Chapter 16.

Biblical Evidence

Embracing diversity means accepting that you are different from other people. This diversity
aims not to divide us but to unite and appreciate one another. Men and women. White,
brown, or black. Regardless of what we are, we are all created equal. Even from a biblical
perspective, racism is never encouraged. Not only that it's against the words of God but it
also creates a barrier among humanity.

“In Christ Jesus, you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus .“-(Galatians
3:26–28)

We are all created by God. It is also believed that He intentionally created man in His own
divine image. Hence, every one of us is sacred and equally valuable in His eyes regardless of
color, gender, or status. There are neither Jews nor Greeks, slaves or free, no male and
female; there is no distinction that tells which is superior and inferior. All forms of racism
and views are highly rejected for parity, love, and respect are taught and highly valued.

Abolishing racial as well as social discrimination is never an easy task. As society continues to
label which is better, which is superior, and exhibit cultural biases, the fight to spread
awareness about the intrinsic sacred value of every human life would be challenging.

Understanding the Biblical Perspective About Racism

Looking back on biblical history, it is noted that some people have mistakenly interpreted
some scriptures and teachings written in the bible leading them to commit slavery and
racism. For example, the mark of Cain. After murdering his brother, Cain was cursed by God
and put a mark on him. Though this "mark" doesn't refer to skin color, some claimed it is and
that people with black skin were Cain's descendants and also cursed by God which they used
to assert Africans enslavement. This claim is flawed and wrong. Not only that it has nothing
to with Cain's skin color but also it was noted that his family line died in the flood since
Noah's and those in the ark were the only ones to survive. With this, how come those black
people are claimed as Cain's descendants? Another claim used for African enslavement is
the curse of Ham who is considered the father of black people. He was one of Noah's three
sons and the father of Cush (settled in Ethiopia), Egypt (settled in Egypt), Put (settled in
Libya), and Canaan (settled above Africa). Written in the bible (Genesis 9:21) that after the
flood, Ham's father, Noah, became drunk. Seeing his nakedness, Ham told this to his
brothers, Shem and Japheth, outside who then covered their father's nakedness. When he
woke up from his drunkness, Noah said, "Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be
to his brothers". This statement clearly points that Ham wasn't cursed but Canaan, this curse
is inapplicable to Ham's sons and their descendants who are situated in Africa. If we say that
this curse was applied to Noah's descendants, it wasn't for the black people but to the
Canaanite residing in the land that soon became Israel. Both the mark of Cain and Ham's
curse aren't enough justification for slavery.

Misinterpretations and misrepresentations of the scriptures have been observed even

though it actually rejects the idea of racism, discrimination, and prejudices. In these
circumstances, the bible or the words God itself should not be blamed but the racists who
used it to justify their wrongful acts. It is like blaming the doctor who misused the medicine
and not science or not the law itself but the lawyer misrepresents legislation.

The Biblical Solution to Stop the Pervasive Racism in Our Culture

Most of God's words tell us to love one another like how he loves us unconditionally. Other
people find it easy to say but hard to put into action because of the barrier of physical and
cultural differences. Eliminating this barrier would create a bridge where people can learn
how to love themselves and other people that surround them. Learning how to love doesn't
involve a complex process- you just have to respect and appreciate wholeheartedly. With
this, it is never impossible to put such love into practice.

“These also are sayings of the wise.

To show partiality in judgment is not good.” -(Proverbs 24:23)

The only race of people we have in this world is human. All men are brothers and sisters.
Racism appeals to the core of one's sinful nature. The desire to be our own god or feel
superior to any other people becomes the root of all sin. I am white so I'm superior to other
races. I am black so I'm inferior. This kind of perspective creates immutable realities and
standards in our society. Why does racism continue to permeant? Because of human's will to
power. Despite that the world has changed much when it comes to beliefs and ideologies,
racism continues. Though unlike back then, the world has now been better and many people
supported campaigns and advocacies to stop racism. Still, there are notable cases regarding
this issue and even in simple word, thought, or act, one can become a racist.
How can one help in stopping this perennial problem? Check oneself. This is a good first step
to confront racism. Do you have discriminatory attitudes and assumptions toward other
people? Ask the Holy Spirit to let you realize, if there are, your racist thoughts, words, or
actions. Ask forgiveness by praying regularly for such discernment. The next step is to take
initiative; be part of the change. Parents can teach their children good values that would
help them understand that we are all different but doesn't necessarily mean we aren't one.
Creating a good environment by changing cultural biases can be a solution. Set standards
accordingly within yourself, your family, church, and community. Take positive steps to show
the love of God. The closer we draw ourselves to the Divine Being, the closer we can get to
one another.

