by Gladys Diaz
Today our message is a unique one.
The past week has brought much heartache to our country and around the world.
Massive amounts of fear are circulating – mixed with the emotions of frustration, anger and sadness. And all are understandable.
We aren’t pretending to know exactly what our People of Color (POC) brothers and sisters are experiencing. However, we do know that our hearts are feeling compassion, empathy and heartbreak for what is happening around us.
You know our stand is love, and we want nothing more than to be part of the solution at this time. Our intention is to create connection, to listen, and to extend compassion and empathy to all.
I read a quote from Elie Wiesel this week that deeply touched me. He says:
“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.”
This is why now is not the time to say, “All lives matter.”
Do all lives matter? Absolutely! But in this moment, RIGHT NOW, it’s the time to take a stand for the injustice against black people that has gone on long enough in our country.
If you’re feeling anger by what others are saying or doing – feel your feelings. They are not bad or wrong and are completely understandable. Your feelings are your right and it’s important that you process them!
After the feelings are processed is when you can then communicate powerfully and clearly so that people can hear what you’re saying.
And, to be clear, we realize that rioting is happening, and we want to distinguish between “protests” and “riots,” and know that some people are collapsing the two.
Protests give people an opportunity to take a stand and join with others so that they have one voice. Riots, on the other hand, involve damaging people and property.
Now is the time to ask yourself: How can I be part of the solution?
- Listen to what is being shared. Just listen.
- Ask questions, don’t assume. Seek to understand what is needed.
- Educate yourself so that you gain more confidence in your ability to move forward in this.
- Put yourself in someone else’s shoes, take a step back and ask: “What would have someone be/react that way?”
- Write your Legislators!
- Call and let your local Police Department know your stance.
- Take a stand for something.
What we can’t do is ignore what’s happening or wait for someone else to provide the solution.
This is only going to get resolved when everyone comes together!
This is our world, our community, and we get to take a stand for what we believe in.
Our stand is unity and love.
We may not get it right, but we are not going to stay silent.
How about you?
You can watch the Love Chat with the Love Twins covering this topic HERE. Click to watch!
Below you will find some of the resources we have been reading and using to help us create a better understanding of how we can be part of the solution.
- Be the Bridge 101: Foundational Principles Every White Bridge-Builder Needs to Understand (download is $10 and has a wealth of resources hyperlinked inside, as well as some powerful exercises)
- Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor (hardcover is out of stock almost everywhere, but you can get the kindle & audio versions)
- Anti-Racism Resource List (has tons of hyperlinks to resources embedded in the document)
