Let's Talk About Racism In America

When the pandemic hit back in March and so much death and uncertainty loomed over our region and then our country, I found myself asking “do I have anything worthwhile to say right now?” My heavy heart said “no” at the time and so this blog took a bit of a break. Yes, maternal mortality and morbidity matter. Our stories matter. It just didn’t feel like the right time to write when so much suffering was occurring on such a grand scale. 

That sentiment grew stronger when the racial injustices over the past year began coming to light. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. So many lives have been horrifically cut short, and I fully recognize this has been happening all along. It's just recorded in graphic, indisputable detail now thanks to cellphone cameras. It didn't feel right to continue writing about my maternal morbidity battle- and more specifically, highlighting the horrendous racial disparities for black and brown mothers caused mainly by systemic racism- without and before addressing the fire of racial injustice and oppression that is burning in our society right now.

I’ve been listening to the news, to the protesters, to the mothers concerned for their black sons, to the pregnant mothers concerned about the black baby boys they are about to deliver, to faith-based and secular perspectives, to my black friends who affirm implicit biases and structural racism are very much alive and thriving in America, albeit more insidious and covert than in the past. As a white woman from New Jersey, discrimination based on skin color is not something I have ever experienced. It’s why it’s imperative I listen to the voices who have experienced it. How else would I know this is their reality?

In an effort to better educate myself, these are some of the resources I’ve been consuming and ruminating over the past few months. I found them to be informative and helpful... and as they say, sharing is caring. I have such respect and appreciation for my friends sharing about their experience. Your individual and collective impact is enormous... it's bigger than you know. And to the people facilitating tough conversations head on through various media while the rest of us read along or listen in... Thank you!


"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8






PODCASTS

• Be The Bridge- The Podcast

• Church Chat by AssemblyHUB

• Church Chat by AssemblyHUB

• Your Enneagram Coach- The Podcast

• Your Enneagram Coach- The Podcast

• Your Enneagram Coach- The Podcast



BOOKS

Colorful by Dorena Williamson (for kids)

The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby 

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (there is a movie too)




ARTICLES

3 Different Responses to Racism by The Church



“‘Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.’” – Exodus 22:21

 

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

 

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3

 

“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” – Psalm 146:7-9

 

“But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” – Hosea 12:6

 

“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” – Psalm 103:6


“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” – Isaiah 30:18


‘For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.’” – Isaiah 61:8

 

“The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:7-9


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Mood: Deeply grieved, but hopeful

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About the Author: Casey Cattell struggled with infertility for more than a decade before giving birth to her son in 2015. She is a two time maternal near-miss survivor writing to give hope to women in the midst of these hardships. She is a Patient Advocate, Heroes For Moms Ambassador and support group leader. She has shared her story with many organizations and media outlets, including Propublica, the New York Times, Empowered Health Podcast and the National Blood Clot Alliance. She is also a co-author of  Nobody Told Me About That-The First Six Weeks, a book helping new families navigate the postpartum period. Casey and her husband live in the Northeast, USA and in their downtime like to hike with their young son. If you liked this post or were encouraged by it, please consider passing it on. Find Casey on Instagram and Twitter..

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