Racial tension was not an entity of which I was aware

In my neighborhood only whites could afford the fare

Not ‘til later in adulthood did I realize the unequal playing field

That substandard housing, education and opportunity would yield

Racism is a problem as widespread as it is deep

But it’s easy to ignore it and employ grace that is cheap

Pretend it doesn’t exist so I can live an advantaged existence

Don’t want to put the energy or sacrifice into controversial resistance

And what would I even do with this wrong needing right-ing,

Can it even begin to be accomplished in mere writing?

If I can’t fix all of it, I’m not going to try to do any

There are others whose “calling” it is out there, doing plenty

But in my honest, holy moments I know God prompts all who claim Christ

To embody all it means when we say we’re pro-life

Pro embryo, yes, but also pro immigrant and refugee

And pro those depicted as criminals on the local news story 

One move, one step, to look behind what is seen

Will give you a vision beyond the distorting screen

We’re all one race, one family made in Almighty’s image

When encountering oppression, we should share our undeserved privilege.

*Lyric of Propaganda, spoken word artist. 

Becky Beers is pursuing a Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Northeastern Seminary. She is active in many ministry contexts including her work in a local school district and her church home the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg.