The other day, in support of some homeless friends, I took part in a homeless-advocacy walk in our city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This particular walk, just one of several during the week, was done mostly by Native Americans.
    Besides hearing some beautiful prayers to God, and being educated in Native American history, my ears were pricked by the strong words of two of the leaders. They stressed to their fellow Natives how “they need to keep their blood pure. Too many mixed-blood babies are being born on the Indian reservations --- black babies, Mexican babies.” I was surprised by their boldness. Surely if I as a white man said that, I would be called a racist. Often it seems minorities can get away with that. 
    And yet, I can understand where they were coming from. Native American is a small and shrinking ethnic group with a historically rich culture and heritage. How sad it would be to see that great culture and its people to potentially be diluted away over time!
    So what about it? Is there a certain point where racism goes from being okay to being bad/wrong? Is it okay for some ethnic groups to be racist, for example, those which have been/are being victimized? Is it not okay for other ethnic groups to be racist, for example, those ethnic groups which have been the offenders? Are you being a hypocrite if you cry “racist,” and yet you don’t want those other colors to mix with your people?
    I personally don’t have all the answers. I do know that over the last 25 years I have come to the point where I have no problem if my daughters married interracially. But remember, I’m coming from a “white” perspective rather than a minority’s perspective.    
    I know God, in His perfect plan, made all the colors. As the children’s song goes, “Red and yellow, black and white, they’re all precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.” But was God’s perfect plan to keep that “rainbow” distinct or to see the colors mix? God doesn’t address that directly in the New Testament of the Bible. In the Bible, God calls for indiscriminate care, love, and respect for all humanity. And in God’s perfect plan, He sees in heaven, in eternity, “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne (of God the Father) and in front of the Lamb (God the Son Jesus)” --- Revelation 7:9.
    God loves you deeply no matter what color or gender you are. I thank God He offers the same to me.
    I’m interested in your thoughts and comments to the above journal.  --- www.peacewithinreach.com by Fred Wilgenburg