Racism and Mental Health
Racism is a mental health issue because racism causes trauma, and trauma paints a direct line to mental illnesses, which needs to be taken seriously.
The Three E’s of Trauma: Event(s), Experience, and Effect. When a person is exposed to a traumatic or stressful event, how they experience it greatly influences the long-lasting adverse effects of carrying the weight of trauma.
It’s hard to have trauma in your past that continually causes you pain. It’s no picnic and sometimes you find yourself triggered by the same things over and over again.
One thing for certain is that God draws close to the brokenhearted (Ps. 34:18). The Lord keeps track of our tears and sorrows (Ps. 56:8), and the Lord continually renews us every day with His Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:16). Thankfully every day brings a new morning to try again at loving God and serving others well, even when we are experiencing pain.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became a voice for Christ and a foot soldier for righteousness, life, and justice, and for the human race (Acts 17:26).
As we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. let us remember these famous words penned from a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama on April 16, 1963, five years before he was assassinated. These words echo as true today.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
One cannot speak about prejudice without speaking of the life and influence of Martin Luther King, Jr. Both a minister and civil rights activist, he fought racism and segregation through nonviolent means.
Lessons from MLK’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail
By studying his letter, and looking at it in light of God’s Word, we can uncover some principles to help address injustice and prejudice through non-violent means in our own time.
Confront injustice and prejudice everywhere
MLK wrote: “I am in Birmingham jail because injustice is here. ...Just as the Apostle Paul left his little village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to practically every hamlet and city of the Greco-Roman world, I too am compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my particular hometown.”
The Bible says: “Learn to do right, seek justice. Defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17).
Seek unity and peace everywhere.
MLK wrote: “I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. …Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
The Bible says: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts… there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 25-26 NIV).
Find constructive ways of handling your emotions.
MLK wrote: “I have not said to my people, Get rid of your discontent. But I have tried to say that this normal and healthy discontent can be channeled through the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action.”
The Bible says: “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26 ESV).
Seek the way of love.
MLK wrote: “…There is a more excellent way, of love and nonviolent protest.”
The Bible says: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:4-6 NIV).
Martin Luther King, Jr’s Letter from Birmingham Jail is as relevant today as it was in his time, not just because prejudice continues today but because his letter is soaked in biblical truth.
The Bible makes it clear that racism is wrong and entirely contradictory to God’s command to love our neighbors, His unconditional love, and the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:43-44).
It is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for you that makes it possible for you to be able to talk to the Father and the Son in the intimate relationship of fellowship and also to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:3, 6 NKJV). The command to love one another had been in force from the beginning of the world, but it might be called a new command as given to Christians. It was new for them, as their situation was new in respect of its motives, rules, and obligations.
God is very clear in Scripture that all humans are made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-28). Jesus himself preached about discrimination and not judging others based on how they look or what they wear (John 7:24). Read these powerful Bible verses relating to the context of racism and prejudice. Teach them to your children and join hands with those who are different from you, and stand for equality (Proverbs 24:23: John 13:34; Galatians 3:28; James 2:1, 4; Revelation 7:9).
A Prayer to Heal Racism
Jesus, You see people as precious and valuable. Live that truth through me always. If I’ve wronged someone and racism is the root of that wrong, lead me in reconciliation. Lord, show me my own prejudices so I can seek Your repentance. Guide me to act in ways that lead to true justice. Father God, forgive me for losing sight of the Truth that You created all people in Your image. By Your grace help me to see hatred - whether initiated or returned - as a tool Satan uses to keep me from experiencing and sharing the richness of Your love. Help me to love the way you love and to spread kindness and mercy as Jesus did. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Mabel Martinez-Almonte, MA, OTR/L, NCC
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not to be perceived as professional or medical advice in regard to health or finances, or any other field.
Sources:
Mental Health America (MHA), Racism and Mental Health, https://www.mhanational.org/racism-and-metal-health
Crisis Prevention Institute, What’s Your Concept of Trauma? Oct. 13, 2014. https://www.crisisprevention.com
Martin Luther King Jr. “Letters from Birmingham Jail,” August 1963. Printed in The Atlantic Monthly, August 1963 as “The Negro is Your Brother,” vol. No 2, 78-88. https://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/letter_birmingham_jail.pdf
Lessons from MLK, Hope for the Heart https://www.hopefortheheart.org/lessons-from-mlks-letter-from-birmingham-jail/
Source: Martin Luther King Jr. “Letters from Birmingham Jail,” August 1963, printed in The Atlantic Monthly, August 1963 as “The Negro Is Your Brother”, vol. 212, no. 2, 78-88, http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/documents/letter_birmingam_jail.pdf
Bible Hub Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary (1 John 2:6)
The Bible Study Tools, Bible Verses About Racism and Prejudice Compiled by The BibleStudy Tools Staff on 6/24/2020 https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-racism-and-prejudice/