Laws and rights help in improving human lives but the Spirit can change people and their
souls. The Bible helps in teaching its followers about love and equality. If people just know
how to follow and apply the words of God into reality, the world could've been a better
place.

Chapter 17. Who Cares What You Think And I

Think
"I want to have fairer skin to be accepted." "Do you think it would be nicer to have a pointed
nose?" "I wish I was born with a better race." People put too much concern on what other
people think about them. They become prisoners that comply with what society thinks
acceptable. Rather than living for themselves, they live to impress. But why?

It is part of human nature to desire to be liked, loved, and recognized. However, this results
in to frustrate themselves of what others think of them. People become afraid to take a risk,
to try new things, to explore life, and appreciate themselves. They become busy worrying
about the best thing to do following other people's likes. Worrying too much gives negative
effects on your well-being such as preventing you to live your life to the fullest. It interferes
with your ability to feel comfortable around others. It hinders your happiness. That's why it
is important to care about what is immediate and important. With this, people will learn to
put themselves on a right track.

The Art of Not Caring About What Others Think

Learn how to let go, to stop making a conscious effort for other people. Once you concern
yourself about their opinion, you will unconsciously forget your own. Unchaining yourself
from the idealized standards of what society wants will help you find who you really are.
Give up catering their thoughts and opinions and start to breathe without a burden. Here
are some reasons why you should stop caring what other people think about you:

1. It’s your life, so you’re the author of your journey.

Let people think what they want to. So what? It doesn't matter. Remember that whatever
thoughts they have towards you, it will never change who you are. It won't lessen your
worth, your value- don't allow them to. Do what you like; think about what you want. As
long as you're not stepping on other people's rights and happiness, you've got no problem.

Do not let other people control your choices, you have the power to approve your own.
Following what they say against you will just bring you to suffering. Remember, you write
your story. Never let them take your pen.

2. Only you know what’s best for you.

White people can only do this. It doesn’t fit for brown or black people. Says who? No one
can dictate what you are capable of. You know yourself more than anyone else in this world.
Meaning, you’re the best person to know what should be and not for you regardless of your
race. All people have thousands of capacities within them that no color can erase.

3. It helps you with your dreams.

People of color have dreams too. However, some things hinder them because of what they
are. They think they are less capable. They think they are less worthy. Stop overthinking, just
live. There are some instances that you would do things that won’t meet your or other
people’s standards to achieve your dreams. If you constantly worry about their remarks, you
won’t be able to continue where you should be.

4. You're the one to suffer the result of worrying too much.

Who would suffer the consequences of your decisions? Who would endure all the pain?
Who would be imprisoned with negative thoughts? It's all YOU. Hence, it is important to
manifest positivity and free yourself from worry. Stop thinking too much about where you
lack but start thinking of all the good things about you. So what if you're black? You are
beautiful in unique ways. So what if you are white? You are also a good person. At the end of
the day, all that matters the most is how you value yourself and other people.

5. Thoughts never last.

One moment some people think badly about you. But upon knowing who you are, their
thoughts and ideas about you changes. Judgments live momentarily. They will often be
forgotten or changed. Meaning, why you should worry much when it never last when it can
be changed?

6. Your race doesn’t expand your lifeline.

Not because your white doesn't mean you have a better and longer life. Not because you're
this and that you can control your whole existence. Life is short. No matter what race you
have, we all have one short life. Better spend it on things that make you happy rather than
things that make you worry. Do not become a people-pleaser. Free yourself from unwanted
thoughts and live your life at its best.

7. You can’t please everyone.

There are so many things in life that keep people busy. Other people don't care that much
about you as what you think. That's why you can't spend your life worrying all the time.
There's no point to please them by living up to their expectations, you will just waste your
time and tire yourself.

