MLK in 2018

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Before I begin tonight, I just wanted to say thank you to those of you who emailed me this weekend about my ebook, “My Blogging Tips.” Apparently revamping/growing your blogs is a popular New Year’s resolution, and I’m thrilled that you found my ebook helpful in that department!

This blog would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to honor the great Martin Luther King Jr.

I’m going to be really honest: there is a level of self-consciousness and discomfort that I feel as a middle class, American, white girl, talking about this unequivocally important day in history, but particularly black history.

I feel uneasy, because this was not my fight. I have had the privilege of never having to face prejudice, or racism, or unequal treatment, simply based on the color of my skin.

And thinking about the ultimate sacrifice that MLK Jr. paid, fighting for the basic human rights that every single person should possess, I am just humbled and honestly, ashamed that this great country failed so despicably hard, less than a generation ago.

I cannot even begin to A) comprehend the plight faced by black and people of color during the era of Jim Crow and segregation. B) Pay proper respect and admiration to a man so brave and stalwart in conviction. C) Express the disappointment in my heart for the actions of a torn and broken America that systematically sought to suppress the liberties and rights of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, simply because of skin color.

So instead, I am going to draw on one of my favorite MLK Jr. quotes:

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. 

I’m going to India next month. And for the first time, really, ever, I am going to feel, first hand, what it truly is like to be in the minority.

And I’m going to be honest: there’s a lot about this trip that terrifies me:

First: the fact that you can’t drink the water, or eat fresh foods that have been washed in the water. That eliminates literally every single food I eat on my therapeutic diet for my Ulcerative Colitis. I am going to be living off of Larabars and trail mix for 10 days.

Secondly: I’m nervous about the bathrooms. I’m envisioning holes in the ground, a la Slumdog Millionaire. Let’s just say, mama needs her Charmin Ultra Soft double-ply.

I’m scared about the crazy driving situations. Getting sun burned. Being awkward at the wedding or doing something culturally insensitive. I’m nervous about malaria or picking up some sort of rare disease that my 6 vaccines failed to cover.

But you know what I’m not nervous about?

The people.

Yeah, I’m going to be probably the only white girl at this wedding.

But you know what? People are people are people.

And each person is a beautiful, intricate masterpiece, crafted by our One, loving Father.

Sure, they’re going to speak a different language, and wear clothing that looks different from what I’m used to. And they’ll have different customs and traditions. Yeah, they’ll eat different foods than I do, and live differently. But there are things that unite us all.

Things that MLK knew too.

A person’s heart is the same, no matter the color of their skin, the country they call home, the religion they practice, or the language they speak.

And that heart deserves love. And respect. And all the things we take for granted in this country.

I am excited to experience a new expression of God’s creativity, as seen in the vibrant cultures and music and heritage in India.

Everywhere we go, every person we meet, shows a glimpse of God’s heart and God’s character. After all, we are all reflections of His perfect love. And so that’s one thing I’m not afraid of.

MLK led such a powerful example of living that out, even when it was dangerous. Even when he faced resistance. Even when the mountain of pushback seemed insurmountable. He shone his light. He was that light in the darkness.

I’d be naive to think that the fight is over. Sadly, there are still people with hatred or ignorance in their hearts. And I pray for those people.

Because at the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters, formed and loved by the same God.

John 13: 34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

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203 thoughts on “MLK in 2018”

  1. Enjoy your time in India. On my last business trip there, I was invited to a wedding, and yes, my associate and I were the only white people. The holes in the ground are not common in the major populated areas. It depends upon where you go. What I noticed about the people were two things. They were happy people. And there were so many that were poor, far beyond what you’d see in the US. I was pick-pocketed by a girl who couldn’t have been more than seven. I only had coins that added up to 20 cents in that pocket. Be careful with the water. The good hotels have drinking water for free each day, but the backwoods hotels rebottle tap water, so check the seal. Enjoy.

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    1. Thank you so much! i appreciate your perspective. glad you had a great trip! i’m sorry about the pick pocket experience. i will definitely check the seal! big hugs x

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      1. The pickpocket was kind of cute. She got her five-year-old sister to hold my hand and shine her doe eyes at my face while she went for the pocket. I actually laughed.

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  2. What a wonderful tribute to a great man. His was the example that transcends all colors, creeds and nationalities. His dream should be OUR dream, every single one of us who strives for peace.

    Best of luck to you on your adventure to India!

