Our Generation.

This summer, I've been reading and wrestling with Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson's The Heart of Racial Justice. I say 'wrestling' because it challenges what I believe racial reconciliation can look like, yet as an ethnic minority, I wish we were further along. However, the following is the description/introduction to the 'emerging generation', the generation that Brenda and Rick believe is paving the way for such a time as this. If you're reading this, and you're in your late teens, twenties or thirties, brace yourself, 'cause this description of our generation is incredibly powerful.

We believe that God will use the emerging generation (late teens, twenties and early thirties) to bring about spiritual healing and racial reconciliation. Today's young people have grown up in a multicultural and multiethnic world, and they have a great spiritual hunger. They have seen the results of shattered relationships, family brokenness, racial and ethnic hatred, wars and terrorism. They want a different path-- a path of reconciliation, mutual respect and understanding, a path that leads to connection. This longing lies deep within the next generation, and we believe that God will bless their desire.

We believe that this generation will take the torch and make the gains that former generations only dreamed of. They are not comfortable with divisions based on racial and ethnic categories. They do not want to categorize people in ways that divide, segregate and separate them. They are deeply sensitive to issues of trust and authority and are not interested in following people who are merely building their own kingdom or feathering their own nest. This generation will not lead people in ways that use and devalue them. They want more than a role reversal in which the people who want power replace the people who had power. They don't want to play the same game with different winners. Instead these emerging leaders want a new game, a game that is just, a way of life that honors people and relationships in true community. 

    *Note: all font alterations (italics and bolding) are for emphasis, and not included in The Heart of Racial Justice.