March 2, 2020
Face up to your problems / whatever they are.
― Dr. Seuss
Oh, the Places You'll Go!

For 20 years, Read Across America Day, held on Theodore Seuss Geisel’s birthday, March 2, was mostly a celebration of the author and his beloved children’s books. Then, in 2017, the NEA shifted its focus toward more diversity of American experiences. A 2019 study found that Dr. Seuss’ books were not anti-racist at all, as had been previously claimed. Read " It’s Time to Talk About Dr. Seuss ," by Teaching Tolerance writer Gabriel Smith.

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. 
― Dr. Seuss
Oh, the Places You'll Go!
What is your emotional response to this article? 
How does this article affect your awareness of race in children’s literature?
How is God inviting you to respond? 

Prayer
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalm 51
Share your reflections on our Facebook Group .
We provide these daily Interruptions to you for each day of Lent, as we journey together in the Spiritual Work of Resisting Racism. Believing that God is active through a variety of voices and media, we trust the Holy Spirit to aid our reflection and transformation. If you’d like to share these reflections and experiences with others, please do so on our private Facebook group . If you’d like to reflect further with a pastor, please email us at [email protected] or [email protected] .
First United Methodist Church
1201 Lavaca St.
Austin, TX 78731