When there's Racism in Relief Society
Holy crap, y'all.
You know when a room with fluorescent lighting has a bulb that is going bad? That constant humming in the background? If someone is there all the time, they don't really hear it. But then you come in and say "Wow, that's really annoying."
That was me today. Only the humming was this weird, angry subtext that I can't really describe.
Our lesson was President Uchtdorf's talk, Perfect Love Casteth Out All Fear. Letting go of fear about people, accepting differences, and love. And there were several women who were bristling at the very notion of Christ-like love. It showed in their comments and demeanor. One of them, because of past interactions I've had with her, I know is racist and harbors ill will towards anyone who doesn't fit a certain mold. That mold being white, Republican, and permanently plugged into Fox News. And I'm not putting words in her mouth. I've heard her describe herself that way.
The dynamic in that room was off. Uncomfortable. And I took two things away from our lesson. One was the sense of why we're studying President Hinckley this year. His words regarding love, acceptance, and racism are so timely right now. The other is that my return at this time is no accident and I have work to do here. Hard work that may not endear me to some people.
But changing racism is like changing a light bulb. You don't leave it like that because it's easier to sit in the dark, or put up with the sound. We change it because we are children of the light. We did not come to sit in darkness.
The only unique thing that qualifies me to do this is I'm not afraid to open my mouth. I don't care about social consequences. So if it has to be me, let it be me. Racism is not allowed in my backyard.