    Peace

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  4. Amen indeed! God first loved us and he still does! So we need to love everyone just as he did! We are ALL one in Christ! Sadly sin and hatred of man’s heart has brought about this segregation amongst races! Hmm …I pray for them also! 🙏💯…thank you so much for being real as always and for sharing, I hope you have a blessed, safe and enjoyable trip to India and back in Jesus Name! Much love and kisses! 😇💕❤…P.S your next trip better be to the Caribbean lol!!!

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    1. thank you so much Tammy! Yes He does!! amen – we are all one in Him 🙂 haha oh gosh I would loveeeeeeee to go to the Caribbean 🙂 haha have a great week! Hugs and love xox

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      1. You’re always welcome my friend hahaha!!! Yes we truly are!!! Please comeeeee ahaha!!! Imma be waiting on you!!! Thanks much you too! Xxoo 💞

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  6. The cry of my heart is that man would “just love them ( each other) anyway regardless of the colour of their skin! Thank you for this post. Blessings to you as always and safe travels!!

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  8. Another one of us murdered by the us government. It won’t be the last, yet, I shall continue to rise and be the love in his memory. Consciousness unites. My life, our world, is beautiful as it is Paradise, even as everything is in its right place, so is change as harmony – the balance though heart centered living- afoot!

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  10. I lived in India as a base for my travels in the Southern Asia region for twenty years. Love the people, love the food, found the culture fascinating. Yes there are good and bad people in every country of the world. with your health condition you will certainly have a problem so need to consult with your doctor and take whatever medications with you y our doctor advises. If you’re staying in good hotels the water is OK and toilets would not be frightening. I hope you’re travelling with a tour group as tourists are instantly recognized and you won’t know the language. Hopefully you’ll be travelling with an Indian friend or reputable tour organizer. I envy you the trip. Love the country and its people. But like any country you travel to for the first time be very careful for the safety of self and your documents. I could get around with a reasonable knowledge of the language and culture and after being ripped off in the early part of my stay there discovered bargaining is a game all are expected to play so enjoy the game and don’t shell out the first bargaining proposition. lol. Hopefully if you go with an open mind you will come back with a love for the country and its people in Bharat Mata (Mother India). 🙂

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    1. Oh wow that is amazing thank you for sharing that Ian. Sounds like India really captured your heart and shaped who you are! That’s so wonderful. Thanks for the tips! Hugs and love xox

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  11. “Secondly: I’m nervous about the bathrooms. I’m envisioning holes in the ground, a la Slumdog Millionaire.” – your passive racism comes out through these lines. Trying to judge / define a country by a movie?
    I am not sure where in India you are going to but rest assured that majority of the places you will get bottled water to drink. It is a shame that you won’t be able to taste the food due to your medical condition.
    Majority of the cities have Uber or Ola, so you don’t have to drive.
    Enjoy the wedding and your trip.

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    1. Hi friend, I’m sorry that you feel that my comment came from a place of hate and ignorance. That was not my intent at all. I was not meaning to “dig” at their culture, I just truthfully don’t know what to expect! My apologies if it offended you. Hugs to you. Xox

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      1. Apologies not needed as long as we can engage in a civil discourse.
        Unfortunately the atmosphere is being so polluted from the top that ie behooves on each of us to

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      3. Apologies not needed as long as we can engage in a civil discourse.
        Unfortunately the atmosphere is being so polluted from the top that it behooves on each of us to be extra careful of what we say or write.

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  12. If there’s one thing I can mention (at least from my experience working with people from India) is not to show them the bottom of your shoe. It’s my understanding that it’s an insult in that part of the world.

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  13. Good post. Insightful! Thanks for sharing. BTW… I went to India in 2015 (Chennai and other remote places) and had many of the same concerns. I was so totally blown away at how Jesus transformed me during the trip. I shed a lot of my American privileges (using the bathroom was one) in a good way. I’m sure you will be transformed too. Keep blogging!

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  14. I really appreciate the way you went about expressing your feelings regarding MLK day. The quotes and scriptures you chose were really beautiful! I definitely believe in choosing love or hate any day! I hope you have a great time in India!

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  15. Well said! We will definitley keep you in mind when you travel. Be sure to take us with you as I’m sure you already are planning. One thing that always resonates when I think of Dr. King and the message of civil rights. Note “if we are all skinned back what do you have?” A heart, muscles, bones, lungs, teeth, stomach, etc. You get the picture. We are all alike underneath. Man has determined to think otherwise. Stay encouraged and happy travels.

