Black Women Have It Going On

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb . . . I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

Last Friday, I shared a post about a challenging dynamic between a friend and her biracial son. A key point of contention for my friend was my interpretation that her son identified primarily with his white heritage. She clarified this was incorrect, asserting her son is comfortable with his African American heritage as well.

The conversation that followed offered a poignant insight into a common parental struggle.

When asked about dating, her son confirmed he would date Black girls. Yet, her follow-up observation was telling: “he’s never brought Black girls home.” I simply listened, recognizing the underlying tension.

My position on the matter of biracial children is clear: why should they have to choose any one heritage? More importantly, why should they feel shamed for connecting with one lineage and not the other? It is their life, and therefore, it becomes their option to explore their identity as they see fit.

I feel my friend is slightly out of touch with her son’s needs as a person with multiple heritages, as she tends to view race through a very radical lens. It reminds me of a parent who has a gay child and attempts to force them to be straight. The process altogether is cruel.

People like who they like and are who they are. Period. When parents begin to push their personal desires and expectations onto their children, their actions represent a gross disrespect of their child’s authentic self.

Let’s pray for understanding and acceptance.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, broaden our perspective as parents. When we struggle to see the path our children are taking, give us Your eyes to see their potential. Grant us the courage to support their journey toward authenticity, loving them with a grace that reflects Your own. May our homes be places where they are empowered to grow into the people You designed them to be. Amen