Before you get your panties in a knot. Don’t read today’s blog if you are not open to the topic of race. I blog from experience. This is how the story goes.
Harrison texted me that he needed to talk with me as soon as I got home from work. In my mind a million scenarios were going through my head. At least he said that he wanted to talk. So that made me happy.
Harrison told me that another student said that he didn’t feel comfortable around him because he is black. I was expecting the conversation to be deep, but not this deep. Just my luck that I would have to tackle this topic after a difficult day at work. I was stressed, tired and grumpy. I needed my five-minute dance party or Woo Sah moment. Before I switched over to mommy mode.
Not today. This black thing can be exhausting at times. I had to really call on Jesus for wisdom. Harrison couldn’t understand what he did to the student. Immediately I asked Harrison if he did or said anything to this kid. He told me that he didn’t.
I told Harrison that sometimes people have preconceived notions about things. And that there was nothing he could say or do that would change his racist thoughts. The hurt in his eyes wasn’t going away any time soon. I knew I would have to continue this discussion. I reminded him that this one person doesn’t speak for his entire race.
Harrison couldn’t let this go. He became almost fixated on trying to change this kid’s mind. I told Harrison the harsh reality. That everyone will not like you. Everyone doesn’t like me. That’s life. If you have to prove what an amazing person you are to someone else. Then that person doesn’t deserve to be in your presence.
I still don’t know what hurt Harrison more. The comment or the fact that he couldn’t become friends with this kid. Harrison also shared what happened with my Mommy. She told him to pray for the kid. Say hi and bye. And keep it moving. I love my Mommy.
I am sure some of you are probably thinking that this is really not a big deal. Maybe your child came home upset because kids made them feel unwanted and not fit in for whatever reason. Maybe your child can change something to better their odds.
Harrison can’t stop being black. He can’t change that. Nor do I want him to. I want him to continue to let the light of God walk with him. So that when people meet him. They can’t help but speak in a manner of respect. It won’t always be easy. But he will adjust.
Did I give him good advice? I was running on empty. I sure didn’t have time to have a Remember The Titans field trip with this kid and his family. Race is the elephant in the room at times. Not everyone is comfortable with other races. That is your own personal journey that you must travel. But why pass that along to your children? If you are still wondering the race of this kid in my blog. Then that is part of the problem. It shouldn’t matter.
A Woman's Work - Brooke Basically Blogging 