Principle #7 – Choose to be Unstoppable
I have been so incredibly sad this week. The sadness of the pandemic and the civil unrest is just too much. I’ve tried my usual methods of being grateful, meditating, watching videos on passiton.com, and talking about it, but I just can’t shake it off.
The unjust treatment of African Americans has left me feeling sad, guilty, and ashamed. It’s caused me to reflect on my life and how I feel about racism, and also how it has affected me. I was raised in a home of racial prejudice that I didn’t understand and still don’t. My husband and I raised our daughters to love and accept everyone with no prejudice. And everyone has been welcomed into our home.
I knew there was racism in our country, but I never knew to what degree until recently. Hearing about the fear our African American citizens feel every day of their lives makes my heart hurt. I feel so guilty that I haven’t had this fear, and shame that I didn’t know this fear even existed. I am so sorry for the suffering and unequal treatment, and I’m sorry if I have unknowingly added it. I now understand, and I am fully committed to being more sensitive to racial discrimination with my words and my actions.
“I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over.” – Jimmy Carter
I’ve had conversations with family and friends about racism, this week which has pushed against my core values and has left me with a deep sadness. Listening to the beliefs that some white people still have makes me sick to my stomach.
The peaceful protests across our nation and globally have given me hope that change will finally happen. Their passion and beliefs far outweigh their fear of getting sick with Covid-19. And I thank them for making a difference.
“Love is such a powerful force. It’s there for everyone to embrace that kind of unconditional love for all of humankind. That is the kind of love that impels people to go into the community and try to change conditions for others, to take risks for what they believe in.” – Coretta Scott King
Let’s learn from our past mistakes and vow to respect all people of color. They deserve to live their life with the same opportunities that white people have. They deserve opportunities for education, health care, fair housing, equal employment, equal pay, and respect from law enforcement. The 14th Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states every citizen has “equal protection of the laws”, with no discrimination. We are a nation of diversity, where everyone is important! Our country is a beautiful mosaic of different colors, customs, and religions. And we need everyone to complete it. We need their ideas, beliefs, talents, and skills to make this country one of love and acceptance.
It will take all of us to re-evaluate our thinking and beliefs about racial discrimination. We need to open our hearts to see and to admit there is unfair treatment in our country and across the globe. When we can see it, we can change it! Our hearts will forgive, and we will start healing when we see systemic change. Lasting change starts with us. Let’s do this together for a better and brighter world.
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb