The divisions in our country are disheartening. It has become too easy to peer across the chasms that divide us and see those on the other side as inferior—less smart, good, moral, patriotic, or wise. Or, we might even see them as enemies. It was my participation in a Racial Healing Workshop in January that stirred me to write this blog, though our need for healing extends beyond race. We are a people divided over race, politics, religion, gender, and more.
I’m convinced that if each of us took just one intentional small step in a better direction, we could heal our nation—not quickly, but we could do it. Here are eight ideas. Some apply only to healing race relations, others are more broad.
1. Translate your concerns into action like Paula Williams did when she organized the Racial Healing Workshop I recently attended on Zoom. This retired attorney and law professor from Tennessee had longstanding concerns about the injustices in our society and our tendency to form warring tribes. She faced hurdles and insecurities as she started to work on her goal: “to offer Racial Healing Workshops to as many people as I can so that we can learn to talk with each other about difficult topics, see each other for the amazing, yet flawed human beings that we are, and get on with the hard work of building a safe and healthy world for ourselves and those who come after us.”
Paula persisted and offered her first workshop this January. A diverse group of participants from around the world learned and shared. Each of us came away inspired and better prepared to take our own steps toward healing ourselves and our nation.
2. Register for the second Racial Healing Workshop that Paula has scheduled on Zoom for March 6-April 3. I strongly recommend the program. Download the program invitation and register here.
3. Read a book about the experiences of someone from the other side. Books that describe the experiences of those who are different from us have an amazing power to help us understand the “other.” Reading history can do the same thing. My eyes were opened by books like Warmth of Other Suns and Just Mercy. Paula compiled a resource list. Can you share with us books that changed your thinking forever?
4. “Stop complaining and do something.” During the January Racial Healing Workshop, Dr. Everlena Holmes, an 87 year-old retired Health Science Dean, spoke with joy, passion, and positivity about empowering people. After a life advocating for the rights of others, she retired in Chattanooga and now works in the community to promote voting rights and registration. I asked what she has learned in her long life that she would like to share and she said:
““I am a firm believer that once you have identified a problem and determine that you want to do something to solve the problem, then you should start doing something to solve the problem and stop simply talking and complaining about it!!””
If you and I believe that the divisions in our country are a problem, we need, first, to stop complaining; and, second, to figure out what we can do.
5. Use your gifts. If you identify and use your gifts, not only will you be more happy, but you will be more effective in making a positive change in our world. Spiritual Director Brian Plachta was a recent guest on my vlog series “Pop-Up Conversations on Health of Mind, Body, and Spirit.” In this episode, he introduces us to the concept of “Spiritual Gifts” and how we can identify them. Watch/listen to our interview, read the show notes, and access Brian’s free “Spiritual Gifts Inventory.”
During the Workshop, I met Kathleen Rutledge, a retired journalist from Nebraska who was using her gifts. She joined a new Truth and Reconciliation effort in Lincoln, Nebraska. The group hopes to increase the diversity of educators; support students of color who are particularly struggling during the pandemic; and, research and document the history of race, racism and white supremacy in Nebraska—a necessary acknowledgment of truths as a foundation for healing.
6. Help children learn how to respect those who are different than themselves. Jesus tells us in John 13:34:
““Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another.” ”
I’m sure Jesus understands that we might not like everyone or understand everyone, but this doesn’t let us off the hook. We must set a consistent example for our children—they watch and they learn from what we say and how we treat those who are different than us.
Gail Clark, also from Nebraska, told the Workshop participants about a resource list she had compiled for parents about speaking to children regarding racism—it includes a great list of books for children.
7. Practice “non-reaction.” Do you ever feel your jaw tighten, your heart beat faster, or your eyes squint as you listen to one of the “others” express their views? This kind of reactivity blocks calm thinking and makes civil conversation almost impossible. Practices that will lessen your reactivity are based on mindfulness, which is staying aware of the present moment instead of automatically reacting in your body or mind. A quick solution when you notice reactivity is to immediately take three slow deep breaths. Volumes have been written on mindfulness and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Mayo clinic offers a helpful guide. I’ve blogged about how my “on-the-go prayer” helps me deal with my reactivity.
8. Practice civil dialogue. Can you think of a friend, family member, or co-worker whom you care about and respect, though he or she has very different views than yours about politics or social issues? It has to be someone who will agree to practice civil dialogue in a planned session and be willing to follow some basic guidelines. A wonderful guide is the Civil Conversations Project by On Being.
I did this last week after being inspired by the Workshop. A relative and I respectfully listened and talked for over an hour. Though we agree on very little, it was startling to learn that we do agree on one very important thing. Each of us believes that our faith dictates our political and social views and opinions. We are both Christians, feel strongly about our faith and our views, yet we have arrived at different conclusions. He and I barely scratched the surface and plan to talk again.
Friends, so much is at stake—our peace of mind, our families, and our country.
Let’s start by praying every day for our country and each other. Then, take one tiny step. With God’s help, we can heal our nation.
Early Review of Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey
Update: Pilgrimage is now available. Learn more here.
“Pilgrimage: A Doctor's Healing Journey is an honest and soulful depiction of real life, the struggles of an often emotionally challenging career, complicated relationships, and competing demands. As a physician, Dr. Chacko demonstrates a natural propensity to witness and work through the pain of others while denying her own. She gently opens her heart and our eyes to the healing power of self-reflection, prayer and self-care. Her journey demonstrates the beauty of discovering the presence and power of God in the midst of life.”
— Rev. Dr. Lisa Banks-Williams
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Dr. Donna Chacko promotes health of body, mind, and spirit through her website (serenityandhealth.com), her blog, and programs at her church. She is the author of the award-winning book and Amazon best-seller Pilgrimage: A Doctor’s Healing Journey (Luminare Press, 2021). You can read her full bio here.
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