What can I do to help in this time?

This past Saturday, my family & I were having lunch in Colonial Williamsburg while a peaceful protest was taking place. A beautiful 21-year old student from William & Mary poured her heart through a mask begging people to stand-up and do something. We listened to her passion through her tears but ultimately what we heard was fear. I watched my entire family well up in tears as we felt her emotion. I snapped this picture as we left to head home. 

After getting home I had some time to reflect. I posted the picture and a comment on Facebook that “this has to stop.” Some thought I was talking about racism which does need to stop. What I was talking about specifically, was people living in fear of each of other.

While listening to her, I wanted to walk up and hug her. I wanted to introduce myself to her. But my biases got in the way. My bias was how would she receive me? She does not know me. By the way, we all had masks on which makes it even more awkward. I did not care about the 200 awkward people around some watching, some not but all feeling awkward and not knowing what to do as she begged for help. 

As I had time to meditate and pray on it, the one thing I regret is not walking up to her. God’s first and greatest commandment is to

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’

I do Love the Lord but missed mightily on the “Love your neighbor as yourself” in this instance. I hope I never miss an opportunity like this again.

Racism is horrible and systemic within our culture. While being a young country, we have become an amazing one. But at the same time we have massive scars like slavery and racism.  Yes, we need to fix systems and people need to be held accountable for their actions. But violence is not the answer. 

If you are like me, you are wondering what can I do to help change / fix this problem? I would say to you two things:

1)     Use your platform – however big or small and speak truth. Do not be like most politicians or news media outlets and take an extreme on either side. The true answer is in the middle where come together. 

2)     Love your neighbor as yourself. What does this look like in a practical sense? Think of the person that is different from you – not just race – think of the person you feel awkward around or possibly even fearful. Introduce yourself to them. Invite them on to your porch. Invite them into your home and break bread together. You will most likely find you have more in common than you do not. Add if you are not careful, you may find a new lifelong friend. 

Step out of your comfort zone one neighbor at a time!

#love #friendship #racism #bias #peace #caring