My journey from the Diversity Table.

At IF:Gathering 2015, several racially diverse women gathered around the table to talk authentically about racism, faith, and the church. Read a recap from Christianity Today. The following is a post from the IF:Austin 2015 Facebook group from a woman that participated in a racial reconciliation roundtable as a result of the conversation held at IF:Gathering. We wanted to share her beautiful words with you.

My journey from the Diversity Table.

I sat there a Southern woman,
With a history of past generations of racism.

My heart and mind no longer carried the hatred.

I was good.

I was loving.

I was free of hate speech.

But generations are not healed by the absence of hate.

They are only healed by the fervency of love.

The intentional acts to sooth years of hate.

My eyes were opened never to be closed again.

I changed.

Last night my family of five broke forth and changed our destiny. We will soothe and heal. We had 9 minorities in our home. I am ashamed to say that it’s More than we have had in the total 11 years we have been married combined.

It was like a dream come true. He is calling for healing. This was a small step. With bigger things to come! Being intentional. Breaking past our vanilla, Captain Crunch, Wonder Bread, 2-D existence into Beauty. Into love. Into amazement. Into joy. He is good, and we had the time of our lives! Small steps gals. Looking forward to more.

– Marianna Conner
Tyler, TX

Watch the Introduction to the Racial Unity Roundtable

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