Could the word race be a verb please?

These days it feels like we are swimming in an ocean of negativity. We do not move forward because a negative force is trying to pull us under. The force has many names: discrimination, nationality, black, white, elitism, female, male, power, rule, slaves, apartheid, segregation, private, public, medical aid, government funding, divide, suburb, shack, Latino and many more. 

All these words build walls between people in the same nation, the same state or province, in the same town, or even the same neighborhood who believe that their neighbors are not worthy of speaking to, are part of pulling us down and dividing us. The most used word that brings all this pain together is the noun "race".

We cannot achieve anything whether it’s to build an early childhood center or collect blankets for winter to give to people in need. Or whether it’s a kind deed like delivering flowers to all in the neighborhood when this word comes to mind. It screams hate and negativity. As research has shown, one cannot have two emotions at the same time. Love cannot move forward with hate in the way. We can however think differently about the word race when we look at it from different perspectives.

1. Let's think about what these race issues are about. 

History and culture play major roles in our perspectives. Our families and community, our school systems, religions, media and our governments all shape our thinking about how we relate to others. If we constantly hear fear messages we become fearful of each other. If we constantly hear hate messages we start hating. But what about us taking a step out of these circles of thought and asking one question. So what do we all have in common? We all have blood and DNA, we all have a heart that can be hurt when a loved one dies or when we are disappointed. We all are excited when the sun shines or when it rains after a long drought. We all are grateful when a baby is born in our family or when our grandmothers live for another birthday. So these are some of the physical and emotional things that unite us. Based on these we cannot hate each other. We can rejoice or grief together.  

The race card comes into play when pride and entitlement are raised. Priding yourself to be better than others is the downfall of a civilization. Emotionally it has caused more damage than bombing a city to the ground. What gives anyone the right to think their background makes them a better human being? 

Entitlement is the other side of the race coin. Entitlement leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of anyone who encounters entitled attitudes. History cannot be wiped away. It is what is. Now it's time to move forward. We need to learn from past mistakes. Forgive the power and greed of people, leave this to God. He will take care of them. Be positive about the future and give each person a chance in your heart and mind. 

Jesus said that we should forgive 7 times 7 times. This is more than a number it means continuously. Forgiving frees us from negativity and fills our hearts and minds with new energy and will assist us to reach successes together. 

2. Let's think about how we can work together and assist each other.

No man is an island. We need others to survive and to make progress. Let's meet as a community to improve the environment and to assist each other to improve what we are doing. What about sharing ideas to improve the parks or school grounds. To become part of the city's goals to improve the services for all. Let's become part of the provincial decisions to ensure that the education and infrastructure are of high quality. For now and the future. Let's take hands with other countries to keep the atmosphere and the oceans clean. Let's think about what we can improve together. 

3. Let's change the noun to a verb and run together.

The one thing we all share is that the future is on a new page. Let's turn to this page and use the word race as a verb. Our life on this earth is short. It's the only race we have. We need to make the best of it and rather than wasting energy on negative thinking and energy-draining conversations let's pick up our feet and move forward. Nelson Mandela was a prisoner for 40 years and yet he forgave and could move his country from oppression to freedom because his race was for all. Let us follow his example and swim forward to the end line.