I’ve been reluctant to write about this – the myriad of feelings, strong emotions, anger, sadness, concern, wanting to be balanced, informed, accurate, and also be faithful to my values have all influenced that decision. I’m ready to share, albeit with a note that as things change, I may voice yet a different opinion. I’m staying open to different perspectives, learning all the while that even when I disagree with someone, I need to respect their voice and work within my own heart to understand and love. The following thoughts are prayerful reflections of self introspection. Side note – each year I give myself a framework for spiritual growth. 2019 was “to be a force for kindness,” and 2020 is “to be the presence of truth.” Little did I know back in Jan. what a challenge that would turn out to be.
One – what is mine to do? This is a question often asked by a wonderful woman who is sharing her wisdom as one of my mentors in the Prayer Chaplain ministry in my church, Unity of Arlington. The pandemic has interrupted our in-person studies, yet I still see her posts on our Facebook Live services, and hear her voice in our Prayer Chaplain calls, resonating so deeply – “What is mine to do?
I describe myself as a “very quiet activist.” Most of the time I choose to express my viewpoints on more controversial issues within a pretty small circle of friends and family ( some of whom do not agree with me on things, but love me so much that we can disagree and still love!) With everyone else, I choose to “put a prayerful pause” on my mouth when difficult issues come up… self-protection? lack of courage? concern for other’s feelings? probably all three and more, but it is never because I don’t have strong opinions about things, as those in whom I do confide will attest. 😊
I don’t like shouting, I don’t like people taking advantage of unrest and rightful protest to hurt others, to steal, to harm others in any way. I do not believe those actions are holy or helpful, no matter how justified the anger. I do respect those who are claiming their needs and rights in peaceful protest, those who are taking up for others, those who are on the front line of necessary change – brave, remarkable souls they are. I have good friends who are in law enforcement, and I can’t imagine any of them behaving in the horrible ways I’ve seen on video, police cameras, etc. Yet obviously, some people who should be helping in service to others are doing anything but. The pictures are heart-rending from all viewpoints, and I do not pretent at all to know the best way to proceed.
The role I normally assume is to put the situation to prayer, affirming God’s hand in the unfolding circumstances, invoking Spirit’s wisdom, guidance, and Divine direction, affirming each person’s good, sending out love and peace energy into the situation, and that is usually enough for this quiet activist – but not now. Speaking out is “mine to do.” Sharing my thoughts in a wider circle is “mine to do.” Being uncomfortable, braver is “mine to do,” and encouraging others to do the same is “mine to do.” Thank you, NaOra!
Two– be an informed consumer of news. (The following two paragraphs are excerpted from the site below, which I highly encourage you to read in full, and make up your own mind about its value. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a32745051/what-black-lives-matter-means/
[At its face, “All Lives Matter” sounds like a we’re-all-in-this-together statement. Some may be using the phrase to suggest that all races should join hands and stand together against racism, which is a sentiment that comes from a good place. But the problem is, the phrase actually takes the focus away from those who need it.
Saying “All Lives Matter” redirects the attention from Black lives, who are the ones in peril. Instead, it’s important to understand what drives the BLM movement and how to support it — by using the phrase and standing behind what it means. It can be an uncomfortable experience for many of us, especially if you’re someone that hasn’t taken the time to grapple with your own role in the systemic oppression that exists in our society. But it’s also an essential education, no matter where you are in your journey.]
So, I’m one of those who has always said “All lives matter,” not really getting the whole picture, pretty smug in my attitude of “loving everyone and everything,” complete with hearts, rainbows and smiley faces. The above article from Good Housekeeping was just the balanced perspective I needed to hear, and helped me in ways that hearing people yell back and forth at each other does not.
There is a lot of misinformation out there, some actually made-up lies with purposeful, hurtful intent, and some just misguided – but it is still misinformation, and it gets passed on way too easily in this day of instant sharing without constraint. My challenge to you is to do some thoughtful, prayerful, reasoned investigation of sources before you pass on information. So don’t just take my word for whether this article is good or not, helpful or not, true or not… check it out yourself. Get your news from different, reliable sources, and know that ratings, extremist viewpoints, and personal or political agendas do not always lend themselves to completely accurate reporting. Reader beware!
Three – get over (or past) your “I already know all this” attitude. There is a lot going on, a lot to learn, and one of the best ways to do that is to listen, read, talk – no matter how uncomfortable it seems. Nothing but good can come from civil discourse, (without shouting, please!), realizing that you cannot possible know another person’s story without going to them personally, asking, and then listening. You are not in charge of what “they should or should not” feel, although many of us are very quick to make that judgment based on our own experiences, even feeling superior to those who think or feel differently than we do. This is not helpful, it is not true, and remembering that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US IS A CHILD OF GOD, BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN SPIRIT is a great equalizer.
No matter your political stance, your religious beliefs, your personal experiences and what you been told by others, you are the one in charge of whether you will be part of the problem or part of the solution.
God gives us all the answers we need – listen, learn, love, and we’ll all be the better for it.
What is yours to do?