Resources for Racial Reconciliation
Dear Sozo Church,
Our hearts are heavy as we write this to you today.
The past few weeks have presented themselves with many emotions - anger, sadness, frustration, and at times a sense of hopelessness - as we grieve the latest victims of systemic racism. George Floyd’s death was a catalyst of change that further exposed the heartbreaking presence of hate, racism, discrimination, and inequality that exists today in America. Our hearts break, as we know the heart of God breaks, that a segment of humanity has been continuously marginalized.
As the cries of those who have been in pain for so long are finally being heard, we know that change must come and we must start with ourselves. Here are a few actionable steps we have taken to begin the journey of change we want to see.
Pray. Prayer is our first response, not our last resort. We seek the heart of God over issues of injustice. We ask Him to search our hearts (Psalms 139:33) and to heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Listen. What are our black brothers and sisters saying right now? What is their experience? How can we empathize with those whose experiences are not our own? These are the moments when we sit in others' pain with them and listen more than we speak.
Learn. We take the posture of a student. We approach this issue of injustice humbly. Our education is our responsibility. How do we become better partners to our black neighbors and other marginalized communities? How do we teach our children about this? How do we equip ourselves with wisdom and practical tools in order to do justice (Micah 6:8) and make a difference?
The time to act is now. Silence is not an option. Indifference and apathy have no place in the church or in our lives regarding these issues of injustice. To help our community take action, we have organized a resource list for you that can be found at the link in our bio.
As a church, we have been blessed with the honor of pointing others to Jesus. It is our calling to be agents of change (Matthew 5:13). To our black brothers and sisters, we stand in solidarity with you and we aspire to be a community that serves, loves, and is committed to a vision of diversity and true unity. Your voices permeate the world, and we will continue to amplify them with you. We will look to the cross and grow together, fighting for justice and equality side by side.
Until we meet together again, know that your pastors love and care for you deeply. As the Apostle Paul once said, he was “sorrowful and yet rejoicing.” We too feel this tension. We have heavy hearts as we write to you, and yet we are full of hope because of the grace and peace of Jesus.
Grace & Peace,
Pastors Jason & Jen Laird
Change Begins With Us.
Starting the conversation is easy. Here are some next steps you can take:
Get in a group with someone who doesn’t look like you. When you expand your community, it shifts your perspective.
If you haven’t texted someone of a different race in the past week, make it your first priority to reach out to someone today.