079 Hope for Overcoming Racism
Episode Summary:
- Nelson Mandela said “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”
- Today we’re going to have a bit of a different episode. I’ve invited a friend to join me on the program to talk about hope for overcoming racism. Christina Custodio and I recently sat down over a three hour lunch and had a very honest, open dialogue about the issue of racism, and what we can do to be more sensitive to the pain and insults received by our brothers and sisters of a different race.
Quotables from the episode:
- When someone is hurting, don’t brush it off or try to mitigate it, rather express that you believe them.
- You may not have experienced racism but you can express “I don’t understand but I want to.”
- For us to heal from racism, we must offer forgiveness even when it’s not asked for.
- Christ offered love and forgiveness for ALL, despite skin color, nationality, or cultural bias.
Scripture References:
- Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
- Philippians 2:3-4 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
- Colossians 3:11 “There is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
- Acts 10:34 To summarize: “God shows no partiality.”=
- Romans 10:12 “There is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”
- John 3:16 His grace is universal: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Recommended Resources:
- Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
- Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Social Media Links for Host and Guest:
Connect with Christina:
Website / Facebook / Instagram
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast
Guest:
Christina Custodio is a wife, mother, teacher, writer, photographer, and whatever the Lord asks her to be from day to day. She is an inspirational speaker and writer who shares her own story as well as inspires her audience to share their stories, connecting and becoming a part of the community of Christ.
Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A trusted voice in Christian mental health, Dr. Bengtson is the bestselling author of Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey through Depression and Breaking Anxiety's Grip. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she has helped countless individuals find lasting freedom from fear, stress, and discouragement.
Dr. Bengtson is a frequent media guest on platforms such as Focus on the Family, Life Today, and Moody Radio. Her writing and resources have been featured on outlets including Crosswalk, iBelieve, and Salem Media, equipping believers to embrace God's promises in every season.
Connect with Dr. Bengtson at DrMichelleBengtson.com, where she shares faith-based encouragement, expert insights, and free resources for cultivating a hope-filled life.