The conversation about racial injustice in America is raging strong right now and I personally want to do a better job of listening. In so doing, I had the privilege of sitting down to talk racism with former Alabama All-American and NFL standout Jeremiah Castille and his sons Simeon and Caleb, who both also played at the University of Alabama. Simeon was an All-SEC defensive back who also played in the NFL and Caleb played defensive back and left the Capstone with 2 national championship rings and currently is an actor living in Los Angeles.

Jeremiah, Simeon, and Caleb graciously answered my questions as I sought to challenge my understanding of racial relations based on my own cultural upbringing. They helped me to understand that, no matter how hard I try, I will never fully understand what black people in America deal with…often on a daily basis. As Jeremiah eloquently points out in this conversation, at the end of the day, this is a heart issue and only Jesus can change the human heart. It is my prayer that my white evangelical friends will join me in becoming better listeners during this critical conversation.

Here are some of my key takeaways from this conversation on racism with Jeremiah, Simeon, and Caleb:

• We need to see need, not color.
• As a white individual, I will never fully understand the experiences of my black friends and colleagues.
• We must be more intentional in having conversations with people who grew up with a different cultural understanding of the world. Diversity brings richness to our lives.
• The Church must lead the way in bringing about racial reconciliation in our country.