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  16. Race, ethnicity, oh what a complicated topic. I (also of white, middle-class upbringing) can only vicariously attempt to understand what people who have been oppressed experience. I’ve lived and traveled in some dicy places… but I always had a way to escape (financially, educationally, social connections, etc.).

    In regard to being the only white person at an India wedding (what a fabulous experience… the most exciting wedding I attended was an orthodox Jewish wedding in Brooklyn… yeah, me in a yamaka). However, do not expect to have a similiar experience to a black person living the the USA in the past 300 years.

    A few dacades ago, my parents lived in Japan for several years. They were 2 of 6 Americans in the city. One day a black person visiting them asked if they understood racism now. My mother’s reply, respectfully, was, “No, we may be a minority here, but we are a favored minority… everyone wants to have us to dinner…”

    Be safe. Eat wisely. I’m sure you will have some GREAT stories!
    -Oscar

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    1. Hi Oscar, thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. Lots of really powerful food for thought. Yeah I don’t think we can ever know. All we can do is listen, and respect and work to never let it happen again. Hugs and love xox

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  18. Oh my gosh, I’m so excited for you to visit India! So many unknowns, but it’s going to be amazing!! What an adventure. Looking forward to stories about your travels. Take care xx

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  20. You’re coming to India! I’m from India and have liked reading your blog these past few months. You’re right of course, you’ll stand out. But I’m so glad you’re starting out by giving it the benefit of doubt. I am so sure your wedding will be fun and if you get a chance you’ll enjoy some of the tastes, sights and sounds too. An assault on the senses is assured, but I’m delighted you’re coming. I can’t wait to read your thoughts good, bad or mixed about India. I do hope they’ll be forthcoming 🙂

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    1. Yes!! Thank you so much 🙂 that’s so kind of you to say. I’m so excited to share about my trip! Hugs and love xox

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  21. Hahaha Yay! If you’re in Delhi and have some time we could connect. I don’t know if that’s a thing for travelling bloggers to do so forgive me if I’m breaking protocol. Just being hospitable 🙂

    Now, I was a bit upset that you might have trouble with the food (food is the best part about India besides the history and the music and hustle and bustle of old and new) because of your dietary restrictions. I thought I’d just venture some thoughts that could help.

    Now, I’m not sure what your specific diet is, but if water is the main concern, a valid one – you should try to drink mineral water from the bottle0 and you might want to avoid salads. Cooked veggies shouldn’t be a problem no? We do cook our food thoroughly. And wherever you are in the country, there’s an abundance of vegetarian food from lentils to currys. Unless, of course, you’ve been advised to avoid anything washed in the water which may be the case.

    Bread is also also easily available. The Indian and Western kind. Cereals are common. If you’re in a big city you can even get granola and muesli too. Of course, you must do whatever makes you feel comfortable when on the road, but I do hope you get to try a few things.

    A vegan friend of mine from Cali spent a month solo tripping around the country. She said she’d be back someday and though the experience was super challenging at times, she really enjoyed it and thought it was a proper learning.

    TMI maybe? Haha, just thought I’d get my thoughts out in case something would resonate and help.

    All in all, You’re going for an Indian wedding! They’re too much fun 🙂

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    1. Aw thank you for the invitation! How kind of you. Unfortunately I will not be near Delhi, but thank you anyway! And thanks for these awesome tips!! So helpful! Hugs and love xox

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  24. It’s okay for you to write about racism even though you’re white. I think that standing up against prejudice is something that we should all strive for, whether racism or sexism or whatever other ism, regardless of what our own demographics are. It helps that you included a quote from Martin Luther King – I read somewhere that when white people write/talk about race, we should include the words of people of color as much as possible, whether quotes, links, etc. I saw in the comments that you’re listening to people of color without getting defensive, and that’s a good thing, too.

    I hope you have a great trip 🙂

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  27. Oh dear! I got my heart melted reading to the end of this beautiful post, dear Beauty Beyond Bones. I especially love the last, “John 13: 34 – A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another;” part. Thank you and well done.

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  28. I sympathize with your self-consciousness, but perhaps you’ll feel more at ease recalling the thousands of white people who actively participated in the civil rights movement back in the day. The first Freedom Rider off the bus to face the mob in Montgomery, Alabama was white, for example. The three civil rights workers murdered in Mississippi in 1964 were two white men and one black man. Not to say that black people were not affected more–of course, they were. But, in Dr. King’s day, the civil rights movement saw shared consequences.

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    1. Thanks for this encouragement, Tom. This is a powerful perspective! Love for all! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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