An Open Apology (because I don't know what else to do):
I wore the confederate flag.
The stars and bars.
It was heritage, not hate, we said.
I argued for the right to display it. I used the argument that slavery wasn't the main thing they fought for.
I wasn't trying to offend, but I certainly didn't care if it did.
Late in my teenage years, I began to see that it was crap. I have been redeemed by Christ. Part of that redemption has been Christ showing me the beauty of all of his children, and that that is what we all are: Children of God.
I am redeemed, but the events in Charleston have stirred something deep inside me. As I've wrestled in my mind, it's become clear to me that it is because I have never taken responsibility for my wrongdoings and apologized.
So, I'm sorry. Sorry I bought into the lie. Sorry I bought into the prejudices. Sorry for an attitude of white privilege. Sorry for not taking the time to get to know anyone who had a different skin color than me. Sorry for not seeing the value of all people. Sorry for making excuses for my prejudices.
From the bottom of my heart, I am truly sorry.
