Blessed to be the daughter of Charles William Garner; I grew up respecting all people equally, regardless of financial standing, race, political affiliation, or social standing. My father demonstrated respect toward all people. He presented in his life a respect for the law and an unwavering moral compass; judging men only by their actions, not their place in life. His strength, character and warm smile; earned respect. Perhaps that is why no one said anything when I as a three year old carried around a black baby doll. When I pleaded to understand at 5 how a farmer cheated a Mexican worker by giving him a bad check; mom and dad explained how evil does exist in the world and the farmer was evil.
Growing up with those beliefs etched in my memories, I have trouble understanding either extremist views. Oh, yes; there was a time when I was told to either get an abortion or resign; because, I was carrying a Hispanic child and married to a legal Mexican-American citizen.
There were those times, when my phone rang with “get out of town” messages or even once a dead pig laid on my front yard; because, my children were of Mexican descent. At that time I told my children, “People react out of ignorance; because, no one showed them the truth. So, you must work harder, make better grades in school, set a higher example of character and morality. That way you teach the next generation the truth. Do not use this as a excuse to prove them right by being disrespectful. You must be kinder, better mannered, and more gracious than the rest.” They did and they earned the respect of an entire town; changing the ideas of a generation.
ACROSS THE DIVIDE
On the other side of the fence, I remember working as the only white nurse on the floor in Birmingham, AL. Immediately, I was treated with disdain and hostility. Often in silence, I accepted the blame for every error made on that floor; even if, it happened during my day off. Every night, I walked four blocks through the dark streets to the parking garage alone; because, no one wanted to walk with a “white girl.” It didn’t matter we were told it was too dangerous to walk alone at night on the streets. That is, until one day; the secretary (who was a black, gay gentleman) spoke up, “You’re all wrong! She’s not the problem. In fact, no one treats me kinder or with more respect than she does.” Grace changed the mindset of the entire floor of nurses.
Furthermore, I lived in Mexico for years before women in the higher socioeconomic class accepted me; because, they believed no “Gringa” could have any moral principles. Every party, the women held tightly their husbands; despite my having come with mine. Somehow, they believed that I wanted to steal theirs or have a fling. Nothing could be further from the truth. Quietly, patiently I lived my life with God’s Grace and they later accepted me with open arms; but, it took years.
That is all an introduction to a poem I wrote today.
Humble Hands of Grace Reaching Across the Divide
In the midst of this world, between black and white
We scream very loud and think we are right
The bitter divide that comes from each side
Is built on one word-and that word is pride
Yet, humbly each side should look in the face
Of God who has offered to each man His Grace
For God sees our hearts, filled with sin, guilt and shame
Yet, He sent His own son to die all the same
To save us from sin, to pay there our price
Despite all the times, we really weren’t nice
Undeserving we stand before His great throne
Redeemed by His Gift given by Grace Alone
And yet, does that mean that some should be free
To riot and kill. How could that be?
God calls us to stand in respect for the law.
Who risk their own lives for one and for all.
We never can be a land that is free
Without laws to guide us, there’s no liberty
Only chaos and anger will grow in its place
Until we destroy the whole human race
Can we reach out our hand, to cross the divide?
Instead of closed fists, standing firm on one side
No matter what color, no matter what race
Can you reach out your hand with kindness and grace?
Another Thing My Daddy Taught Me and I Passed On
My daddy taught me to always show respect for the law officers and that I passed on to my children. When an officer pulls you over, get out your ID, insurance card and registration quickly; then, make certain that by the time the officer walks up beside your car, you have your hands in open position laying on the top of the steering wheel in clear site. Also, always say, “Yes, sir or mam.” Do whatever they ask you to. This is not the time to argue.
Once I was arrested and taken to jail; although, I later was released with no charges. Yet, at the time; I did not speak back. Humbly, without a word; I allowed them to handcuff and even shackle me. Every order they gave, I followed. Whatever they thought I had done, I was innocent; however, at the moment when they arrested me, I knew was not the time to argue. An attorney could do that for me later and did.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whatever else; I must always remember this. When I stand before a Righteous, Holy God; I must bow before Him in full submission, knowing I deserve nothing. Still, He gives me Grace, Mercy and Love as I bow before Him.
I do not pretend to have any answers concerning those things that divide us; except for this: God is the only one who can heal our hearts and heal our nation. The only place where healing begins is at the foot of the cross. So, let me reach out my hand with kindness and grace to each and every one of you. Will you come and kneel beside me at the cross; where mercy runs free?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or if you wish to leave a comment: comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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