I took a sociology class as a humanities elective, at Florida Southern College in 1991. The focus was on the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s from a sociological perspective. We watched extensive film footage of the Civil Rights Movement, and studied the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The class changed my life. The reason being, is that I realized I had blind spots, prejudices I didn’t even recognize I had. I held to some wrong perspectives that I did not see for what they really were. Frankly I was ashamed, and sad. I sat quietly in tears watching some of the original film footage of the Civil Rights Movement. The professor was passionate in making his points. He would climb up on his desk and, standing tall, with all the energy he had, teach on the issues. I am grateful for that experience.

Little did I know that I would end up in the Gospel ministry just a few years later. That I would have opportunities to travel the globe, encountering more diversity in humanity that I ever knew existed. My love for people has grown tremendously since the days when my eyes were opened.

The racial divides in our nation are heartbreaking. So much is politicized by people on every side of the issues, creating even deeper divides. My prayer is that God would help each of us to see the world as He sees it. All people are created in His image and deserve love, respect and an even playing field. I’m not sure how all of this practically works out, but I am resolved to do my part.

Acts 17:26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

Matthew 22:39 You shall love your neighbor as yourself.