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Do you struggle to understand why race is so important in American life? Why people of color seem to struggle more than others in their quest to experience the proverbial American dream? Do you ever question your own role in the persistence of systemic racism or question if there is even such a thing? Listen… this podcast episode is a deep one.

My conversation with author, speaker, and activist Lisa Sharon Harper both challenged and enlightened me. Lisa discusses her book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World – and How to Repair It All. This powerful and timely book speaks to the long history of racism in America, its detrimental effects on her family and the world, and some uncomfortable yet doable steps we can take to find healing and restoration.

Honestly, it’s not easy to give you a full picture of what Lisa shares in a few summary paragraphs. I really want to encourage you to listen to this podcast with an open mind and ask God to help you take from the conversation what you need to hear. Lisa has done a lot of hard work y’all. She has spent 30 whole years researching and understanding her family’s history – how both she and they fit into this world. One thing Lisa has learned for sure? Generational trauma is real. 

Whether we realize it or not, our ancestral past impacts us regardless of the color of our skin. Given the unique experience of black and brown people in this world, that impact has echoed through time. Trauma plays a role in who you really are, who you think you are and how you interact with the world. Lisa encourages us to study our families’ histories so we can better understand the magnitude of systemic racism in America and the ways in which our families have been impacted in times past and present by racist practices that were created generations ago.

Knowledge really is power. The truth can be painful, difficult to hear, and hard to face, but change is possible – especially if we commit to being intentional about seeking truth, forgiveness, healing, and restitution. 

If you’ve been listening to my podcast for any length of time, you know I love exploring topics that touch a nerve. This is definitely one of those shows. If you find you are uncomfortable, I challenge you to sit with that and ask yourself why the discomfort exists. However, in order to move towards individual and corporate healing and experience true reconciliation, we have to come face to face with the truth. Here’s the question I found myself asking as I engaged with the brilliant Lisa Sharon Harper… “What is required of me to bring about change in my generation?” I want to encourage you to listen and ask yourself the exact same thing. 

Here’s to learning, growing, having eye-opening conversations, and growing together.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Wrestling with uncomfortable truths 
  • Restoring relationship with restitution 
  • Forgiving what is irreparable
  • Acknowledging racism in the Church

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Resources Mentioned: 

Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. How did the laws and policies that have been put in place impact your ancestors?
  2. How are you doing in terms of honoring the image of God on this earth?
  3. How can you come alongside those that have been oppressed and discriminated against for the color of their skin to seek justice?

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How to Listen to The Podcast

If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you work out, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.

1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.

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You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!