[T]he purpose of your ethnicity transcends this tiny political moment.

Because when I think of a naked shadow on a gnarled and naked tree, my mind jumps straight to Calvary. To a Savior who is not a blonde-haired, blue-eyed other, but a tan Jewish minority languishing on a cross. Suffering alienation, hostility, and isolation. And many think that's who Langston is pointing to as well.

As a teacher to many teenage boys (and sister to more than one), I can tell you that those without a father have not cornered the market on needing to think before they act. And as the wife of a man who grew up without a father in the home and the daughter of another, I can assure that their mothers worked hard at teaching them how to show deference to their elders.

Instead of saying, 'Race is just a social construct,' we might say instead, 'Let's be honest about how this social construct has shaped a lot of your life. Let's combat those thoughts with biblical truth. Let's affirm the heritage God gave you on purpose. Let's sit in an uncomfortable moment for a bit longer than a pat answer allows.