This is the Colin Kaepernick controversy as perceived by two little girls.

First girl, Micki.  Micki grew up in a white middle class blue collar family with both parents and siblings.  Micki’s dad was an electrician in the steel mill.  He is also a World War II veteran.  Micki is extremely proud of her dad, his valor, and the meaning of freedom and the American flag.  Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee makes Micki feel sad and even angry.  She feels it is a snub to her father and all veterans who fought for the flag.  Micki is entitled to those feelings and they are legitimate.

Second girl, Kendra.  Kendra grew up in a black middle class family with both parents and siblings.  Kendra’s dad was a scrapper in the steel mill because, back in his day, black men were not allowed to hold the skilled jobs.  Kendra’s brother fought in Vietnam and she also appreciates veterans and the sacrifice for freedom.  But Kendra, her parents, and her siblings have felt the mighty wounds of racism.  From not being allowed certain jobs, to being called the N-word, to being followed in stores, and to even fearing being misidentified by law enforcement as a criminal, are just a few of the realities they face.  Colin Kaepernick taking a knee makes Kendra feel happy, even elated, that a public figure is making a stand against racism that still exists.  Kendra is entitled to those feelings and they are legitimate.

Now can you see that the way you feel about the “taking of the knee” is deeply rooted in your past experiences?  Now can you see that there are two sides to this issue?  Now can you see that they are both legitimate?  Can you see that both the little girl inside of Micki and the little girl inside of Kendra feels stirred and protective of her family?

We are so much alike, yet even today we are blinded by color.  Can we all just please calm down and put ourselves in each other’s shoes.  Can we please stop denying that racism still exists.  Can we please acknowledge that everyone can do better and stop pointing fingers at each other.  Can we strive to do better because all American children deserve better.

God bless us all, and may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts so that we may see and listen to each other.  Amen.