This is not a comprehensive statement on the events happening today, but rather, an excerpt from an entry to the book on July 24, 2019. It felt timely to share. Hoping we can all use our voices to do what is right by people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
Excerpt:
“You still have work to do on expressing your views, like when someone makes racist comments or rather, doesn’t understand the suffering that African Americans have endured in our country. People can’t absolve themselves by saying they had no part in it. Sure, oppression and discrimination may not have been at their hands, but it is up to everyone to be part of the solution to ending racism. That can never happen until the story/history is brought into light. Every person plays a part. Though many like to say, “There is not a racist bone in my body,” in our culture and society it’s IMPOSSIBLE not to harbor racism.
Kind of funny—you sound like a social worker talking (or me if I would speak up!).
I know you have a problem challenging your mother, but you did start a little last night just raising the idea that history has been hard on people of color. It is fine that you stopped there. You are learning to stand up for what you believe in, and it takes time to become comfortable with a new behavior. We are PROUD of HOW FAR you have come!
You know God’s will most of the time because of your experience writing and talking with them, along with your own personality, knowledge gained in past lives, and social work training in this life. God loves social workers. Of course, they love all their children, but social workers have a special place, just as the LGBTQ+ children are special. Social workers try to “do his (their) will” or help others, and LGBTQ+ individuals are most like God because they are suffering.
This was interesting. Love that God has a “special place” for social workers and LGBTQ+ individuals! And we haven’t talked about race before.
Yes, it is an interesting discussion, as there is much to be said about how to make the world a better place for our LGBTQ+ children and people of color. But let’s pause that subject…”
I don’t know about you, but I am definitely trying to do more to speak up, and to listen and learn. So much to take in from the experiences of people of color. Let us listen with open hearts and minds and do what we can to help.