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimke', Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Brown. All CHRISTians, all abolitionists (against slavery), and all white!  They were men, women, writers, businessman, militants, some even gave their lives. To tell HIS-tory correctly, we must tell the entire story . . . even today. (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/abolitionists-films-principal-characters/)  

It is important that our young people know all of HIS-tory, not simply the white or black version. We must know and teach HIS-story . . . the TRUTH. You see, as with all reports, there are three sides . . . mine, yours, and God's. Let every man be a liar and God the Truth! (Romans 3:4)

As when God chose David to be Israel's king, we too must be careful to look deep inside a person before we place labels. I remember the 60's and being taught and witnessing racism, indirectly and often openly. I heard the words and labels. Yet as I matured and experienced a different kind of world than my parents, thank God, I was able to change!

I often want to make a t-shirt with the following statement: "I am white and you can trust me!" Sadly, many of our children are once again being taught to make decisions based upon physical appearances. As believers, that cannot happen within our circles and we must correct it . . .boldly! We must talk, confront, convict, and correct!!!!

What lies have you learned and believed? Are we willing to do whatever is necessary to be one? (John 17)