With the recent headlines and heartbreak we are experiencing in this country, I feel compelled to share some thoughts. I understand that my perspective is one of a privileged white woman who can’t possibly fathom the pain that oppression, discrimination, and systemic racism have brought. I am hoping that by speaking up anyway, it will encourage others to really examine their hearts and the current state of our nation. I am saddened that in the year 2020, we still have to have these conversations and try to explain to people why Black Lives Matter (rebuttals like “All Lives Matter” dismiss the tragedy and the trauma we are inflicting on a specific group of people and these statements are ridiculous)!
A few weeks ago, I pledged to immerse myself in researching Black history. I have tried to watch more films, listen to more podcasts, and read more books to educate myself further. This endeavor has proved humbling, thought-provoking, and has led to some soul searching. I still have a lot of work to do. Today, I watched the film Selma (2014) and I spent a good 30 minutes crying afterward. I felt so many emotions… anger, sadness, guilt, shame, and helplessness. Once this flood of emotion receded, I found myself feeling motivation to do something and I actually felt hopeful. I considered the amazing things Dr. King and his colleagues accomplished with their voices and efforts and thought, maybe this (what is happening today) is the second wave of action and movement. There were so many parallels between this film’s themes and current events…senseless violence and murdering of persons of color, a lack of compassion and empathy for those who are oppressed, and a refusal for some to acknowledge the truth. For those criticizing protest and advocacy efforts, it’s easy to have an opinion from an ivory tower (i.e. you have never been personally affected by racism). Have some empathy and consider what your response would be if the tables were turned. As a therapist, I was taught all behavior makes sense in context. It is a distorted and unjust context that has produced rebellion and chaos, and understandably so.
As a Christian, I just can’t imagine that our sovereign, just, and merciful God is looking down at what is happening with approval and acceptance. None of this is okay. It has never been okay and we must do better. We are one race, the human race. If you are a believer, remember that we are all children of God. We are brothers and sisters. I want to do more and am still trying to figure out what that should look like. First, I want to start in my own home and teach my daughter to be curious, tolerant, and open. I really hope she can inherit a better world as an adult. A better world looks like kindness, equality, acceptance, fairness, and tolerance. My soul aches for the people who have been murdered and their families. I know I must do more though. Every opportunity I get to have a conversation with someone, I will try to carry this message/sentiment. I compel everyone to search themselves and determine what can be done. The world changes one person at a time.