Dear Church, Truth in LoveSample

Day 4: Dear Church, It Takes Work

I’ve been an entrepreneur for 14 years, and one lesson I learned early was this: if I’m the smartest person in the room, I’m in the wrong room.

One of the people I’ve learned a lot from is Chuck Whitmore—a retired businessman in his 70s who happens to be White. On the surface, as a thirty-something Black woman, we may not have much in common. But Chuck has quietly been a steady encourager. He’s sponsored tables for my organization, introduced me to leaders, offered advice when I reach out, and invited me into spaces that support the representation of women of color. He’s someone whose consistency I’ve observed and continued to admire.

But not every encounter in business has been encouraging. I once spoke with a podcast host about diversity in the Church, and, if I’m honest, it was one of the most discouraging conversations I’ve ever had on the topic. “If we just stop talking about it, the problem will go away,” he said. His words landed heavily, because behind them was the idea that my lived experiences, and the pain of so many others, didn’t matter. I hung up feeling dismissed and unseen.

Later, I shared the story with Chuck and asked if he considered himself an “ally.” He paused, then answered in a way that surprised me: “Yes… But I’m still learning.” I had seen him act as an ally, but I wasn’t expecting that last part of his response. He told me how, for nearly 50 years, he has made intentional choices: visiting churches where he was a minority, building friendships across racial lines, showing up where God led him, even when it was uncomfortable.

That’s when I realized: reconciliation isn’t about labels. It’s about lifestyle. It’s not a one-time conversation, a conference, or a trending hashtag. It’s patient, persistent, and often unseen work. Paul would call it making “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

It’s not glamorous, and sometimes it’s not even noticed. But it’s worth it. If you are doing the work, be encouraged that in the body of Christ, quiet, persistent effort is the kind of faithfulness that tears down walls.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for those who humbly model reconciliation, even when it’s hard. Give me patience and persistence to live the same way. Help me make every effort to protect the unity You desire for Your Church. Amen.