In our final week of our series on Racism in the Military Community, Planting Roots staff members share a stories of hope despite racism and how they have seen Jesus amid their struggles.

Question #5: Share a story that gives you hope and/or points to Jesus. 

Voice #1 – Nicole Williams

I am always hopeful of the future. Black people need the support from people who we understand will never share the same experiences as we do. We need you to sit in the room with us and support us in the fight for equality and justice. I know that this time was designed on purpose by God and that keeps me hopeful. 

Voice #2 – Lisa Redford

Adoption in itself-points to Jesus and for Him to plan that way for growing our family is a humble honor. The love we have before we even know our children gives me hope. The immediate love that my other children have for their siblings has given me hope. The immediate love our community gives to our children gives me hope. The immediate love we have for their birth moms gives me hope. The immediate love we get from their birth moms gives me hope. Love can break down so many barriers. Love gives me hope. 

Voice #3 – Claudia Duff

One of my (black) sons dated his (white) wife all through college. They were a sweet couple, but she was not a believer and that troubled me greatly. I was very concerned that she would lead him away from his faith rather than being concerned that her lack of faith was keeping her from a relationship with a loving God. God spoke to me, saying, “Claudia, you are praying the wrong prayer. I died for her too.” 

The Lord graciously saved her and I am delighted to call her my daughter. (She is also a military brat with her own unique military story.) On a Mother’s Day video call, I broke down in tears, not just because of what she was saying, but because SHE was saying them. I could have missed the miracle of faith. I could have given up my front row seat to see what God is/has done in her life. 

She has shared with me that what attracted her most to my son was his faith. She had never met a Christian who was genuine, thinking they were foolish. WoW. She has further stated that she was attracted to his family because of the way he spoke about us. We all saw our different skin tones; we just didn’t let our kindness come to a halt. Then God grew our kindnesses into love and deep relationships. I have hope because I have a Redeemer who has promised to redeem all things and I believe him. 

The Way Ahead

Planting Roots would like to thank each staff member for sharing about, praying for, and engaging in messy, difficult conversations about race and more. You can see these women’s answers to the following tough questions about racism in the military community. Our prayer is that these stories of hope despite racism would encourage you to engage in difficult discussion in your own community and prepare you to point to the hope we have in Jesus.

The U.S. military is viewed as being rather integrated racially today. What has been your experience pertaining to racial integration in the U.S. military?

Many of us have applied the idea of “not seeing color” while living this military life. What recommendations do you have in response?

How do we encourage diversity within our community of Christian military women?

Share a story that breaks your heart.