The concept of white privilege is difficult for me to admit because acknowledging it means that I didn’t have to work as hard as others to get where I’m at. But what’s really happening is my insecurity getting in the way of showing compassion. I do this as a dad when I ignore or downplay my kids being afraid of the dark or being shy at school. I do this as a husband when my wife tells me how difficult it is to have a frank conversation with her boss at work. It makes me unapproachable and cold. And certainly nothing like Jesus.

What would happen if I leaned in and acknowledged my obvious advantages instead of dismissing the disadvantages of others?

I’d probably be compelled to act instead of think. To look outward instead of inward. I’d probably have to reckon with the responsibility I have to serve the less fortunate.

I think in 2020, the majority of white Americans are well-intentioned. We don’t deny the privilege to keep others down, we deny it to make ourselves feel better about our own weaknesses.

I want to use this moment to think less about myself and more about the ones we as Christians are called to love and serve. And either I can keep pretending I don’t know who that is or I can pick up the baton that we’ve been handed as a people of God and start running.