The cold barrier of White privilege
Healing can only begin when we are willing to touch the wound
Dear reader,
This new year began at warp speed, and the pace hasn’t slowed in February. This month my focus has been on a major grant deadline and planning and attending an Outlook board meeting. When the news broke about the killing of Tyre Nichols by Memphis police, I grieved this travesty of justice, and followed the news coverage for a few nights while I folded laundry. I wanted justice for Tyre and his family. But I did not stay glued to every new detail of the crime released, or text my friends to ask if they would or would not watch the video. My White privilege protected and distanced me, and I pressed on with business as usual—until a meeting with two of my Outlook staff colleagues who are both Black women.
From the start of the meeting, it was clear that Outlook work needed to be put on hold. Unlike mine, my dear colleagues’ lives had been interrupted. They were distraught, angry, and exhausted. They’d seen too many videos of police brutalizing young men and women who could have been their son or daughter, their spouse or friend.
I leaned in to listen, and recognized how protected I’d been from the pain they must regularly face. I didn’t have anything eloquent to say in response. My words of care and concern stumbled awkwardly out of my mouth. But I promised them I’d write something—not just for their sake, but for mine as well. I needed to break the cold barrier of privilege that distanced me from the pain.
I took care crafting this editorial, “Tyre Nichols died by a system that protects me and my White life,” being as honest and vulnerable as I could.
I was so anxious about how my words would be received that, the night before it was published, I dreamed of people attacking me on social media. Of course, my fears cannot compare to the fear Black Americans live with every day. But the sins of systemic racism must be felt if we are going to begin to reckon with its injustice.
Healing can only begin when we are willing to touch the wound.
Recommended viewing for Black History Month:
Do you need to feel hope today? Listen to this twelve-minute orchestral performance, “Of Our New Day Begun.” Written by the talented Black composer, Omar Thomas, the piece honors the nine beautiful souls who were killed at Mother Emmanuel church in Charleston, South Carolina. I recently heard this piece performed at my son’s honors band concert. The music builds and builds, with strains of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” throughout. To me, the flow of the composition feels like grief being worked out. It may be twelve minutes, but it is worth every second. The ending left me with chills and feeling like—together—we can shape ourselves into the most beautiful, most captivating, most hopeful harmony.
Recent writing:
I’ve been writing Lenten devotions and lectionary reflections since early December. How strange that the season of Lent is just beginning! Here is the lectionary reflection I wrote for Sunday, February 26th where I focus on Lent as an opportunity to set ourselves free, rather than a season to make us feel guilty.
Inspired by this photo of Artie Stewart (age 3) from my friend, Glen Bell’s, Facebook feed (Artie is Glen’s grandson)
I wrote this editorial, “Becoming like children,” to begin our February issue of the Outlook on the theme of pilgrimage and discovery.
Books I’m loving:
I read Jumpha Lahiri’s novel The Namesake after finishing a popular thriller that will be left unnamed. Lahiri is a brilliant writer who won the Pulitzer for her book of short stories Interpreter of Maladies, and moving from a “popular” book to Lahiri’s novel made me appreciate her literary skill all the more. The Namesake is about the Ganguli family making their home in America, while also trying to preserve their Indian traditions and culture. Lahiri’s character development is brilliant. By the end of the book, their lives entwined with my own through the beauty of story.
I also just finished reading Talk like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo. With so many new invitations to speak lately (I’m so grateful!), I’ve been looking for resources to develop my public speaking skills. This book got great reviews and it didn’t disappoint. Spoiler: Power point slides with lots of text are NOT engaging. Effective use of images and storytelling will help you engage, persuade and inspire.
Upcoming speaking:
Sunday, February 26: Preaching at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.
February 27 -28: Cecil and Ruth Boddie Farmer Guest Chapel Speaker and Lecturer at University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas.
Sunday, March 12: Guest speaker for Sunday School at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Saturday, April 1: Keynote Speaker and Workshop Leader for West Virginia Presbytery’s “Festival of Faith.”
Keynote: Embracing a Love Ethic: In these divisive, polarized days of “purple” churches, listening well, embracing humility and encouraging vulnerability in our conversations with people of diverse perspectives are important. An “ethic of love” can guide us in these trying times.
Workshop #1: Living a Love Ethic. Building on the keynote that discusses the “whys” of embracing a love ethic, this workshop will focus on the “hows” of living a love ethic in everyday life. In light of our divisive and polarized society, we will discuss, practice and share strategies to engage with others across lines of difference.
Workshop #2: Inside the Outlook: I’ll discusses the mission and vision of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s only independent publisher, why the Outlook’s independence is important for the church, and my vision for the 200-year-old publisher’s future.
Let’s connect!
How have you honored Black history month? What books are you reading and loving?
I look forward to hearing from you in the comments or through my website: www.terimcdowellott.com.