Today I am in conversation with Mr. Bobby Washington. He is a pastor at the multicultural East Denver Church of God. He is also a successful businessman owning and operating two nationwide businesses. Bobby has a Chinese mother and African American father and lived abroad during his childhood. His life experiences give him a unique point of view about racism in the U.S . I was captivated by his story, his gentle manner in conveying the truth, his honest perspective about racism, and the kindness that radiates from him. 

There were several takeaways from my visit with Bobby. I especially appreciated his insight into the word "we", how it's used for a lot of things, but not in relation to racism. It's like we don't want to own our part in it, look at ourselves, and deal with it.  I love how he said, "Why can't we walk together with that too?" We are willing to carry the honor of our past collective victories as a country, but not our past collective failures or injustices. That's a heavy truth that needs more unpacking and honest reflection.

Bobby's bubble analogy made me smile since I recently heard the exact same metaphor from my friend Rama in Season 1. Opening our bubbles, or spheres of influence, to others is another way of encouraging inclusivity. Being more loving has never made anyone feel left out. But putting labels on people gives us many reasons to exclude. 

Lastly, I was impressed with Bobby's confession about how he carried a chip on his shoulder for years. And really, who could blame him? But he was humble and teachable enough to see that carrying that chip was not moving him forward...only love and forgiveness can do that. May we all carefully reflect on our own lives and be willing to admit the anger, resentment, or hurt we're holding onto so we don't negatively project it onto others, just as Bobby did all those years ago. By letting go of that chip, he wasn't saying that all the injustices he experienced were okay, they were still painfully raw. But he didn't focus on them anymore. He changed his focus and in doing so changed the trajectory of his life to helping others affect positive change in this world.

Bobby's life reminds of MLK's quote: "There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies." Thank you for choosing to live a life of love when it would be easy to succumb to hate. May we all choose love, as Bobby has.

Bobby's Quote: "A gentle word turns away wrath." The Bible, Proverbs 15:1

East Denver Church of God