I wish I could say as your mom that I’ve done an adequate job in helping the cause. While I’ve walked in marches, written letters, donated money, loved on others, the truth is, I’ve also added to the overall problem at times with my own ignorance and apathy. Worst of all, I’ve often inadvertently championed the hurt by simply not championing change. My lack of involvement and fear of speaking up and out over the years leaves me filled with shame and regret. I can do better. We ALL can do better for you and every one of our neighbors in these supposed ‘united’ states. Every human being matters. Each one of us carries the divine image of God—which is love—regardless of the roles we play, the beliefs we hold, how we look, and how we act. Light is light is light. Love is love is love. God help us.
As a collective, we have failed you. We have failed one another. Certainly, we have failed to live up to the calling of one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I can only imagine the stream of tears God weeps over our wayward actions, faulty thinking, selfish motives, and prideful choices. None of us are innocent. For me to even think I’ve risen above the hatred, judgment, and righteousness puts me at a level of perfection that rivals God, and heaven knows I’m not even close to such a pay grade. I’m flawed and imperfect, but I also have every opportunity to grow, transform, and continue to wake up. We all do.
I’m so sorry.
But I’m also so proud of you and your generation. I’m undone by your level of acceptance for anyone “other.” By your ability to see people for who they are, beneath the nauseating amount of labels society continues to stamp upon everyone around them. We are created in the image and likeness of God. The image is universal to all, the likeness looks like 7.5 billion forms of uniqueness. If we’d only embrace such a gift of diversity with the kind of wonder and love that so many of you and your peers seem to do, revelation would come easier.
I’m proud of your courage to speak out, to lead, to demand change. Your passion is infectious. Your willingness to set a table for anyone and everyone moves me to tears. I applaud your ability to listen to both sides without drawing a line in the sand. Dualistic thinking is stinking thinking in your book, and as a result, we all learn the beauty of looking at the ‘whole’ of not only people but situations as well. That’s where compromise is born. That’s where justice breathes air. That’s where love overcomes fear. That’s where forgiveness starts.
I’m so sorry.
I promise to do my part to work for change. I’ve done a decent amount of awakening over the past couple of decades—but I have so much more to learn. You kids are some of my greatest teachers. Thank you.
I love you.
