Racial Reconciliation Resources for Families and Children

Letter from pastor abbey

Friends,

You've seen the news.

You've seen (or at least heard of) the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.

You've seen the years of injustices done to our brothers and sisters of color, particularly our black brothers and sisters.

You've seen the protests - the peaceful ones, the not-so-peaceful ones.

You've seen this...

And there's a high likelihood that our children have, too.

Either from the television, their own smart phones and social media connections, or engaging in (or overhearing) the conversations we have with our family members...children are aware of the tensions surrounding us all.

And we, as parents and caretakers of the next generation, must live into our United Methodist baptismal vows to "accept the freedom and power" that God gives us to "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." And in order to do that, we must engage in the intentional and often cringeworthy, yet good and grace-filled work of racial reconciliation. And that has to start with us and the conversations we have with our children.

So, where do we start?

Or, if you've already started this conversation with your children...what are the next steps?

In the following section of this email, you'll find links that I've compiled over the past few days that have been helpful and eye-opening for me (as a white parent of white children, and as a Pastor of children and their families), and I hope these resources will be helpful and meaningful for you, too. These articles, books, movies, and videos offer some guidance as to how to talk to children about race, racial awareness, and racial reconciliation with children of all ages. (Disclaimer about the articles for parents: These aren't exactly the easiest articles to read, parents. They will challenge us, sure enough, but they are not rooted in guilt or shaming. I wouldn't have added them here if that were the case. These articles are attached to help guide both our thinking and the conversations we will have with our children.)

In addition to these links, I would personally add that prayer and action are always great ways to start and continue the conversation of race with children. Pray often, and pray with your children. Lead by example. Show them that you mean what you say, and that you mean what you pray.

And friends...if you are struggling right now, if you have shame or fear or anger, if you don't know what to think or how to respond...that's ok. The whole idea here is that we lean into God's grace, and talk about it. (And I would love to talk about it with you!) Because when we talk about it, there's usually listening involved. And listening leads to learning, and learning leads to understanding. And understanding leads to compassion. And compassion...leads to action and change.

May we compassionately join together in the Kingdom-work of teaching our children to see ALL of God's people the way God does - as beautifully diverse, equally beloved, image-of-God bearers.

And as always, please feel free to reach out to me if you have any thoughts or questions. God bless!

Blessings,

Rev. Abbey Echols

Children's Pastor | Mosaic Campus Pastor

First Methodist Sherman

abbey@firstmethodistsherman.org

Articles for Parents:

Really great outline for discussing what children of all ages are seeing in the news right now. You might choose to watch the video on this page, but I copied this link for the article, specifically. ->

Books for Children:

for babies - 3 y/o

for babies - 4 y/o

for ages 3-5

for ages 3-7 y/o.

(And personally approved by Rev. Denise Peckham!)

for ages 4-8

for ages 2-13

These books promote tolerance and diversity, and when you click on each book, there are summaries and discussion questions.

Movies/Videos:

Sesame Street Town Hall: Standing Up to Racism

(This is a series of 3 videos, which make up the full "town hall" episode.)

This website lists movies that you can watch together as a family (complete with suggested age ranges and discussion topics!)