How You Think Reflects Who You Are

Overthinking about the things you can't control such as your skin, your nose, your height,
your freckles, or the size of your breast can only lead to mental health issues. Nowadays,
one that triggers anxiety is having low self-esteem as well as an unhealthy environment;
overthinking it is insecurity and the creation of possible realities in mind. They are killers of
happiness. Thus, how you think affects the whole of you.

Needless to say, social media is a great platform for any kind of campaign and advocacies
such as creating a movement to stop racism. Though it can serve a great purpose, one
cannot deny that it can also be a place where you can spot racists. Lifestyle standards are
manifested, some insulting and racist (intentional and unintentional) memes and posts are
created. When one sees how better is life being someone else, he starts comparing and
wishing to be in that person's shoes. When one starts reading comments and remarks
bullying a certain characteristic, he becomes conscious of himself. The phase of thinking
negatively about oneself starts. Admit or not, it is tiring to think too much. This example of
the environment shows the possible effects to a person depending on how he views it and
how much it caused him.

It is part of human nature to desire for something but some desires put people on the darker
side. Once they fail to find the light to get out of there, they will be stuck in their insecurities
and jealousy. That's why it is essential to think positively and not let yourself be controlled
by negative emotions. Love and appreciate yourself. Think about all the good things you
have rather than what other people think about you. This would help you gain more
confidence and be comfortable with what and who you are. If you think you are worthy and
valuable, you are. If you think you are ugly and disgusting, you become one. You become
who you think you are.

Live The Life You Deserve

Everyone deserves a good and happy life. However, all choices and decisions people made
result in something good. Since life includes a lifetime learning process, one should learn
how to take over his life. Here are some ways to live a positive and happier life:

1. Be proud of your skin.

When you begin to feel comfortable with your skin, you become happy. This is the start of
embracing who you are and feel proud of it. Your skin is one thing you can't control. It is not
a flaw, it is not imperfection, it's just your color. Once you make your color your top concern,
your self-esteem becomes affected and would make you feel insecure. All the negative
thoughts come next. It is important to maintain a good relationship not only with other
people but also with yourself. Maintain your inner peace by appreciating who you are.

If you find this step hard because of the environment you are in where people discriminate
and create judgments about you, there's no reason to get closer- distance yourself. Staying
in a toxic environment brings negative energy. You will only lose once you let them rule over
you.

2. Never compare, appreciate.

You are you. Comparing yourself to other people will only make you feel miserable and
unacceptable. If you are born Asian, be proud. If you're Hispanic, be confident of who you
are. No matter what you are, where you came from, there's something you that makes you
extraordinary. If you wish you were born as someone else, there's nothing more you can do
than improving yourself to a better version. People who compare themselves to others and
set it as their motivation are likely to accomplish more.

Drop your "If I'm just like this and that" thoughts. Take note that an unhealthy dose of
jealousy can never help you. Appreciate who you are and what you are. You can list
wonderful things about yourself and things that need improvement. It is sure worthier than
focusing on your flaws and where you lack. Acknowledging your difference and everyone
else's bring more happiness and satisfaction.

3. Be optimistic.

You don't have full control of every situation that happens in your life like how you can't
control one's idea about you. If you were stuck in an unfortunate situation, do not drown
yourself with negative emotions such as sadness and anger. You have to keep going. Your
experiences, failures, or milestones, help you grow and understand the world around you.
Train your mind to be stronger. This way, you will positivity in your life and disregard
unnecessary remarks from other people. Be prepared for what life throws you because
regardless of your race, people face a different kind of struggles.

4. Free yourself from resentment.

Some people hurt you, look down on you, underestimated you, or done horrible things
toward you. It happens. But no matter what they've done, do not hold grudge against them.
Letting go frees yourself from pain and agony. You know how hard it is to be in this kind of
situation, use these experiences of yours to treat other people rightly. It is not easy to
forgive and forget especially when it caused you too much pain. It is a slow process but
surely one day, once you get stronger, you'll learn how to forgive them.

You can start meditating if you find it hard to let go. Through meditation, you’ll have control
over your thoughts and keep your mind at peace which is important to strengthen the
muscles of your mind. Holding the fire will only burn you and not the one who caused it.
Breath. Let go. Make yourself stronger.