Privilege

I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “privilege.” We would love to have you join us.

Privilege=”A right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.”

I am a white woman who was born in these United States. My privilege is that I was born into a race of power. Lately, I’ve been listening to my friends of color who are tired. Tired of having to fight for their rights; for their own privileges. I want them to feel welcomed; to not  fear for their safety etc.

Privilege is important. Privilege allows us to find the right medical care. Privilege allows us to be heard. But also privilege too often causes us to forget what’s important in this world. Jesus himself was the first to sit with those on the margins; with those that didn’t have privilege.

Last night at our Slate Speak conversation, I learned so much about what my black/brown friends have been taught; about how they yearn to be seen. I even learned the true meaning of the song “Wade in the Water.” That song was a call for slaves to find safety.

Im thankful for my own privilege but I want all Gods beloved to know their own privilege too. How can we put aside our own privilege and help others experience their own privilege? A question I will continue pondering.

 

20 thoughts on “Privilege

  1. I know Canada isn’t perfect, but this past year, watching things unfold from above the boarder and seeing the hate for anyone who isn’t white and rich in the US has been so sickening, so saddening and SOO maddening. I’ve had friends who moved up their weddings because of fear of losing their rights. I’ve had friends whose families have been picked up and kicked out of the country after an entire life there, paying taxes and doing what citizens should. I’ve heard the stories of their families back in the poorer countries saying that their economies are crashing as people are being deported after legally working in the USA and the money they worked for being sent home no longer coming in… I’ve seen cops get away with shooting people they thought were less than, based on race, religion or class. I’ve seen white people flipping cars and burning things with no police recourse and had family in Las Vegas during a shooting never deemed an act of terrorism all while ppl who aren’t white are terrorists for what they call God. It’s been one heck of a year to look in on the USA. Holding onto faith and hope seems like an impossible task when your world has been flipped upside down. For the minorities, I can’t even imagine. I’m happy you have got the chance to have the second hand experiences and met some people who need prayed for and met cultures that need prayed for. It seems so redundant to go ahead and fight for what’s right, but if we don’t fight in the ways we can, then we are allowing it to continue. (((hugs)))

    • So sickening, so saddening and so maddening indeed. I keep coming back to one of my favorite Bible texts Micah 6:8 “But what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” I try to hold that closest to me! Holding onto faith and hope does feel like an impossible text but which I have to remember is possible with God. Hugs to you too friend!

  2. Yes, the first step really is listening, isn’t it? I’m much more aware of the authors I’m reading and the vantage I’m listening to. I still definitely have gaps and know that this is a long, slow process, but am thankful that our friends of color are willing to help us understand more.

    • The first step truly is listening! I am trying to be way more aware of the authors I am reading and the vantage I am listening to too! I too definitely still have gaps. I too am thankful for friends of color who are willing to help us all better understand too!

  3. I understand white privilege. It’s something we have no control over. But privilege without hard work is not a fun thing to watch. And those who are not as privileged often have to work harder. The joy of accomplishment brings all of us hope! it is so much better than sitting and moaning about our misfortunes along the way. Many of the challenges that come our way are unfair or caused by evil or unjust people. But the encouragement and kindness of people we meet along the way as we work to grow, they lift us up and grow us in new ways.

  4. So good, Tara: yes, how do we acknowledge (and even at times be grateful for) our own privilege, help others see their privilege, and listen humbly to those who lack privilege and have so much to teach us?

  5. Yes, Tara. Listening, really listening to each other is key isn’t it? I love how you pointed out that Jesus spent time with people on the fringes of society. May we keep that perspective in mind too.

    • It truly is key! I try to keep that perspective in front of me at all times. Jesus was really good at being with those on the fringes of society and showing them they are loved! I want to be more like that too!

  6. I think the way we can help is to always include others—to invite them in and make them feel welcome. To ask what OTHERS desire, need, and dream about. It’s not about us (that the problem with privilege—we focus on ourselves).

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