How can I change your mind?

First of all I'd like for you to know I'm officially in the hundreds in my page count of reading this book. Wow, I'm a slower reader but I truly am into this book.  I hope I don't loose interest around 355, I usually stop reading at the last stretch of a book and pick it up three years later. Since we are reading this together I'm sure I'll finish :).

So as I'm reading this book I find myself laughing but really reflecting on my experiences and how to change the future. I specifically began thinking of my time in college in a small town in Tennessee.  It was a Christian liberal arts school and its a great school for a well rounded education within certain safe boundaries.  My experience with my friends are the biggest memories of my schooling which for many people it is.  I feel like my experience was in some ways unique.  Most of my close friends were white.  Most from the South and I was a few of their first black friend.  Yup in the 2000s I was black friend number one. 

You can imagine how sometimes it was awkward because I became all knowing powerful one of black people culture.  That's so funny because I've been made fun of for being "white." Ohhh world!  My feelings were often hurt because of misunderstandings or people's inner conflicts.  Years later I learned that a few of my friends were taught that they were better than black people. Well that explains much of it.  You are friends with someone who you were told was not as good as you and now you have a conflict.  That's real deep and I understand.  We all remain good friends to this day but I sometimes wonder did I do enough to change their minds.  I didn't graduate with honors, did that prove they are better?  I didn't go on to be something great and making all kinds of money and things like that.  However, I continue to love, I continue to forgive and I continue to be thankful for the friendships God has given me in all the shades they have come.  I do think that minds have been changed for the better.  Maybe not completely but for the better.

For the generations after me, whether I have children or not, I wonder how I can influence them to know that we are not our skin, our hair, or our money.  How do I let them know that they should value the begger on the street just as much as they value our Presidents or super stars w the cash?  I'm kind of thinking it starts with showing them that they are valued.  That their value is not on the outside but on the inside.  In the book Aibileen whispered to Mae Mobley everyday, you're a good girl, you're a smart girl.  Maybe that will change her life. I don't know because I haven't finished the book but maybe I'll try it with some of the kids I volunteer with.  Affirmations, God's love may just change someone's mind for the good.

Those are my thoughts for the day...well this entry at least.