Some hold the perspective that racism is no longer a significant issue in our society and that continued discussion of it is making things worse, and others have personally been impacted by racism in significant ways. We must listen to and respect others’ perspectives and especially their stories.

We must address addictive behaviors — what the Bible calls “strongholds” — that often get passed along from one generation to the next.

We must learn the benefits of honest self-reflection, the importance of asking God to help us identify and break unhealthy cycles that stifle us, and our need for each other’s support in order to leave a healthy legacy of faith, goodness, and love.

There are misperceptions about the God of the Bible, how they developed, and why they are toxic to God’s purposes. Understanding the relationship God desires to have with his people is paramount.