Rev. Klockers: Something important to remember about skin color

Here are some of the things I love.

I believe and love that God is the author of all creation.

In Genesis 1:27 it is written: “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.)

I love that old song “Jesus Loves the Little Children of the World,” written by C. Herbert Woolston and music provided by George F. Root.

The refrain of the song is most memorable: “Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, All are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

I love this reminder that we are all a continuation of God’s good creation, even though the color of our skin may be different from one another.

I love “dated” movies and television shows. As such, they may not always be deemed “appropriate,” but they certainly serve as benchmarks of where we have been and where we are now.

Under this category, I love the “Our Gang” film series (which turned into “The Little Rascals” on the little screen).

It was about a group of neighborhood kids and their adventures. There was always at least one black child in the acting troupe. Since the show was produced in the midst of Jim Crow, this was quite radical for its time.

Admittedly, there are a number of things that make me wince while watching. Some absolutely horrible black stereotypes are portrayed. In the beginning, these “quirks” (for the most part) were thought of as “cute.” However, as years passed, they were viewed as being highly offensive to the black community.

That said, what I love is that there was no prejudice displayed among that group of kids. They truly accepted and loved one other. Apparently, this was even the case off screen. The color of their skin made no difference.

On another subject, I love a lot of things about Jesus. One of these things is that “Jesus loves me.” I think it is pretty remarkable that a dark-skinned Jew would love a white guy like me.

Thankfully, God is like that.

We are all created in God’s image. I only wish we could overcome some things to show greater love for all.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.