I’ve spent a lot of time journaling in recent weeks, journaling about how I felt angry about what is happening in our world right now. I’d like to think that it is a natural response for many of us as we watch the news. I am angry at the injustice. I am angry about the careless, thoughtless actions of others. I am angry about politics taking priority over people. I am angry at my own lack of awareness and understanding. I am angry that I don’t know how and when to use my voice.
My first reaction is to ask myself, what do I do with that anger? How do I act? How do I use my voice?
When in reality my first reaction should have been, I’m sorry? I am listening? I hear you? I want to learn?
Processing current events I am drawn to write, then as I listen to the voices of black people I come back to my writing and I delete. The words feel selfish. So I process some more words and as I read I come back and I delete some more. The words feel uneducated.
Yes, we need to speak up for injustice. Yes, we need to stand with our black brothers and sisters. Yes, we need to shine a light. But more importantly, instead of charging ahead to speak, to action, we need to be pausing to listen. We need to be open to learning. We need to be asking forgiveness and saying “I’m sorry”.
As we seek to find our voices it seems fitting to share the words Emily P Freeman spoke on her Next Right Thing Podcast on Racism.
“May we hold our own responsibilities with the same care, reverence, and humility we ask for from our leaders.
Emily P Freeman
May we use our voices to speak up and stand with even if we stand out.
May we not underestimate the power of an honest dialogue and a loosely-held agenda.
May we not be afraid to examine our own hearts in the presence of God.
May we see his image as it shines through the lives of our black brothers and sisters.
May we know when to speak up and when to stay silent. When we are silent, may it be because we’re learning and listening and not because we’re afraid.
May it be so in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
As we take stands, as we shine lights, as we seek to channel our anger over the injustice we see, may we always make it a priority to listen. Listen to the voices of black people willing to teach us and help us do better.
Some great places to start listening:
https://www.instagram.com/oshetamoore/
https://www.instagram.com/latashamorrison/
https://youtu.be/h8jUA7JBkF4 – uncomfortable conversations with a black man
