The Value of Diverse Relationships and Perspectives #043

It has been a harder week than most given the recent events in Minneapolis. We are not qualified to talk about racial injustice or police policies, so we won't even try. However, this is a good time to explore why we should, and how we can, pursue diversity in our relationships and in our perspectives.

We are tempted to pursue like-minded relationships and to retreat into literature and news that bolsters our existing worldview.  However, there is great value in engaging with people, media, and points of view that are different than ours. It develops empathy, compassion, and hope in us. And, we can model this openness and humility with our children. This is a journey we are growing in, and we invite you to come along as well.

We discuss a few organizations and resources you can utilize, if you want to learn more about racial injustice and the history of racism in the U.S. We encourage you to lean into these topics that may be uncomfortable or challenging for you and your family.

• One Race 
• Be The Bridge and their recommended reading list for youth
• Dr. Amanda Kemp
• Children's books to support conversations on race
• Book suggestions for adults

Also, we spend some time (at the 28:22 mark) specifically on why Christians are called to embrace and even seek out diversity in their lives, to engage with and love other Christians even if they don't look, think or act like us, and to care for the poor and oppressed. (Spoiler: Scripture is clear that God cares very much for the poor and oppressed.) If that is not your cup of tea, feel free to skip to The Stat of the Week (37:18).


The Stat of the Week is from the Statistic Brain Research Institute and is all over the place with thoughts on seaweed growth, jewelry injuries (didn't know that was a thing), and human eye blinking. Also, we talk about our family pentathlon and the game of Water War.


Thank you for listening! We hope you enjoyed this episode. We are so grateful for everyone who listens to us and would appreciate if you would share the podcast with a friend who might be encouraged by this conversation.