Apparently, racism is not good for your faith or your health. Reported on the Forbes website, “the study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that African American men who reported racial discrimination and had internalized an anti-Black bias had telomeres on an average of 140 base pairs shorter, considered to correlate with 1.4 to 2.8 years in chronological age. Our findings suggest that racism literally makes people old,” Chae said, citing the “social toxins” African American men experience as a result of stereotyping, police harassment, and disrespect in the workplace and society. ”Stop-and-frisk policies and other forms of criminal profiling such as ‘driving or shopping while Black’ are inherently stressful and have a real impact on the health of African Americans.”
In light of this study, I pray that we find healthy ways to cope with the injustices suffered and that those who are unjust would be overpowered by Love. Amen.
“Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land and enjoy security.” ~ Psalm 37.1-3, NRSV