The murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia has become a National News story. Your Middle and High School students are most likely familiar with the event. Racism and current events can be difficult to talk about with teens. What do you say or not say? Are you afraid your teen knows nothing or knows more than you? Is it enough to just drop a note in their room that says, “Don’t be a racist,” and walk away?
One benefit of having teenagers instead of toddlers is that they can lead conversations too. Ask them what they know about the situation. What do they think about what’s happened and happening currently. It can be confusing to understand why people would treat each other differently based on race. It can be even more confusing to understand why our loving God would allow this to happen.
Approach this, and every conversation with your teens, with grace. Grace for you, your teen, and for the situation. You aren’t perfect and neither are teens. Starting this conversation about race will help show them that you can talk about hard things together. I hope you find the information I have assembled regarding what happened to Arbery and how to discuss racism with a Christian worldview helpful and a place to begin your conversation with your teen. If you come up with more questions feel free to reach out and we can chat about them! Thank you for being spiritual leaders in the lives of your teens! God is at work through you in their lives.
“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4–6
General Perspective about the case:
A Christian perspective on Arbery’s case:
Resources for Parents Regarding Racism:
An LCMS article regarding Racism in general:
https://www.lcms.org/social-issues/racism
Book List for Youth:
https://bethebridge.com/btby-booklist/
Raising Kids Who Will Initiate Racial Equality
https://theparentcue.org/raising-kids-who-will-initiate-racial-equality/
Race Reconciliation:
https://answersingenesis.org/racism/racial-reconciliation-grace-relations/
