Being Anti-Racist Not Just Against It

As a Christian, dad, husband, business leader and also a police officer, my heart aches for what I see across this country today. I see voices & tears in peaceful protest of a pain both current and historical being weaponized for criminal gain and to be used in some of the same racist narratives spit from forked tongues for centuries. I see politicians and others posturing not for unity but for self-serving division and control. One can easily feel overwhelmed thinking little if any of this is within my ability to control. Perhaps this is lesson one in understanding others and their pain in life.

What I can control is what is seen from me through the eyes of my children, my friends, coworkers, fellow officers and our community as I stand in business attire or my uniform.

To this point and to my fellow family/friends men and women of color, especially at the moment those from the black community, I say to you I see you, I hear you to listen not just respond, I mourn with you for an evil not just born last week but centuries old, I am angry for injustice and those who break a sacred trust between police and community and I will use my voice and prayers calling for justice ANYTIME law enforcement crosses the line in their use of force be it to cause injury or what we saw last week with the tragic death and disregard for the human life of Mr. George Floyd. I understand unity does not mean uniformity to one side or the other. I understand we have both a sin problem and skin problem requiring not just my prayers, but also my voice and action. I see your pain and passion for change dismissed all too often as just another angry black person. I recognize all too many topics are being piled on each other to argue right/wrong and ultimately cause progress of any kind to die on the vine. Yes the list is long, we broke this earth/house not long after we moved in and were left to our own human devices. I see the loss of use of tools like critical thinking and intellectual conversation where disagreement can be different steps towards mutual success and not just making someone wrong when their life experiences differ from another human.

I see the need to not just be against racism, but to be anti-racist...especially when I can in no way fully comprehend what you are going through from the tears in your eyes to heart break traceable across generations. I will continue to be active in helping search for answers AND action for a topic which too often is picked up and conveniently put down by those outside its direct impact. I thank my African-American friends from Denver to D.C. who have been willing to share their pain, to let me ask to understand and to those willing to have hard conversations helping me see/learn beyond the "his" story of what is written as history. You are neighbors, teachers, cops, preachers, athletes, barbers corporate leaders, community members, coworkers, students...beautiful/powerful souls of all ages. My faith teaches me people of EVERY nation and ALL tribes & languages will stand before God in Heaven, despite the cowards of this earth who claim a higher power in this decision, especially when allowed to do so unchallenged by other men and women.

I am by trade-craft, heart and nature a fixer. I've looked to help my community as a police officer, a business leader, a neighbor and man. In my own eyes I know I have succeeded and failed along the way. As humble as I can be I bring you my imperfection as a man who does not have the answers or fix and in my ignorance may have already misspoke in this post which would be an example of that imperfection and ongoing learning vs. any kind of intentional malice. What I do have is my servant heart, stubborn determination, my VOICE and ear as a friend and my willingness to make sure I am not silent and just a silhouette in history with what can be done now. For those not sure they can help their neighbors and community I share a Flemish proverb which says "He who is outside his door has the hardest part of his journey behind him." It's the first steps that can make all the difference, not just the miles we contemplate which may be in the journey. "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." (James Baldwin)

If you are about to pile on with nonsense, there are other conversations/problems/topics to address in their own time and place. Make note of the ease in un-follow or unfriend as I do not seek social media metrics for my value in life. This post/moment and issue is specific. It is not called civil media because it is all too often overrun by emotion and lack of education. This is the reflection of this one simple man feeling the need to speak out for his friends and not another example of how technology weaponized with hate only grows infinite space and distance between people."A hypocrite with his mouth (or keyboard) destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the just will be delivered." Proverbs 11:9

#antiracist #offtoseeklearnspeak #leadershipregardlessoftitle