Source I try to be mature and Christ-like in my interactions when dealing with people but it has always bothered me when people try to placate themselves and make a statement like I don't see color when I see you. I walk away ferklempt because my skin color is part of who I am, but it is not the totality of me. It just happens to be the wrapping to this beautiful present that is me. When I get a gift, I don't say or think it doesn't matter the wrapping it's what's inside that's important. While that may be true as it relates to the gift, there are some gifts that are as elaborate and worthwhile as the gift itself. The wrapping is just as important as the gift, and you can't get to the gift before you deal with the wrapping. My skin color is a part of me. I am Black and I don't have a problem with that, however in America, this is a country that has had a problem with my skin color. History shows it and present times display the bias that still exists. Every time I hear Black Lives Matter and the response is All Lives Matter or White Lives Matter all I want to say is Black Live Matter Also - that's it. When everyone regardless of race is treated equally we won't need to say, Black Lives Matter. The reality is BLM came about because of how Black people are treated in their interactions with the police. There is nothing that indicates that Black Men are more prone to lead a life of crime or are more dangerous than any other group of men - i.e. they're not born with a criminal gene or a savage gene, but that is the script that is replayed over and over in America. I'm not trying to go into a societal discourse in this post, but there is a weight to being Black in America and if one isn't careful they could go crazy (BTW there are studies that support this). I take comfort in the fact that God made me and He knew exactly what he was doing when He made me. He looked at me and said, "this is good." This blessing from the Highest is what gives me confidence in my daily interactions. Regardless of what you think, I am worthy and will carry myself as such. I will not believe the script that plays out in this world but will believe what the Word tells me. Black or white, you are worthy. If you're Black, I know it gets tiresome dealing with racism that is inherent in our culture; attempting to rationalize someone's negative behavior that has no basis in your reality; checking to ensure that you're not crazy; being called a derogatory racial slur because someone is angry....sometimes it's all too much. But we are not meant to carry this weight alone, so don't. Talk to trusted persons in your life, and pray for the wisdom to know how to act and deal with this in your life. After you've prayed, use the Bible as your guide for your actions and then have the courage to act. This is not a quick solution but a life long process. I am dark but beautiful, O women of Jerusalem— dark as the tents of Kedar, dark as the curtains of Solomon’s tents. Song of Solomon 1:5 [NLT] There is no longer Jew or Gentile,[a] slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 [NLT] Black is beautiful.