Today, June 5, 2020 I am choosing to blog this rather than engage on social media. Perhaps I will share it at a later time. I doubt that until/unless I do, that anyone will even see it. That's ok.
I believe that Black Lives Matter. I believe that our world has not been fair, just or kind to people of color. I believe that I have benefited from the privilege of being born white. I believe that I have so much to learn and that nothing I add to the discussion right now is from a place of true understanding. I honestly believe I have a heart of love and a heart for unity and a heart for justice. I believe racial reconciliation at it's deepest level was handled at the cross ... but we have not walked in line with our blood unity because of sin that continues to wedge it's way in and drive us apart. Every time a black person has been mistreated, judged, discounted or left wanting because of their color is sin. It is wrong. It needs to change. We are one blood! We are one beautifully colored humanity rich in culture and diversity.
In this season I am considering myself a student... reading, watching, listening and really trying to take in perspectives from all angles. Black history, black peers, all peers, black preachers, and the perspective of prior generations who may not see things the way I do but still deserve my love and respect.
Since I work for a public/media organization ... I have a mandated responsibility to hold back on my reactions, opinions and engagement on social media. This has admittedly been frustrating when I want to participate with hashtags, black out posts and linking of arms on the soapbox of Facebook... but yet, I have had to check myself. What is important here... for my Facebook peers to check a box in their perception of who I am and how I think ... that makes it about me again, doesn't it? Also, and honestly... what do I really believe or understand about the current state of racism in our nation?
I am committed to engaging by watching, listening and figuring out where my efforts could best benefit the process in the long term. Past when the rallies are finished and the news has found something else to fixate on. Since I am not participating in the conversation as it relates to social media right now, I am fasting from posting my own frivolous and fun pictures, shares and stories for now. In this moment, I am yielding.
Prayer first. I really want to hear from God on this. That is important to me and has to be my grounding point. While praying this past week the phrases that have become so popular in the COVID season came back to mind in the context of racial justice. I think the Holy Spirit gave me these lightbulb moments: New Normal? Reset? YES. This is what we need.
May the people and the communities that have been so ravaged receive a blessing and as we rebuild and reengage in new ways may they flourish in ways we could never have imagined. May those in power have an ear inclined to listen, communicate and engage all people in community action plans and rebuilding.
Other steps, thoughts... several years ago our local chapter of Big Brother Big Sister that benefits young people of color was defunded and closed. I reached out to the Capitol region BBBS and it was confirmed that there is no current opportunity for new local engagement. I inquired about being an advocate when there is an opportunity to reengage this community. The fact that this program was not considered of value is an indicator of the issues at hand. Can I do anything else in this area.
Who in my sphere could use my advocacy or help? Small business, recent graduate, single mom, action group, ministry? Discovering, learning, opening up outside of myself. Where can I truly commit and sustain engagement?
Black lives matter to me. I've been yielding my online "platform" during this season as a show of respect. I am committed to being a part of the solution.
