My work of going into people’s homes can be challenging. I must always be respectful and recognize that I am a guest. Sometimes I hear distressing and hurtful comments. Frequently I have to let them pass. This past few weeks I have had several opportunities to respectfully educate and have meaningful conversations, with people and this makes my heart full and helps balance out the negativity
I was visiting with someone recently about covid 19 and the topic of the virus being racist was brought up. Covid 19 effects people of color disproportionately and they have poorer outcomes. They stated “maybe they don’t seek medical care like they should” I said “the biggest predictor of health and mortality is your race.” There was a long moment of silence and then “what did you say?” I repeated “your race predicts your health status and your mortality”. They said “you mean black people don’t get as good of health care?” “Yes, that’s correct”
I explained the term health inequity, that this was not a new concept and one that has been studied and known for many years. We talked about food deserts, poor access to medicine etc. I encouraged they look up health inequity and disparity and do what they could to understand it.
Another conversation included comments on how someone presented themselves and that it was unbecoming and hard to get past. This person provided quality service and was professional but his appearance was something they just couldn’t appreciate.
“He had spikey hair, was covered with tattoos and had guaged ear lobes. He was a hard worker but I just don’t understand that.”
I was perplexed as I sat visiting with this person, with my bleach blonde hair that was shaved on the sides and sticking straight up in the middle, my tattooed forearms and my skull earrings.
I told the story of what my mother said when she learned her granddaughter, my daughter, had gotten a HUGE tattoo on her back. My mother said “people who get tattoos are old military veterans, bikers, or do drugs!”
It isn’t like that anymore I explained. As I told the story I shared my tattoos and suggested that we judge people for their qualities and not how they look. I think I was heard.
Every day I encounter people who are kind and caring but have old thoughts and biases. Does this mean they are cruel people with hurtful intentions. No. I am hopeful that with genuine, thoughtful conversations we can change some of those old thoughts and biases. We have hundreds of years of negative thoughts and beliefs. It will take time to overcome that. We must all do our part to listen, educate and encourage change in a positive way. We need the world to be a loving caring place for everyone, where we all have the same access and quality of life, regardless of what we do, how we dress or the color of our skin. Our lives depend on it!!
Unapologetically Pretty 
Wonderful and uplifting stories about real people! You are doing the Lord’s work by whatever name!
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