As a woman of color in America, I have deep sadness yet again over hate that has poisoned so many in our nation. I have friends from many different ethnic backgrounds. Although we are different, knowing each other helps us understand and respect each other. Yet, there is a sad reality that, one person full of hate can influence, divide, and wound the hearts of so many.
Navigating Through Pain
As the pain of racism sets in, the divide begins to grow and the evil creeps in. One group feels hated by the other group and now there is nothing that can change the view. Moreover, in the midst of the pain, a violent group of onlookers demonstrates more hatred in various acts that do nothing more than continue to divide.
Although there are some that try to cry out for justice, those outcries become misunderstood. For instance, black lives matter does not mean white lives do not matter. However, so many times, when a black life is taken the charge for the murderer is nothing more than that which carries the weight of a misdemeanor. Thus, seeding a message that the value of the life of a black person is not important.
The created notion of race is the very evil that will always divide us. There will always be a race war until the very notion of race becomes ignorance. We as people must accept that we are all part of the human race; with different amounts of melanin.
Racism is a learned affliction and anything that is learned can be unlearned. ~Jane Elliott
Standing Against the Divide
Furthermore, we all believe that a divided family can not stand strong, for the foundation is too shaky. In so much so, a divided nation is not standing on solid ground. I pray we can take a step back and listen to the pain of our brothers and sisters and make a change. It can happen one family at a time, one community at a time, one city, one state to the whole United States. We must listen, respect, and take the blinders off.
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. –1 Peter 1:8
Stones of Change
1. Strive to be like-minded – Can we begin to strive to listen to the pain of all our brothers and sisters? Understand their hurt and walk in their shoes? This step moves us a little higher to then agree with common issues. Digging up roots of pain so that flowers of unity can grow.
2. Live with a sympathetic heart – This is work but we can do it! Bear each other’s burdens and forgive one another. Understand that those roots of pain came from real events that have tormented the minds and hearts of your fellow brothers and sisters.
3. Love one another – Love binds together all things perfectly. For we are taught that love covers all sins. As a nation, we have seen this time and time again. Standing together in love has broken through the darkness and brought in the shining light.
4. Be Compassionate to all humanity – Stereotypes are keeping the blinders on. It is time to understand that one bad apple does not mean the entire tree is rotten. Let that rotten apple fall or shake it off the tree. Get to know the people around you and stand up for what is right. Stand for equality for all men and women.
5. Be Humble – This one is very deep. Yes, there is such a thing called privilege. It might be your bank account, your job title, and/or your skin color. No matter what it is, realize this, privilege steps on someone else. Be humble. If we are ever going to climb the mountain together, we must put off privilege and remove chains of oppression. We must remove the stain of the past and focus on the newness in a brighter tomorrow.
As we look around and see different views, pains, and struggles, let us not remain silent. For our nation is in a defining moment. In conclusion, I am reminded of the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. ~Martin Luther King, Jr
Mothers, teach your babies love, compassion, sympathy, truth, and justice. Our job is so great and we are gifted with the power to influence change in the eyes of each child.
We have made so many strides towards that greater tomorrow, yet the mountain is very high.
