Dear friend in Christ,

"My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped." ( Psalm 17:5)

I would like to think that the verse I've quoted above is true of me, but in all honesty, I don't think it is. I can think of lots of times I've not acted in a way that's best for others and sometimes even not for myself; my feet have definitely slipped!

Failing in the past doesn't mean that we are doomed to fail throughout our lives. The world today calls us in so many ways to try to walk the path the Gospel teaches, the path of love and concern for others; as Christians, we are committed to respond and try to do our best.

We are asked to look into our hearts and consider difficult questions such as whether, even when we don't intend to, we let racial stereotypes affect our judgment, take (white) privileges for granted or behave in selfish ways. For instance, wearing a mask has been shown to protect others from catching the coronavirus. You protect them by wearing one, and by encouraging others to do the same, you can help them to help protect you.

Let's recommit to accepting that the people who live on this planet, whatever size, shape, creed or color they may be, are one community, and we can only survive by looking out for one another.

Hold fast!