Hatefulness and racism need to end
Hatefulness and racism need to end
Historical records show racism as a symptom of arrogant self-centered people. In this particular story, the consequence of backbiting people in positions of power resulted in a contagious life-threatening disease. This brings to mind COVID-19, political divisiveness, and racial tensions today. What can we learn from history?
Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ siblings holding powerful positions during the Exodus. After years of slavery, you’d think they’d be hyper-sensitive to others. Instead, they acted with pride and self-interest. It was manifested by talking against their brother because of his marriage to a black woman.
Angering God, immediately they all were confronted with thought provoking reprimands, even Moses who was humble and innocent of the offense. Singling out the two offenders, the instigator was inflicted with a disease. Miriam’s skin became snow white with a deathly pallor. It was like “you think white skin is better, you’ll get white skin.” In horror at the sight of his leprous sister, Aaron immediately repented and begged forgiveness. Moses also cried out to God to please heal her.
God responded with judgment of solitary confinement for purification. The entire nation had to wait to move on to the Promise Land until she returned from quarantine–changed.
This begs the question of what changes we need to make individually to enable our country to move in a positive trajectory. Hatefulness and racism needs to end. Created in the image of God, we are meant to love. Loving one another is the only hope for the future.
Michele Lincoln, Lahaina
