I DID NOT PUT THE AD FOR ED DRUGS AT THE TOP OF MY HOME PAGE. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO GET RID OF IT. SORRY!

During the past few months, I’ve been thinking a lot about white privilege. Truth is, I don’t actually feel like I have much. I’m a fifty-something writer, not a gatekeeper at a prestigious publishing house, a politician, or a public figure.

But because white is the box I check when asked, my life experiences differ from my African American brothers and sisters. I have never had anyone ask me if I nannied the child I pushed in the stroller. I’ve never had to worry about my sons playing with toy guns in our yard. Though I have experienced micro-aggressions as a woman, it’s not an every day occurrence for me.

What can I possibly do or say that would reduce racism, even out the disparity, or, at minimum, allow African Americans to feel heard? Honestly? It feels like there’s nothing—though I know that’s a lie. Perhaps most importantly, I can commit to change and to be empathetic. Additionally, since I am a writer, I can communicate my process:

1. I admit that white privilege exists.
2. I Refuse to Do Nothing. (This is actually the title of Shayne Moore and Kimberly McOwen Yim’s 2013 book on combating modern day slavery. Well worth a read.)
3. I figure out what I can do, even if it seems pathetically insignificant.
4. I do that thing, no matter how insignificant it actually might be.
5. I strive to be humble and teachable, rather than defensive and proud.

In light of this and given that I have tens of thousands of readers in 151 countries across the globe, I am offering this space to African American writers. Throughout the month of January, seven Black writers will share their experiences of living in the United States. I want to listen to them and I hope you will too. I want to expect that God will use their voices to challenge me and anyone else who stops by.

As a Caucasian, I imagine that some of these posts will not be easy to read. They will confront and challenge. The goal is not to heap shame on Whites, but to allow the discomfort to lead to transformation. Reconciliation work is not easy but I truly believe that we are in a kairos moment when the Lord is beckoning us to fight for racial (and gender) equality.

You will have the opportunity to read work from Trillia Newbell, Gail Dudley, Austin Channing Brown, Kyle Canty, Christena Cleveland, and others. (If you are an African American writer and would like to contribute to this month’s feature, please message or email me.) If you are a white reader PLEASE press in and commit to read at least two posts. I will be moderating the comments and ask that they remain civil and respectful. At the end of the month, I will be giving way one book (to be determined) to a random reader who leaves at least two comments.

I will be using the hashtag #AnInvitation2Listen on Twitter. Please join me.

To Him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us spotless….