-Together, We Stand-

I am not sure that there will be ever be the correct words, expressions, feelings, or actions for me to express how I am feeling about all of what is happening in the world. I understand, that I will never fully understand all the pain the black community is feeling. I will not feel the same struggles. I will not face the same adversity. I will not know the grief and the fear. So how do I do my part? How do I make it better? How do I participate? How do I lend a helping hand? How do I use my voice? I know I am not the only person in this tribe who is unsure of where to go and what to do.  But I truly think that it is time for us to try. Is it too much to ask that we take a step back? That we take this time to hold each other up? That we learn what this is about and more importantly the why? Wouldn't you want the same thing? For someone to listen. To lean on. To fight for you. To believe in you. To be a human to you. Because at the end of the day, that is what this is. This is about humans being humans. Raw and real. Not perfect, but worthy. Not the same, but equal. Not separate, but united. The time is now, to learn, help, heal, and come together in a way we have never before. The way it was intended to be all along. To be people using their hearts to feel, their ears to listen, and their whole being striving to change this world to be better and do better. It’s time people. It is time to drive out hate. And there is only one way to do that…love.

Quotes are quotes for a reason. They are powerful words that have been spoken throughout history that teach lessons and bring people together. I cannot think of a better quote to share during this time than this one from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This world is a dark place right now. Full of unanswered questions, hopelessness, violence, sickness, and pain. There is so much we can hold onto in his words. “Darkness cannot drive our darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” In order to drive out hate, we have to learn, research, listen, and accept how it got there in the first place. We need to educate ourselves on years and years worth of feelings. We need to dive deep. We need to put it on ourselves to research and read. We need to get uncomfortable in conversations. We do this by being at the table to simply listen.  We do not compare or say we understand, but rather we acknowledge and accept. That’s the first step. And not even listening, it’s time for us to really hear and feel the words. 

Life is a flow of love and your participation is not only requested but crucial. Now it is time for us to love one another. It is time to treat everyone equally, with love being our guide. Love is universal. Love is healing. Love is peace. Love is the answer. While love is not always easy, and not the only solution, it is a start. It is the most human thing we can do. And if we start approaching each other with love, hate has no chance. And maybe, if we continue to put love into the world and be patient, one day, we will see equality. We will see human beings treating other human beings with love. 

So today, what can you do? What can you read? What can you post? Where can you donate? What can you say? How can YOU change? These are big questions with heavy answers that take time to figure out. Know that this will not be easy or comfortable at all times. If you are looking for resources or a good place to start, please click on the link below. I encourage you to take some time and figure out how you will participate in the fight of unifying this country. To close, I go back to MLK for guidance. “I have decided to stick to love... Hate is too great a burden to bear.” What about you? 

Together we listen. Together we stand. Together we change. 
Caroline

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